Formation Secrets of Successful Founders
What should founders get right before things get complicated?
Don't wait until your seed round to fix early mistakes. Join top operators and legal advisors for an unfiltered, practical deep dive into the legal, tax, and strategic playbook every founder needs before scaling.
What we’ll cover:
Cap Tables & Equity: How to split ownership without creating long-term headaches
Entity & Tax Optimization: Structuring early to save millions down the line
Fundraising Preparedness: What VCs actually look for in legal and financial diligence
Fatal Early Landmines: The most common mistakes founders make—and how to dodge them
Featured Speakers:
Sunil Abraham — Founder & CEO, AnchorZero (Ex-Two Sigma, Forbes 30 Under 30)
Previously, he was a quantitative trader at Two Sigma Investments, a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Waterloo,
Jeremy Raphael — Co-Founding Partner, Optimal Counsel (Advising global tech & CPG startups)
A 20-lawyer firm representing emerging technology and consumer packaged goods companies worldwide. He works with early-stage and growing companies starting as early as the pre-formation stage, advising clients on financings, company management, and governance matters all the way through to exit.
Larry Wang — Head of Institutional Solutions, Anchorage Digital (Ex-Goldman Sachs, SVB)
Before Anchorage, he supported startups across the innovation economy at Silicon Valley Bank and worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs. He is Co-President of the Haas Blockchain Club, leading programming across crypto, fintech, AI, and the future of finance.
This will be an informal and interactive conversation designed for Berkeley founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and students interested in building companies.
📅 Tuesday, October 13
📍 UC Berkeley
🕓 4:00 PM
Come meet fellow founders, learn from experienced startup professionals, and bring your questions.
🍕 Food, snacks, and beverages will be provided
Sponsored by: AnchorZero and Anchorage Digital
Hosted by: Haas Blockchain Club, Haas Fintech Club, and Entrepreneurship Club
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