This workshop is conceived as a comprehensive guide through the complex legal terrain that startups must navigate. Designed by Airut Legal Consultants, it is hosted by Dtec, situated within the innovative ecosystem of Dubai Silicon Oasis. The session aims to explain the legal pathways and pitfalls in startup development, from initial funding to scaling operations.

Objective: To equip participants with an in-depth understanding of essential legal concepts and strategies critical for the foundation, funding, and expansion of startups. This includes dissecting the intricacies of startup fundraising, intellectual property rights, employment laws, and equity arrangements, among other pivotal topics.

Target Audience: The workshop is intended for entrepreneurs and founders of startups across various stages, from those contemplating their first funding round to more established entities poised for growth. It offers valuable insights for anyone involved in the strategic and operational decision-making of a startup.

Key Topics:

• The differentiation between venture capital and strategic investors, and the significance of this distinction in fundraising efforts.
• Intellectual Property (IP) considerations, emphasizing the protection and leverage of IP assets for competitive advantage.
• Employment law essentials, including the decision-making process between hiring employees versus engaging freelancers, and the legal implications of each.
• An exploration of funding strategies, contrasting bootstrapping with external capital raising efforts, and the legal frameworks surrounding each approach.
• An introduction to financial instruments used in startup financing, such as Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs), convertible notes, share purchase agreements, and subscriptions agreements.
• The significance of different classes of shares within a startup.