Save on startup legal fees Cuvée Counsel

Legal & Fractional General Counsel services

Startup law on a startup budget

There's a big gap in the market between the cost of legal services and startup's budgets.It is imperative that startups build upon a strong legal foundation. However, most startups can't afford the $600+ hourly rate that most major law firms charge.That's where Cuvée Counsel comes in:I charge $200/hour. No Biglaw rates, no opaque fees.

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Luke Versweyveld Cuvée Counsel

About

Hi, I'm Luke Versweyveld.Since earning my JD from the University of Virginia School of Law, a top-10 US law school, I have founded two companies and served as both inside and outside counsel to early stage startups. I have supported both venture-backed and bootstrapped startups and SMBs, ranging from MVP to growth stage.

My expertise spans:

  • Entity formation

  • Equity issuance

  • Maintaining corporate hygiene

  • General contract & corporate law

  • Raising your first round of financing

  • Mission-controlled startup governance

My mission

What does Cuvée mean?Cuvée is a French wine term, often used to describe a complimentary blend of two or more wine varietals.This is my goal for Cuvée Counsel: Blend my experience as a startup founder and startup lawyer to provide the best support to early-stage companies. I know the unique struggles of starting a business, and I'm here to support you as you build your own– for a fraction of the price.

startup legal fees
Cuvée Counsel equity

4Equity

It's a tale as old as time: You want to create a minimum viable product as quickly and cheaply as possible, but you also want to make sure you start off on the right legal footing.I will occasionally forgo my fee and take compensation in the form of equity, negotiated on a case-by-case basis.I treat this arrangement as an investment in the companies I work for. For this reason, I carefully evaluate each opportunity. If you would like to pitch me, click the button below.

Why might a legal service subscription make sense for you?

  • Predictable Costs - Startups and SMBs need to keep a careful eye on their budget and burn. The last thing you want is a big surprise legal bill. A subscription model takes the guesswork out– you know exactly what your costs will be.

  • You've got questions - The legal hurdles of a startup can be hard to navigate, and questions are sure to come up. Don't hold back on asking the important questions because you're afraid of the billable hour. With a monthly subscription, you don't have to hesitate to ask questions– big or small – it's all included.

Monthly plans

Fractional

$3,500/mo

  • Unlimited questions

  • Unlimited calls

  • Unlimited contract drafts & review

Growth

$1,500/mo

  • Unlimited questions

  • Up to 3 contract drafts and/or reviews per month

Standby

$300/mo +

  • Unlimited questions

  • Pay hourly rate ($200) for drafts, reviews, + other projects

Let's get you funded

If you're ready to raise your first round of financing on a simple agreement for future equity (SAFE) or convertible note, I'm here to help!Don't worry about a mystery legal bill eating up a large chunk of your fundraise. You'll know exactly what you're paying for ahead of time.

  • SAFE - $1,500 + $250/investor

  • Convertible Note - $3,000 + $250/investor

Startup on the right foot with my formation packages

Delaware C Corp $2,500

LLC (IL or DE) $1,500

So you're ready to launch your business but aren't sure what the process looks like? I'll handle all the legal aspects so you can focus on building. My formation package includes:

  • 1 hour strategy call

  • Legal entity structure guidance

  • Preparation & filing of documents

  • Post-formation resolutions

  • Bylaws or Operating Agreement

  • Equity Incentive Plan

  • Equity issuance for up to 3 founders

  • 83(b) election guidance

  • 10% discount on legal services for first 12 months

Contact

If you're interested in working together, please provide your contact information and a brief description of your legal needs below.

Pitch Me

If you would like to be considered for a legal services-for-equity arrangement, please fill out the form below.

Thank you!

Thanks for your interest in working together. I'll be in touch soon.