Deciding on the right legal structure is critical for any business. This session will guide you through the options—LLC, 501(c)(3), corporation, and more. Understand the implications for liability, taxes, and fundraising so you can make an informed decision tailored to your venture’s goals.

Building a business? Ever wish you could speak to and learn directly from subject matter experts (while never leaving your couch)? Join host Andy Lee from the University of Minnesota's Technology Commercialization office each Wednesday for this exciting and casual AMA ('ask me anything') style series on business building fundamentals. Check out all of the talks here: https://www.crowdcast.io/@techcomm

This event series is brought to you with support from Launch Minnesota, a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation.

Chuck serves as an Executive in Residence with Tech Comm's Discovery Launchpad. He has over 35 years of experience in technology assessments, intellectual property, licensing, mergers, acquisitions, partnering, and R&D. His work has ranged from providing intellectual property (IP) legal services for jet engines and computer tapes to managing internal and external R&D projects, and negotiating acquisitions, spin-outs and licenses for data storage and medical devices.

Chuck holds a JD from Northwestern University and a BA in Physics from Carleton College.

Damien is a technology lawyer who has advised clients on tech, litigated tech issues, remediated cybersecurity issues, and developed software. His legal experience is diverse (e.g., counseling, complex business litigation, financial litigation, intellectual property, and appeals), working with a variety of clients (e.g., large businesses, small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals). 

Damien has also designed and developed software, implementing cutting-edge technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing) to improve the practice of law. He frequently speaks and writes on topics that discuss societal and legal changes through technology: Internet law, computer and technology law, copyright, and trademark law, cybersecurity, and data privacy. 

Nicole is the Executive Director of Legal Corps, an innovative Minnesota nonprofit organization that provides pro-bono services, making access to the legal system more inclusive by providing free assistance in transactional matters to low-income entrepreneurs, small business owners, inventors and small low-revenue nonprofit organizations. Legal Corps provides business owners with legal representation, guidance, advice, education and more. 

Business Formation: Choosing the Right Structure