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 $750+ 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.
About
Hi, I'm Luke Versweyveld.Since earning my JD from the University of Virginia School of Law, a top-5 US law school, I have founded two companies, sold one, and served as both inside and outside counsel to early stage startups. I have supported both venture-backed and bootstrapped startups, 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.
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
Contact for Pricing
Unlimited questions & calls
Unlimited substantive projects
Growth
$1,500/mo
Unlimited questions
Up to 3 substantive projects per month
Standby
$300/mo +
Unlimited questions
Pay hourly rate ($250) for drafts, reviews, + other substantive 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
Just need an hour?
Not ready to engage a lawyer in a formal capacity? Let's hop on a call to talk through your legal questions.
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.