Lawyer and startup enthusiast at heart, Manuel delivers top-notch legal expertise with a strong sense of practical business judgment. Being mindful of the unique needs and challenges startups, emerging growth companies, and venture capital funds regularly face, his practice is predicated upon the following core values.
CORE VALUES
Cutting-Edge Legal Expertise. Manuel is committed to providing world-class legal counsel tailored to the specific needs of disruptive startups/emerging growth companies. Specifically, innovative entrepreneurs eager to disrupt industries routinely operate way ahead of a sufficiently developed body of law. Exceptional analytical skills, deep understanding of the law, and strong business acumen are distinctive attributes that enable Manuel to craft legal solutions empowering those entrepreneurs to execute on their ideas.
Technology Focused. Committed to a tech-savvy 21st-century law practice, Manuel passionately advocates for the adoption of technology in the legal industry. The implementation of technology in the legal context does not only emulate his clients’ disruptive nature, but also fosters efficiencies resulting in reduced legal fees. Simultaneously, it promotes an eco-friendly work culture.
Responsiveness. Startups/emerging growth companies and venture capital funds operate in a fast-paced habitat. Projects, strategies and business concepts habitually change expeditiously, requiring speedy legal answers while maintaining superior legal counsel. Manuel prides himself of being able to keep pace with this demand to serve his clients’ best interests.
Long-Term Relationships. Manuel is persuaded that long-term attorney-client relationships constitute a critical component of the success of startups/emerging growth companies.
PRACTICE
Manuel advises disruptive startups and emerging growth companies throughout all stages of their corporate lifecycle, from formation and capital raises to exit events. His practice also heavily involves fund formation work with an added focus on private equity and venture capital funds.
More specifically, Manuel has counseled, negotiated and closed multiple venture capital financings as well as numerous other high stake equity and debt private placements under Regulation D and Regulation Crowdfunding. Besides, he has structured and advised on various so called “mini IPOs” under Regulation A for fintech companies and REITs. In addition to the company side representation, Manuel has represented real estate, legaltech and cryptocurrency funds.
Lastly, he regularly acts as an outside counsel for high-growth startups and provides strategic and legal guidance on “day-to-day” issues arising as these companies scale and grow.
Manuel is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs, which he demonstrates through his practice and writing pursuits. Further, he is the creator of the “Startups Newsletter,” a weekly newsletter focused on the latest news from the world of startups and the venture capital industry.