New Ventures Strategic Partner Spotlight: Kim Sandell
Kim is senior counsel in the firm’s product liability litigation group. She advises clients across several industries to navigate regulatory compliance affecting their products, services, and operations. With a unique understanding of the needs of new and emerging businesses, Kim helps startups address key growth challenges, including business agreements, manufacturing, domestic and international distribution, supply chain management, intellectual property protection, and risk mitigation. Kim also works with clients on advertising compliance matters, guiding them through regulations on product claims and labeling, consumer protection statutes, and advertising laws. She has particular experience representing clients in the personal care products industry, including manufacturers and distributors of cosmetics and over-the-counter drugs. Additionally, Kim has substantial experience counseling clients on strategic compliance with California’s Proposition 65 and defending clients against Notices of Violation and litigation involving alleged exposures to carcinogens and reproductive toxicants regulated by the state.
CTA Compliance Reminder
As you may be aware, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a component of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, took effect on January 1, 2024. This new requirement impacts millions of companies, particularly small businesses, startups and growth-stage enterprises. Please note that noncompliance could result in substantial civil or criminal penalties if filings are not completed by year-end. As we anticipate a high volume of requests regarding CTA compliance leading up to the deadline, we encourage you to reach out to your Thompson Hine contact as soon as possible to discuss your compliance needs.
Startups Streamlined – Navigating Chicago’s Thriving Startup Ecosystem – October 30
Join us tomorrow, October 30, for Startups Streamlined. Chicago’s startup and venture capital ecosystem is a vibrant, rapidly growing segment of the city's economy, characterized by a diverse array of industries, a supportive network of investors and incubators, and a collaborative culture that fuels innovation and entrepreneurship. Our discussion will spotlight key industry developments and recent issues impacting startups, founders, and venture capital investors. We’ll explore trending topics such as data privacy, intellectual property, and venture debt and also offer insights and guidance relevant to your startup or high-growth business. Our panel, led by Lindsay Karas Stencel, will delve into the entrepreneurial landscape of Chicago, uncovering the opportunities and dynamics driving the thriving startup ecosystem and exploring its potential for growth and innovation. If you are interested in attending, contact Elise Hoffer at Elise.Hoffer@ThompsonHine.com
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinder 2024 Fall Meeting
This past month in Washington, D.C., Jake Denham attended the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinder 2024 Fall Meeting with some of his colleagues from Thompson Hine. The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity is an organization of over 400 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners—the leadership of the profession—who are committed to creating a truly diverse U.S. legal profession through the Leaders at the Front initiative and other efforts. As a 2024 Pathfinder participant, Jake has explored topics around advancing in the profession, achieving work-life balance, and navigating the unique challenges diverse attorneys face. The learning opportunities have been truly unparalleled. Jake’s time as a Pathfinder has not only enriched his professional knowledge but also fostered genuine friendships. The program excels at initiating and growing connections among all participants.
State of Venture in Ohio
Friday, October 18 marked the annual "State of Venture in Ohio®️" presentation at Innovate New Albany. Lindsay Karas Stencel shared insights into Ohio’s venture capital landscape with the largest, most engaged audience yet. The session covered the fundamentals of venture capital, Ohio’s major VC players and their focuses, strengths, and challenges within the Ohio VC ecosystem, and Ohio’s national and Midwest rankings—highlighting areas for growth. The lively Q&A ran over 45 minutes, sparking new connections and a strong commitment to Ohio's progress in venture capital.
Thompson Hine Sponsors Zane Access’ Capital Readiness Cohort Accelerator Program
Thompson Hine’s New Ventures team is proud to support and actively engage with the Zane Access Capital Readiness Accelerator Program. On October 2, members of our New Ventures practice group presented Venture Capital 101: Determining your Legal Structure and How to Choose the Right Startup Lawyer. This interactive session covered VC terminology, how to assess whether an investor adds value or poses risks, and addressed the unique needs and challenges faced by diverse founders.
Zane Access' Capital Readiness Cohort offers a premier capital readiness program designed to equip underrepresented founders with the skills to confidently navigate the world of capital. Our accelerated approach allows founders to gain critical knowledge while also maximizing their time.
State of Private Markets: Q3 2024
Carta's Q3 2024 State of Private Markets report* highlights stable valuations and funding levels across U.S. venture stages. Median pre-money valuations held steady, with Series C showing notable growth, signaling resilience despite slight declines in other areas. Median capital raised across stages remains consistent with Q1 and Q2 trends, and Series E+ funding returned to Q1 averages following a Q2 spike. These findings reflect cautious optimism and steady market conditions. The full analysis will be available once all Q3 data is finalized. Read more here for in-depth insights.
*Data provided by Carta Insights
QuickLaunch: Experienced Guidance for Startups and Investors
Our QuickLaunch program is tailored to entrepreneurs, startups and investors, providing guidance on growth and funding cycles and offering cost-effective counsel on day-to-day legal matters from formation to funding to exits. Our seasoned team helps navigate the confusing waters of growth, funding, expansion and those tricky legal issues that can arise, often at fixed or budgeted pricing by using our firmwide proprietary SmartPaTH™ tool. To learn more about our tailored, value-enhancing solutions, please visit our QuickLaunch site.