The Gorges Sessions: Legal Foundations for Founders
Gorges Ventures Fund 27 would like you to 'Ask a Corporate Lawyer a Question on Us!'
Meet Our Featured Guest: Richard Chen, Founder of Brightstar Law Group
Have you ever wondered what kind of entity you should form for your startup? Whether you need to file with the SEC or a state regulator? What's actually in that operating agreement you're about to sign? And then looked at attorney hourly rates and quietly closed the browser tab?
We've been there. And for our inaugural event on June 24, 2026, Gorges Ventures Fund 27 is giving you a rare chance to get those questions answered for free.
Richard Chen is the founder of Brightstar Law Group and an accomplished corporate and securities attorney. A Harvard College and Harvard Law School graduate, Richard spent the better part of three decades at some of the world's top multinational law firms before launching Brightstar, now widely regarded as one of the preeminent RIA law firms serving the investment advisory community. His expertise spans complex entity formation, securities law, regulatory compliance, M&A transactions, and everything in between. Beyond his legal practice, Richard is also an entrepreneur who has built and operated multiple businesses and understands firsthand the challenges founders face.
This is an extraordinary and genuinely unique opportunity. Submit your questions in advance and get expert legal guidance from someone who typically charges accordingly.
Example Questions:
Should I form an LLC or a corporation for my startup?
What's the difference between an S-corp and a C-corp, and which is right for me?
Do I actually need an operating agreement, and what should be in it?
How do I protect myself if a co-founder wants to leave?
What is vesting, and should my equity have it?
When does my fund need to register with the SEC?
What's a "reasonable" non-compete clause, and can I get out of one?
How do I structure profit-sharing with my team without giving away ownership?
What legal documents do I need before I take on my first investor?
What is Form ADV and do I need to file one?
Can I start an investment club without triggering securities regulations?
What's the difference between a venture fund and an angel syndicate, legally speaking?
How do I protect my business idea before I pitch it to investors?
What should I look for (and watch out for) in a term sheet?
When do I need a shareholder agreement vs. just an operating agreement?
What happens legally if my business partner and I disagree on a major decision?
How do I bring on an advisor and give them equity without it becoming a mess?
What are the legal risks of using independent contractors instead of employees?
If I want to raise a fund someday, where do I even start from a regulatory standpoint?
What does fiduciary duty" actually mean and when does it apply to me?
Not a Public Solicitation
This event is not intended to be a general solicitation or advertisement of any security, and it should not be treated as such. The information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase any securities in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be unlawful.
Gorges Ventures Fund 27 is led by Cornell students and alumni and is not officially sponsored or endorsed by Cornell University.