Sessions · Advisor session
Funding without the VC train: SAFEs, angels & syndicates, venture debt, grants, mission-aligned capital
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 · 12–1 PM PDT
This session has ended.
About this session
Funding without the VC train: SAFEs, angels, venture debt and non-dilutive capital
Not every company should raise a traditional venture round, and not every founder wants to. Whether you're still weighing that decision, structuring a raise that doesn't follow the standard path, or looking at capital that isn't venture at all, this session is about what the real options are and how they work in practice.
We're glad to be joined by Daniel Neuman, startup and corporate attorney at Carney Badley Spellman in Seattle, who works with founders on exactly these structures.
What we'll cover
- Whether to pursue VC at all, versus building toward cash-flow positive with a lean team
- SAFE conversion mechanics for founders not planning a priced round, including time-based triggers rather than a future financing event
- How to find a lead investor for an angel round, and whether a syndicate is the right vehicle
- Evaluating mission-aligned capital and non-dilutive sources like grants, versus traditional VC
Come with your own situation. It's a small roundtable, so this is a conversation rather than a presentation, and questions are welcome throughout.
Hosting this session
Daniel Neuman
Shareholder, Attorney, Carney Law
Danny Neuman is a corporate and securities attorney who works closely with startups, emerging companies, and venture capital funds. He advises clients on a range of business and legal issues that often arise during the different stages of a company’s lifecycle. This includes helping founders and entrepreneurs with choosing the right business entity, navigating securities law and regulatory compliance, establishing strong corporate governance structures, and developing strategies to protect intellectual property. Danny also guides clients through mergers and acquisitions and serves as outside counsel on day-to-day legal and operational matters.Negotiating early-stage financings is one of Danny’s core strengths. He brings deep experience in guiding companies through capital raises from angels, venture capital funds, and strategic investors. With a strong understanding of commercial and intellectual property law, Danny frequently drafts and negotiates complex agreements, particularly those involving data privacy and technology licensing.
Founders, startup teams, investors and executives often turn to hm for direct, hands-on legal support. His clients span a range of industries, from software, e-commerce and virtual and augmented reality to life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate and hospitality. Known for his practical, business-oriented approach, Danny helps innovative companies manage risk, scale effectively and adapt to rapid change.
Before joining Carney, Danny worked at a boutique corporate and securities law firm in Tucson, Arizona, served in-house at a large aviation company, and completed a general counsel internship with a major defense contractor. A native of Seattle, he brings a strong regional perspective to his practice and remains deeply connected to the Pacific Northwest’s entrepreneurial and investment communities.
Next step
Have a question behind the session?
Share what you’re working through. If your company qualifies, we’ll reply personally within 24 hours.
For companies that have raised at least $1M from venture firms.