Lecture 18: Legal and Accounting Basics for Startups
by Kirsty Nathoo, Carolynn Levy · Y Combinator
Stanford CS183B lecture in which Y Combinator's CFO Kirsty Nathoo and general counsel Carolynn Levy cover incorporating as a Delaware C corporation, founder equity and vesting, 83(b) elections, fundraising paperwork, bookkeeping, and cash management. Founders can avoid common early legal and accounting mistakes.
More resources on Small Business Legal Issues
Cooley GO
Cooley LLP's free startup resource hub with legal document generators, guides and articles on company formation, founder equity, co-founder agreements and financing. Readers learn the legal mechanics of structuring partnerships and early deals before engaging counsel.
Nolo.com Small Business Center
Nolo's legal encyclopedia section for small business owners, with plain-English articles on choosing a business structure, forming an LLC, contracts, licenses, taxes, hiring and intellectual property. Readers come away able to recognize common legal obligations and when to consult a lawyer.
nolo.com
Nolo is a legal information site offering plain-language articles, guides, and affordable do-it-yourself legal forms for individuals and small businesses. It covers business law topics such as forming an LLC, contracts, employment, and intellectual property, with templates, checklists, and state-specific guidance.
sba.gov
The U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov) is a government resource offering guidance for starting and growing small businesses, including business-law topics such as contracts, licensing, compliance, financing, and federal contracting.