Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing, and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.

Episode Description: Alice Millerchip (Fordham Law '24) and Zachary Schwartz (Fordham Law '24) interview Cannabis Attorney Michael McGuire about cannabis law, the emerging cannabis industry, and considerations for new and existing businesses operating in New York's evolving cannabis market.

• [:34]Fordham Law students Alice Millerchip and Zachary Schwartz introduce themselves and guest Michael McGuire.

• [3:32] An overview of cannabis history, law, and the current cannabis industry in New York.

• [9:55] Licensing options and consideration for entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry.

• [18:08] Municipality limitations and variations for cannabis dispensaries.

• [23:06] Details regarding separation of parties of interest (TPI) to minimize monopolies in the industry.

• [32:03] Major federal regulation and tax considerations that entrepreneurs need to be aware of at start up.

• [46:02] Long term considerations including post-prohibition pricing and licensing.

• [50:27] Key developments in the cannabis industry and final words of advice.

• "This is a great progressive [cannabis] bill in its intent and was really designed well to remedy some of the wrongs that occurred during the war on drugs." - Michael McGuire

• "It's been a very bumpy ride for entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry." - Michael McGuire

• "Very few of these rules have actually been challenged in court, so we don't know what's going to happen yet." - Michael McGuire

• "If you're an entrepreneur and your cannabis business goes bankrupt, the bankruptcy court can't protect your assets from the creditor." - Michael McGuire

• "You can't get away with anything. Your actions stay with you in a way that they didn't when cannabis was prohibited." - Michael McGuire

• "As you make your retail plan, you need to be realistic about the long-term price of cannabis." - Michael McGuire

• "A lot of people go into the cannabis industry thinking that it's a way to get rich quick. It's not." - Michael McGuire

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic

• Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

• Nasdaq Educational Foundation

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council

Disclaimer:

The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the "Podcast") is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing, and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.

Episode Description: Amanda Rudolf (Fordham Law '24) and Kristopher Vahle (Fordham Law '24) interview Jeff Neuburger, Partner, Proskauer Rose LLP about considerations entrepreneurs and startups should keep in mind at the intersection of technology and law, as well as best practices to address common issues in this area.

• [:34]Fordham Law students Amanda Rudolf and Kristopher Vahle introduce themselves and guest Jeff Neuburger.

• [2:12] The rapid evolution of considerations at the intersection of technology and law over recent years.

• [3:40] Key areas of concern that startups need to be aware of when compared to larger businesses.

• [7:46] The importance of sound IP strategies and an awareness of potential issues associated with unprotected IP.

• [10:07] Key elements of a sound IP strategy including brand strategies and rights.

• [14:07] Early steps to help protect against IP ownership disputes.

• [18:50] Recommendations for startup founders to establish IP strategies in order to better attract investors.

• [20:30] The importance of understanding and monitoring data collection practices.

• [22:09] Common data collection mistakes that entrepreneurs need to avoid.

• [25:33] Additional steps startups can take to protect against cybersecurity issues.

• [27:35] Legal issues to consider when interacting with social media platforms.

• [31:32] Open source software requirements and limitations.

• [35:27] Options for staying up-to-date on technological advances that may impact business.

• "The pace of change in the last few years has really been something that I haven't seen before. It's almost a daily development." - Jeff Neuburger

• "It's an exciting time to be practicing in this area, and a challenge for entrepreneurs." - Jeff Neuburger

• "It's very important for startups to get agreements with their founders, their employees, their freelancers, anyone that's working on developing IP"..." - Jeff Neuburger

• "Privacy and security are two of the biggest issues at the intersection of technology and law right now." - Jeff Neuburger

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic

• Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

• Nasdaq Educational Foundation

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council

Disclaimer:

The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the "Podcast") is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing, and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.

Episode Description:

Michael Regan (Fordham Law '24) and Jennifer Greenberg (Fordham Law '24) interview Daren Orzechowski, Partner, Global Co-Head of Technology, Allen & Overy LLP about artificial intelligence and transactional practice. They cover the impact of the growth of AI on legal practice for entrepreneurs, key AI considerations for entrepreneurs and the changing role of lawyers as AI technology continues to improve.

• [:34] Third year Fordham Law students Michael Regan and Jennifer Greenberg introduce themselves and their guest Daren Orzechowski.

• [1:25] The application of artificial intelligence as it applies to the legal and entrepreneurial space.

• [2:32] The impact of AI technology on both transactional practice and business owners.

• [3:55] The impact of the growth of AI on legal practice for entrepreneurs.

• [5:06] Law firm pain points that AI has the potential to help resolve.

• [6:22] Considerations for entrepreneurs who want to use AI instead of consulting a law firm.

• [8:38] Key points for helping clients understand the integration of technology into legal work.

• [10:50] Daren's preferred AI platforms in the office.

• [12:20] Challenges that accompany AI solutions, including ethical biases.

• [14:18] Possibilities in the future of startup companies as AI continues to develop.

• [15:20] The role of lawyers in critical decision making as AI improves.

• [17:13] Tactics for effectively implementing AI technology in legal work.

• [19:21] Daren's recommendations for new lawyers as they transition into the office.

• [22:44] Who holds the keys for the responsibility of AI?

• "Artificial intelligence is very much in the public discussion right now. There's a lot of confusion about what it is and what it isn't." - Daren Orzechowski

• "AI presents a lot of different possibilities where people can be developing solutions either out of existing platforms or out of new offerings that can help law firms of all sizes." - Daren Orzechowski

• "Technology can't be used for all things, it has to be used for certain things and we have to use it in a responsible way." - Daren Orzechowski

• "Lawyers are going to continue to play a tremendous role in this process [as AI improves]." - Daren Orzechowski

• "This is not the end of lawyers. AI is not a replacement." - Daren Orzechowski

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic

• Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

• Nasdaq Educational Foundation

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council

Disclaimer:

The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the "Podcast") is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing, and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.

Episode Description:

Lauren Hutwelker (Fordham Law '23) and Arman Borazjani (Fordham Law '23) interview Darren Bartlette, Associate, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP about exit strategies for entrepreneurs. They cover what the options for exit strategies are, timelines for their effective implementation, and the common pitfalls that entrepreneurs need to avoid.

• [:34] Third year Fordham Law students Lauren Hutwelker and Arman Borazjani introduce themselves and their guest Darren Bartlette and offer an overview of today's episode.

• [1:52] As a startup lawyer, Darren helps entrepreneurs at every stage from formation and financing to exit.

• [2:26] Defining exit strategy options for entrepreneurs and the various reasons founders may be looking at exiting.

• [4:22] Legal and business considerations for owners when selecting an exit strategy.

• [5:29] The role that lawyers can play in executing an exit plan.

• [7:28] Steps to avoiding common legal pitfalls facing entrepreneurs when exiting a business.

• [10:07] M & A deals have the potential of being delayed if the IP assignment agreement isn't properly formalized.

• [11:32] The importance of completing the due diligence process in its entirety.

• [12:54] Timelines for formulating exit opportunities and when to include them in founder agreements.

• [15:48] Common exit strategies during an economic downturn.

• [17:25] Advice for founders facing an involuntary exit and common trends during the recession.

• [19:07] The ideal timing of a voluntary exit depends on a variety of factors.

• [20:36] Considerations for founders who are interested in early exiting.

• [23:08] Darren's book recommendations for entrepreneurs.

• "Exits don't always mean that a company is doing well." - Darren Bartlette

• "Founders should consider how much involvement they want to have in the future of the company." - Darren Bartlette

• "It's very important for companies and entrepreneurs to stay organized for any exit event." - Darren Bartlette

• "A $5,000 mistake today could turn into a $15 or $20,000 mistake tomorrow." - Darren Bartlette

• "Founders should be thinking about exit opportunities early on." - Darren Bartlette

• Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld and Jason Mendleson

• Shortcut Your Startup: Speed Up Success with Unconventional Advice From the Trenches by Coutney and Carter Reum

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic

• Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

• Nasdaq Educational Foundation

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council

Disclaimer:

The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the "Podcast") is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing, and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.

Episode Description:

Third year Fordham Law students Abby Kucharczyk ('23) and Chelsea Lim ('23) welcome lawyer Alina Kipnis for a discussion about the impact of emerging technologies on the law and lawyering, specifically how recent technologies such as ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence have raised novel legal questions and how these questions have impacted lawyers, startups and entrepreneurs. They also discuss how the use of technology can streamline legal work for attorneys, but also has the potential of raising legal and ethical issues.

• [:46] Abby Kucharczyk introduces herself and Chelsea Lim, who offers an overview of today's episode.

• [1:56] Definitions of what ChatGPT is and what it is capable of, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and IP (intellectual property).

• [2:35] Introducing guest and lawyer Alina Kipnis, who explains how technology has impacted lawyers advising startups.

• [4:48] General novel issues facing startup attorneys in niche startups.

• [7:37] Recent news developments regarding technology tools and ways lawyers have been leveraging these tools to their benefit.

• [11:18] Noteworthy drawbacks of relying too heavily on technology, especially regarding social security and cybersecurity risks.

• [13:47] Ethical considerations and limitations that lawyers need to be mindful of when using technology such as ChatGPT.

• [19:03] The impact of legal technological advances on startup growth and formation and Alina's startup tool recommendations.

• [21:28] The current and future role of lawyers amidst advancing technologies.

• [22:21] Common setbacks and opportunities facing startups when utilizing technological tools.

• [26:30] A look to the future of technology law and possibilities within the industry.

• "Technology is impacting our everyday life, whether in the personal or professional sphere, so it's a very interesting time to become entrenched and immersed in the space." - Alina Kipnis

• "Most of the technology being used today is new and still evolving. That means that regulators have yet to catch up to effective rule making and policy making to protect the public." - Alina Kipnis

• "It's an exciting time, but there are also many unknowns." - Alina Kipnis

• "Technology has many benefits, but it does come with its own issues and risks." - Alina Kipnis

• "ChatGPT and other technological tools should only be used as a starting point resource instead of the resource when it comes to legal work." - Alina Kipnis

• "Technology cannot eliminate the technological skills that lawyers bring to the table." - Alina Kipnis

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic

• Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

• Nasdaq Educational Foundation

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council

Disclaimer:

The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the "Podcast") is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.

Episode Description:

Jacob Shiffer (Fordham Law '23) is joined by David Connolly, Chief Legal Officer at Playfly Sports for a look at the Multimedia Rights and NIL considerations for sports startups. Together they discuss the legal considerations for entrepreneurs in the sports and media industry, including a history of Playfly Sports, initial legal issues for entrepreneurial companies in media, the advantages and disadvantages of a legal background and entrepreneurship, as well as NIL considerations.

• [:30] Third-year Fordham law student Jacob Shiffer introduces David Connolly (Fordham Law '02).

• [1:31] An overview of the mergers and acquisitions practice.

• [3:05] Lessons David learned from his time with an M&A team.

• [6:18] Forming the idea behind Playfly Sports.

• [10:15] Legal considerations that are commonly overlooked by entrepreneurs.

• [12:47] Considerations for entrepreneurs who need help raising capital.

• [14:09] Advantages and disadvantages of David's legal background.

• [17:16] Changes resulting from NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rule developments.

• [21:36] The impact of NIL on startups and entrepreneurs.

• [24:31] NIL issues entrepreneurs tend to overlook.

• [27:16] The potential impact of entrepreneurs and startups in this industry.

• [28:30] Fordham advice from a successful alumnus.

• "People who were too concerned about risks may not be successful in the entrepreneurial side of the business." - David Connolly

• "The advice I would give entrepreneurs is to think about how you want your business to grow and who the partners are who are going to facilitate that growth." - David Connolly

• "If you're bringing in an investor who can provide capital, you need to make sure you've got the right partner so they can help guide your growing business." - David Connolly

• "Know the boundaries of where your expertise ends and when to bring in people who really are experts." - David Connolly

• "NIL is all very new and people are trying to figure it out along the way." - David Connolly

• "Entrepreneurs need to know, and embrace the fact, that they're going to make mistakes and then learn from those mistakes." - David Connolly

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic

• Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

• Nasdaq Educational Foundation

• Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council

Disclaimer:

The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the "Podcast") is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing, and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.

Episode Description:

Kimberly Fishman (Fordham Law '23) and Sydney Glazer (Fordham Law '23) welcome Theresa Mohan, Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School for a discussion about the role of in-house counsel in the startup context. Together they examine the recommended timeline for securing in-house counsel, the benefits of utilizing external versus in-house counsel, and what entrepreneurs need to know when employing legal services at various stages of their start-up.

Episode Roadmap: [:30] Third-year Fordham law students Sydney Glazer and Kimberly Fishman introduce Professor Theresa Mohan. [2:28] When should an entrepreneur hire in-house counsel? [4:41] Employing external counsel as needed in early company stages. [6:23] The recommended path for growing in-house counsel. [8:13] Determining appropriate compensation for in-house counsel. [11:50] Being king versus being rich- how successful founders make their decisions. [14:55] Potential legal issues that lawyers of start-ups will face. [17:15] The expansive and changing role of early-stage legal counsel. [20:00] The standard inflection point of requiring greater legal counsel- going public. [24:21] Raising capital advice can be provided by an outside law firm. [26:45] Lessons learned from 20+ years of advising growing internal legal departments. [29:02] Critical skills to look for when hiring in-house counsel. [31:15] When to utilize outside versus in-house counsel. [32:47] Advice for the entrepreneurial leader.

Tweetables: "Hiring a lawyer too soon could inhibit a new company's perspective or growth." - Theresa Mohan "The legal department takes its shape and its growth trajectory based on the business itself and the needs of that business." - Theresa Mohan "The most successful entrepreneurs understand that they are going to get more growth by sharing the potential upside." - Theresa Mohan "The needs of a company as it grows and expands are going to be keyed off of what that company is doing." - Theresa Mohan "Raising capital is something that an outside law firm can provide very good service on." - Theresa Mohan "There has to be alignment between the lawyer and the founder and leader of the company." - Theresa Mohan

Mentioned in This Episode:

Additional Resources: Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

Sponsors: Nasdaq Educational Foundation Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council

Disclaimer: The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the "Podcast") is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing, and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.

Episode Description:

Sharon Yang (Fordham Law '23) is joined by Wenting Yu, Partner at O'Melveny & Myers LLP for a discussion about cryptocurrency, diversity, and law. Together they examine the details, deals, and legal underpinnings surrounding cryptocurrency; highlight the role that cryptocurrency plays in enhancing diversity; and discuss the steps that entrepreneurs and law students can take to get involved in the crypto space.

Episode Roadmap: [:40] Sharon Yang introduces herself and guest Wenting Yu, and defines key cryptocurrency terms. [5:00] An overview of various crypto deals and the importance of accurate legal advice. [9:40] Insights into mining, data centers, and green costs. [13:54] Cross-border crypto work and the typical transaction. [16:05] Diversity advancements and advantages in the crypto industry. [19:58] Wenting highlights the rewards and challenges of working in the crypto space. [23:37] Key legal issues that crypto-startup entrepreneurs need to know. [25:10] A look at the future of crypto in the wake of FTX. [29:00] Wenting's advice for students who are interested in pursuing a crypto transactional practice. [31:58] Steps for getting connected and entering into the crypto space.

Tweetables: "Legal advisors are working to make sure they're conducting the business within the framework of the current legal market." - Wenting Yu "A lot of these companies are using renewable energy to first help their incentives."- Wenting Yu "The crypto world is somewhat permissionless and decentralized, and it definitely lowers the barriers to disadvantaged groups." - Wenting Yu "A lot of minorities and marginalized groups are turning to crypto as a tool and developing ways to use it." - Wenting Yu "I don't think the direction is wrong. It's just how we get from where we are to the future and our vision there." - Wenting Yu "Get connected with people who are already in this space, and get involved however you can." - Wenting Yu

Mentioned in This Episode: O'Melveny & Myers LLP

Additional Resources: Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

Sponsors: Nasdaq Educational Foundation Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council

Disclaimer: The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the "Podcast") is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Alexa De Leon (Fordham Law '23) and Jordan Phelan (Fordham Law '23) interview Helene R. Banks, Partner at Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, and co-chair of Cahill's Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Advisory practice groups, about ESG — what it means, ESG considerations over the lifecycle of a business, and how entrepreneurs should approach disclosures regarding ESG. They also discuss greenwashing and green claims.

● [:40] Alexa De Leon introduces herself, Jordan Phelan and today's guest Helene R. Banks.

● [2:30] An overview of the three major components of ESG practices and how they work together.

● [4:22] Main concerns regarding ESG for early stage entrepreneurs and startup companies.

● [7:06] The impact of ESG on investor interest and an overview of the current value of impact investing.

● [10:23] Diversity, transparency, and other critical features of ESG investing.

● [12:58] NASDAQ disclosure requirements and the ESG requests of a reasonable investor.

● [15:14] The role that strong ESG practices play in a company's exit strategy.

● [19:44] Key considerations for environmental, social, and governance practices in the early stages of a company.

● [21:06] Greenwashing claims and how they can negatively affect a company.

● [25:36] Helene's advice for crafting organized efforts around ESG.

● [28:45] A look at the future impact and role of ESG.

● "If you're just starting out and you have a clear sense of your mission and purpose, it's a lot easier than having to figure it out later." - Helene R. Banks

● "ESG is really a key value point for investors." - Helene R. Banks

● "ESG is not a short-term value proposition. It's a significant long-term plan." - Helene R. Banks

● "When you are raising money in the private market, you have to discuss with your investment community what you're doing. And part of what you're doing is regarding your ESG initiatives." -Helene R. Banks

● "There is a significant advantage to having your ESG bona fides in place before you try to exit." -Helene R. Banks

● "You have to be clear on the difference between what you actually have done and what you are aspiring to do." - Helene R. Banks

● "At some point, we won't be talking about ESG because it will just be what companies do." - Helene R. Banks

● Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP

● Helene R. Banks

● Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic

● Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

● Nasdaq Educational Foundation

● Fordham's Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council

Disclaimer:

The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the "Podcast") is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Helene Bank's comments in this Podcast are for general information purposes only and not intended to advertise her Firm's services, solicit clients or represent the Firm's legal advice.

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.

Episode Description: Julian Constain (Fordham Law '20) interviews Ana Demel, Vice-chair and Secretary of the Board of Directors of Pro Mujer, Inc. about the origins of this social enterprise, its history and current mission, and the legal matters that can arise out of such a unique corporate structure.

• [:30] Julian Constain introduces himself and Ana Demel, who shares the origin and mission of Pro Mujer as well as a snapshot of the successful organization, which helps poor women in Latin America.
• [7:03] An overview of the three-pronged empowerment mission of the company, including financial services, health, and training.
• [10:30] The complexities and strategic points of operating in six different countries throughout North and South America, and what it means to be a social enterprise.
• [14:25] The benefits of claiming 501(c)(3) federal tax exempt status and the ways in which profits of for-profit subsidiaries can be invested into the mission of a tax exempt organization.
• [21:37] Responding to regulatory changes and planning for the future with corporate restructuring, in order to maximize the organization's mission.
• [23:13] Legal challenges that companies might face when meeting corporate governance regulations in the international finance and health sectors.
• [28:07] Examples of balancing Pro Mujer's company vision while also complying with corporate governance.
• [34:25] The process of introducing Pro Mujer's services into new countries and the challenge of moving capital from country to country.
• [40:16] A look at what's next as Pro Mujer works to fulfill its mantra of empowering women in Latin America.

• "I realized that every improvement in how the organization was run meant an improvement in the way it could serve these women in Latin America." — Ana Demel

• "Microfinance involves lending micro amounts, primarily to women, to help them in their businesses….You help them help themselves." — Ana Demel

• "Three years ago we took a really hard look at what we were doing as an organization, and we came up with a strategic plan that envisions Pro Mujer as a platform for many different services." — Ana Demel

• "We want to impact more women in a more impactful way, and it's not just a matter of growing the number of our financial services clients. It's knowing that we're growing what we're doing for all these clients." — Ana Demel

• "The key to being tax-exempt is that all the work we do is for the purpose of furthering our charitable mission, which is to help women in Latin America." — Ana Demel

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The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the "Podcast") is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.