​Starting a company is exciting — but it’s also easy to miss key details that can have lasting consequences.

​From formation to funding, the early choices founders make can shape (or strain) the future of their startups.

​Join attorney Christopher Poe with Wyrick Robbins for a fast-paced, founder-focused session unpacking the top 10 mistakes startups make — and how to avoid them before they snowball.

​This interactive session will dig into critical topics like:

• ​Choice of entity and state of formation

• ​IP ownership and protection

• ​Founder agreements and vesting

• ​Employment laws and equity compensation

• ​Managing cash and capital

• ​And more!

​​Who is this event for?

​This session is for early-stage founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and startup operators who want to better understand the foundational decisions that make (or break) young companies. Whether you’re forming your first venture or raising your next round, this conversation will help you spot red flags early and build on solid ground.

​​Why should you attend?

​Because “figure it out later” is not a strategy. The Not Top 10 offers an honest look at the real mistakes founders make — from the avoidable to the expensive — and how to course-correct before they cause lasting damage.

​You’ll walk away with:

• ​A clearer understanding of the legal and operational decisions that matter most in the early stages

• ​Practical insights you can apply immediately to avoid costly missteps as your company grows

• ​The Wyrick Robbins Startup Health Check, a simple readiness guide to assess your company’s stability

​Plus — you'll make new connections with peers and fellow founders in the Raleigh-Durham Startup Week community!

​SCHEDULE

• ​4pm-5pm: Workshop Presentation in the Classroom

• ​5pm-5:30pm: Networking Mixer in the Cafe

​PARTNERS

​A huge thank you to our friends at the Wyrick Robbins Emerging Companies & Venture Capital group for delivering this valuable session for founders!

​​This event is powered by Raleigh-Durham Startup Week as part of RDSW's year-round series of events that serve entrepreneurs in the Triangle.

​FAQs

​​📍 Location and parking

​​The event will be at Raleigh Founded North Street — 509 W North Street, Raleigh.

​​There's limited parking outside Raleigh Founded or on the adjacent streets. Or, we recommend parking in the Smoky Hollow parking deck at 500 N West Street (about a five-minute walk away).

​​🙋‍♀️ Questions?

​​Email us at [email protected] — we'll help you out!