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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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New Ventures Strategic Partner Spotlight: <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/professionals/rudi-s-turner/">Rudi Turner</a>

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Rudi is counsel in the firm's Labor &amp; Employment group. With experience representing clients in various employment claims before state and federal courts and administrative agencies, Rudi adeptly defends against discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and other employment law violations. She ensures startups are well-protected, allowing them to focus on growth. Rudi provides strategic guidance on intricate employment matters, aligning with the unique needs of growing businesses. She represents employers in mediation, arbitration, and litigation, offering a full spectrum of dispute resolution options. Beyond litigation, Rudi excels in developing, implementing, and auditing employment policies, providing tailored recommendations for risk avoidance. This proactive approach mitigates potential legal issues and fosters a healthy organizational culture. With Rudi's support, your startup can confidently manage employment law challenges, allowing you to concentrate on innovation and achieving success.

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Event: Navigating Employment, IP, and ESG Challenges in Atlanta’s Thriving Startup Scene – February 27

Join us at our first stop in Atlanta as we explore the vibrant and ever-evolving startup ecosystem in the heart of one of the nation’s most dynamic cities. Atlanta has become a powerhouse for innovation, particularly in fintech, health tech, logistics, and sustainability. With strong access to capital, a robust talent pipeline from leading universities, and a commitment to inclusivity, the city continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors alike. Our panelists will spotlight key industry trends and address pressing employment, intellectual property and ESG challenges facing startups, founders and venture capital investors. Register <a href="https://www.pages05.net/thompsonhinellp/Event-Atlanta-StartupsStreamlined-NavigatingAtlantasThrivingStartupEcosystem22725/">here</a>.

Thompson Hine’s New Ventures Practice Recognized by ALM’s Legalweek for Start-Up Success

Thompson Hine's New Ventures practice was recognized by ALM's Legalweek in the “Enabling Start-Up Success” category for its innovative approach to supporting startups. The firm was honored for QuickLaunch, a platform that integrates document assembly software with fully transparent fixed fees, providing startups with the accuracy, efficiency, and certainty they need. This offering allows clients to engage Thompson Hine and form a new venture in as little as a day—significantly faster than the traditional process, which can take weeks. By leveraging technology and streamlined processes, the firm ensures startups can launch and scale with confidence.

Delaware Corporate Annual Reports, Franchise Tax Due Soon

Every domestic or foreign corporation must file an annual report with the Delaware Secretary of State on or before March 1 of each year. The easiest way to file this report is via the <a href="https://corp.delaware.gov/">Delaware Secretary of State website</a>. If it is not filed on or before March 1, the corporation will also owe a penalty of $200 plus 1.5% interest per month on tax and penalty. <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/delaware-corporate-annual-reports-franchise-tax-due-soon/">Read more</a>.

Jonathon Vinocur Appointed to Lead Chicago Office Growth

Thompson Hine LLP has appointed Jonathon H. Vinocur as Office Partner in Charge of its Chicago office, effective January 30, 2025. Vinocur, who also serves as chair of the firm's New Ventures practice and is a partner in the Corporate Transactions &amp; Securities practice, has been instrumental in expanding the New Ventures group over the past five years. In his new role, he will focus on driving growth and strengthening the firm's presence in the Chicago market. Vinocur brings extensive experience advising entrepreneurs, investors, and emerging companies on venture capital, private equity, and M&amp;A transactions. His leadership aims to further integrate Thompson Hine’s innovative legal services with the city's dynamic business ecosystem, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to client service, and strategic expansion in key markets.

The landscape of venture capital (VC) funding is evolving, with intriguing trends in how much cash startups are raising. Two competing theories are at play:

AI Reduces Costs: AI is making company-building cheaper, reducing cash needs.

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AI Increases Competition: AI lowers the barrier to entry, increasing competition and making cash more crucial for scaling.

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Recent data comparing US primary round sizes from 2020 to 2024 shows:

Seed Rounds: These have grown significantly, up 53% in aggregate and 31% when adjusted for inflation.

Other Stages (Series A to E): These have remained flat or shrunk when adjusted for inflation, with late-stage rounds 40%-50% smaller.

Pre-Seed Funding: Funding on SAFEs has ballooned, suggesting a shift in the venture landscape.

Interestingly, while scale rounds align with the theory that AI reduces costs, Seed rounds are expanding, possibly due to the rise of "seed-strap" rounds where companies plan to raise only one venture round. This highlights the dynamic nature of startup funding needs in the AI era. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peterjameswalker_startups-founders-venturecapital-activity-7297691544323534848-jj__/">Read more</a>.

***Data provided by Carta Insights

QuickLaunch: Experienced Guidance for Startups and Investors

Our QuickLaunch program is tailored to entrepreneurs, startups and investors, providing guidance on growth and funding cycles and offering cost-effective counsel on day-to-day legal matters from formation to funding to exits. Our seasoned team helps navigate the confusing waters of growth, funding, expansion and those tricky legal issues that can arise, often at fixed or budgeted pricing by using our firmwide proprietary SmartPaTH™ tool. To learn more about our tailored, value-enhancing solutions, please visit our <a href="https://www.thquicklaunch.com/">site</a>.

New Ventures Update – February 2025

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