In this live session from a recent SDAC Knowledge & Network Event hosted at Mintz Law’s office, investor Neal Bloom and corporate attorney Sebastian Lucier pull back the curtain on what due diligence really means for early-stage startup investing.

Whether you’re a founder preparing to fundraise or an aspiring angel investor doing your first deal, this session is packed with sharp insights and war stories - from spotting red flags on cap tables to identifying green flags that signal breakout potential.

Moderated by Cathy Pucher, this conversation offers a rare dual lens: from the investor side and the legal side.

Key Topics Covered:

* Why due diligence is different for early-stage companies

* How to structure founder equity and employment terms the right way

* Why investor scorecards work best as conversation tools, not decision tools

* When to walk away - even after doing the work

* How investors stay involved after the check clears

Connect on LinkedIn:

* Sebastian Lucier – Mintz

* Cathy Pucher – SDSU ZIP Launchpad

* Neal Bloom – Rising Tide Partners

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