SSM is a women-owned boutique law firm with attorneys in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Seattle. We represent micro-venture capital funds, technology companies, and industry-adjacent service providers who are forming and scaling their companies, fundraising/deploying venture capital, selling to, merging with and/or acquiring other businesses. Additionally, we assist our clients in managing relationships with their former companies, employees, partners, investors, service providers, or customers. We are a completely virtual law firm and rely on innovative legal technology to provide a high-touch service.
Upcoming events
October 8, 2024 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm PST - EmpowerHer: Navigating Legal Pathways and Entrepreneurial Success in National Women's Small Business Month for the Junior League of San Francisco
In honor of National Women's Small Business Month, Lindsey S. Mignano will present for the Junior League of San Francisco during October's Professional Women's Monthly Meetup. From LLCs to C Corporations, Lindsey will discuss the key considerations for entrepreneurs, including financing, taxation and QSBS concerns, liability, and corporate formalities.
October 9, 2024 - 12:00 - 1:30 pm PST - The State of Venture Capital: What Startups Need to Know for a Successful Raise for San Francisco Tech Week
Venture capital firms are more selective and demanding when it comes to financing these days, especially with regard to first financings by early stage startups. Join us for an informative panel where we’ll be discussing questions and topics such as:
When does it make sense to start approaching venture capital firms for investment?
What does it take for a startup to raise its first priced round these days?
What are early, growth, and late stage VCs investing in today?
What kind of business and financial metrics should a founder have in place before approaching venture firms for a priced round raise, whether Series Seed or Series A/B/C?
What do venture capitalists predict about the venture market for the remainder of 2024?
October 15, 2024 - 12:00- 1:00 pm PST - How to Raise Seed a Round for Los Angeles Tech Week
Since 2021, startups have struggled to procure venture capital while doing more with less. Venture firms have invested larger amounts but only in well-positioned companies. As more and more startups return to the market in 2024, what do they need to do and show in order to successfully raise their next round? Hear from our experienced panelists about the current venture ecosystem, what they are looking to invest in today, and how startups can best position themselves for a successful raise. Moderator and Speakers include:
October 17, 2024 - 5:00 - 8:00 pm PST - Bar Association of San Francisco Barristers Diversity Conference 2024
Please join the Barristers Club of Directors in honoring SSM's Co- Founder Lindsey Mignano and Miguel Gradilla from San Francisco City Attorney's Office at the 16th Annual Barristers Club Diversity Reception. The Outstanding Diversity Advocate award reflects an individual's efforts to increase awareness of diversity issues in the Bay Area legal community.
October 24, 2024 - 1:35 - 2:40 pm PST - Venture Capital 2024: Fund Formation, Fundraising, and Investing from Women in VC
In H2 2024, emerging managers of venture capital (“VC”) firms and startups alike have had a hard time raising capital. VCs are competing against the market and others for LP dollars, and startups are finding them to be even more selective and demanding when it comes to deployment of capital. Join us for an informative panel where we’ll ask female lawyers in fund formation and EC/VC as well as female VCs topics such as:
How do VCs form their funds and managing entities?
What are the average metrics such as minimum level of investments by LPS who are individuals versus entities, management fees, carry, and IRR, that we are seeing today across a variety of funds?
What metrics do VCs use to determine which startups to invest in?
How do VCs structure startup investment, whether through note or priced rounds?
What are the predictions for the venture market in 2025?
October 30, 2024 - 5:00 - 7:45 pm PST - What VCs Want: How to Raise Capital in 2024 for BridgeBank
Venture capital firms are more selective and demanding when it comes to financing these days, especially with regard to first financings by early stage startups. Join us for an informative panel where we’ll be discussing questions and topics such as:
When does it make sense to start approaching venture capital firms for investment?
What does it take for a startup to raise its first priced round these days?
What are early stage VCs investing in today?
What kind of business and financial metrics should a founder have in place before approaching venture firms for a priced round raise, whether Series Seed or Series A/B?
What do venturecapitalists predict about the venture market for the remainder of 2024?
How to extend your financial runway after a venture raise? Why do companies raise venture debt after a venture round?
November 12, 2024 - 12:00 - 1:30 pm PST - AI Adoption and Regulation: Equipping Lawyers to Guide Their Clients for the Santa Clara County Bar Association
Join us for a practical guide focused on division clients about the responsible and lawful use of deployment of artificial intelligence in business. This panel featuring in-house counsel from leading AI companies, will equip general practitioners with the knowledge to properly advise clients as they implement AI into their business, and to navigate the fast- evolving legal landscape surrounding AI implementation. We'll explore recent regulatory developments, potential legal risks, ethical considerations and best practices for integrating AI systems into various business activities. Key topics to be discussed include:
Overview of AI technologies and their business applications;
Recent and upcoming AI regulations: federal, state, and industry specific;
Practical considerations for AI implementation, including intellectual property, data privacy, and ethical concerns; and.
Hypothetical case studies and best practices for advising clients on AI adoption and compliance with audience participation.
February 24, 2025 - 3:30 - 5:00 pm PST - Flipping for Financing: Corporate Reorganizations for Venture in the United States for Nordic Innovation House
How do foreign companies establish their US operations? For many who seek to expand their product and service offerings, it can be as simple as setting up a wholly-owned subsidiary. For others, on the eve of an American venture financing event, the process can be much more complex. Join us to learn from Lindsey S. Mignano, cofounder of SSM Legal, about how to set up a subsidiary or flip your company for venture finance opportunities in the United States. She will be joined by a panel of venture capitalists who invest in foreign-founded companies to discuss the current state of the venture market for early-stage startups.
This event is co-organized by Annika Ahonala of Sand Hill Marketing and SSM Legal, with a focus on helping Nordic businesses succeed in the US market.