The Venture Blog

Top 3 Mistakes VCs Make with QSBS

As an emerging fund lawyer, I advise my clients to take advantage of qualified small business stock (QSBS). Too often, I see VCs inadvertently take actions that can easily eliminate this tax windfall. What’s worse is they find out too late and then need to write an unexpected yet substantial check to Uncle Sam. My previous article discussed the best kept secret of QSBS. This article will help you avoid the top three mistakes VCs make that disqualify their investments as QSBS.

Aumni joins Fast Company's 2021 World Changing Ideas List

I’m proud to announce today that Aumni was included in Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas as an Honorable Mention. This is a great honor and serves to underscore the phenomenal growth we have experienced. Our submission highlights our approach to unlocking private capital data with a unique combination of artificial intelligence and human expertise.

Becoming "Institutional Ready": Q&A with C. Ndu Ozor, Associate General Counsel, University of Michigan

In a recent webinar we discussed the current market conditions for emerging managers, especially those seeking institutional capital. Our panel included valuable insights from C. Ndu Ozor, Associate General Counsel at the University of Michigan. In the Q&A below he shares helpful tips on becoming “institutional-ready,” why data is critical for operational due diligence, and how new managers can cut through the noise.

Successful Operations for Emerging Funds: Q&A with Samir Kaji, founder and CEO of Allocate

We had the pleasure to reflect on the current state of affairs for emerging managers with experienced institutional investor, Samir Kaji, who hosts the Venture Unlocked podcast and is also the founder and CEO of a soon-to-launch VC startup, Allocate. In the Q&A below, Samir discusses why setting a strong operational foundation is important as firms seek institutional capital, why secondaries are worth another look right now, and the importance of having a data strategy.

The Best Kept Secret of QSBS

Most venture capitalists know of the qualified small business stock (“QSBS”) tax exemption. However, as a venture capital lawyer, I often see fund managers not concern themselves with QSBS until after a portfolio company exits. By then, it may be too late to correct the record. They also often miss out on the best kept secret of QSBS called “trust stacking,” which we’ll cover in this article.

The Most Successful Investor in the World

For years, his life has been shrouded in secrecy and intrigue. His legend has sparked thousands of stories throughout Silicon Valley. When he heard of Aumni and saw what we can do, he not only became a customer, but asked us to share his story to the world. We are honored to do so, and we invite you to learn more. Please meet the Most Successful Investor in the World.