THE START-UP LAWYER  

Andre Gharakhanian is the founding partner at Silicon Legal Strategy, the premier boutique law firm providing targeted, bottom-line-oriented advice to technology start-ups, innovative entrepreneurs, and seasoned investors. Andre has served as the primary legal counsel for emerging companies at varying stages of development—from fledgling endeavors to venture-backed companies with hundreds of employees. He has also helped clients to negotiate and structure countless venture financings, M&A transactions, and strategic partnerships. Prior to starting Silicon Legal, Andre worked for Orrick's Emerging Companies Group in Silicon Valley, Mayer Brown LLP in Chicago, and the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. Andre received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and his undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Michigan. In 2012, Andre was named one of the top 20 lawyers in California under the age of 40 by the Daily Journal.


Managing Angel Investors: It's Like Herding Cats

Here, kitty, kitty. In today's funding environment there's a good chance you'll be seeking angel investment. Here's how to do it right.  Read story

Surviving (Your Company's) Near-Death Experience

When you are up against a wall, you can still make the best of a tough decision. Here are 4 ways to keep your dream--and your business--alive.  Read story

4 Website Blunders to Avoid

Privacy policy missteps have led plenty of start-ups into hot water. Here's how to avoid a legal (and public relations) nightmare.  Read story

My Board Wants a New CEO

You've built your company from the ground up, but now are being pushed out. Step One: Get a lawyer. Then what?  Read story

7 Office Space Traps to Avoid

You just closed a small financing round, hired some new team members and are looking to move into a new office space. Here are seven things to avoid when sig...  Read story

Don't Want to Wait to Cash Out?

I've seen founders get an early share of the upside using this strategy--without putting their companies in danger or angering their investors.  Read story

Avoid the Wrath of Your Old Boss

Before you strike out on your own, keep these three tips in mind to help ensure a smoother transition to entrepreneurship.  Read story

Raising Money? Don't Get Ripped Off

Before you look for venture capital, you'd better have a great venture lawyer, and be prepared to keep her in the loop.  Read story

Keep Your Cool During a Fire Sale

Time to sell? Follow these four principles to a smooth closing, and keep your reputation intact.  Read story

Close a Whale of a Deal

So, you've landed a huge enterprise client. Here's how to close the deal without getting stuck in a legal maelstrom over the contract.  Read story

Protecting Your 'Secret Sauce'

You talk about your company all the time, to investors, to clients. What if someone rips off your great ideas?  Read story

How to Fire Your Co-Founder

It can be the most emotionally draining process a start-up ever goes through. Here's how to keep a cool head, and take the right legal precautions.  Read story

How to Run an "Illegal" Start-up

As tech-sector regulations pile on for start-ups, here's how to keep innovating while weathering the legal storm.  Read story