Sessions · Advisor session
How to properly structure Equity Compensation for Early Stage Founders ($0-$2M ARR)
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 · 12–1 PM PST
This session has ended.
About this session
Join us for an exclusive, intimate discussion on equity compensation, the critical decisions that shape your startup's culture, cap table, and long-term success. This small-group gathering brings together six founders with experienced legal experts who specialize in startup equity structures.
Whether you're navigating your first hire's equity package, establishing your vesting schedule, or optimizing your option pool, this is your chance to get personalized guidance in a judgment-free environment.
What You'll Get:
Free legal expertise on equity compensation best practices, including:
- Designing equity packages that attract and retain talent
- Understanding vesting schedules, cliffs, and acceleration provisions
- Sizing and structuring your option pool
- Navigating 409A valuations and tax implications
- Avoiding common equity mistakes that founders regret
Real conversation with other founders at your stage, learning from their experiences and challenges
Actionable takeaways you can implement immediately in your startup
Perfect For You if:
- You're early-stage ($0-2M ARR) and haven't fully figured out your equity strategy
- You have specific questions about equity compensation
- You want to learn from experienced legal counsel without breaking the bank
- You prefer candid, direct answers over generic frameworks
Why Small and Intimate?
With just six founders and focused legal experts, everyone gets time to ask their burning questions. This isn't a panel. It's a real Q&A where you'll leave with clarity, not confusion.
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.