What You Need to Know About Investing in Start-up & Early Stage Companies

Winston hosted “What You Need to Know About Investing in Start-up & Early Stage Companies” on October 22, 2015, in Los Angeles. 

Since the JOBS Act (2012), start-ups have raised their profiles dramatically through various website platforms. Investors have taken notice and invested millions. With more transparency and an institutionalized investment process, now may be the time for family offices and other high-net-worth investors to explore investing in start-ups. Although it can be rewarding, investors need to proceed with caution, as start-ups, by their very nature, are risky investments.

This seminar discussed the risks, rewards, and considerations related to investing in start-up and early-stage companies. Attendees heard from speakers who are experienced advisers to or investors in start-ups. They discussed what they like (and do not like) about start-ups, how they evaluate start-ups, and their processes for making investment decisions or working with start-ups. The program also covered the types of legal instruments and terms that are commonly used in start-up investments.

Investment Management Partner Michael Wu moderated the event. Panelists included Mitch Berman, managing partner at Zen Media Entertainment Group; Bruce Stein, managing partner of at Westridge Partners, LLC; Robert Perille, director at Wazee Digital; and Kai Tao, principal at Park One Capital Family Office. Shirley Gee, managing partner at Angel Plus, LLC, also presented at the event.

This program was designed for (1) family offices (particularly the younger generation family office members); (2) high-net-worth individuals looking for information about investing in start-ups; and (3) investment officers or advisers to family offices and high-net-worth individuals.

Contact Winston & Strawn for more information about this event.