Legally Ready: The Founder’s Guide to U.S. VC Funding with Handouts
About This Course
Why This Course?
Most startups fail to secure VC funding because of legal blind spots – messy cap tables, unprotected IP, or visa hurdles. This course gives you:
✅ A lawyer’s blueprint to structure, pitch, and U.S. VC mindsets
✅ Real-world templates (Cap table guide and checklist, Delaware C-Corp structure, Startup visa guide)
✅ Immigration hacks for founders needing U.S. access (E-2, L-1, O-1 visas)
✅ Behind-the-scenes tactics from attorneys who’ve helped global startups raise funding
In Module 1 we are cracking the VC code – How Investors REALLY Think
Problem: You’re pitching blindfolded if you don’t know how VCs operate.
Solution: We’ll dissect the power dynamics inside VC firms—who makes decisions, how they’re incentivized, and why knowing this can lead to a deal for you.
✅ Finally understand: Why VCs care more about your legal structure than your idea.
✅ Avoid: Wasting months pitching junior associates who can’t write checks.
Module 2 explains the U.S. funding ladder – from pre-seed to IPO (and where you fit)
Problem: Most founders don’t realize they’re pitching the wrong stage investor.
Solution: Learn the exact milestones needed for each funding round (Seed vs. Series A vs. Growth), so you never hear “Come back when you have traction.”
✅ Get: A cheat sheet of who invests at each stage.
✅ Skip: The classic mistake of asking for $5M when you’re only ready for $500K.
In Module 3 we get into the investor’s mindset – what they’re REALLY looking For
Problem: Investors ghost you after the first meeting.
Solution: We’ll reveal the criteria VCs secretly use before investing.
✅ Master: The “legal readiness checklist” every Silicon Valley startup uses.
✅ Dodge: Instant-rejection red flags (like unassigned IP or messy cap tables).
We bulletproof your business in Module 4 with the VC-approved legal setup
Problem: Your startup’s legal structure is scaring off investors.
Solution: Step-by-step guide to forming a Delaware C-Corp (the only structure top VCs fund) and structuring equity so founders don’t get diluted into oblivion.
✅ Includes: The exact incorporation steps used by Y Combinator startups.
✅ Avoid: The equity split disaster that has killed many startups.
International founders pay attention to Module 5 where we reveal the visa hack – how to fundraise in the U.S. (even if you’re not American)
Problem: You need to meet investors face-to-face but keep getting denied visas.
Solution: Which visa to use (E-2 for bootstrappers, L-1 for scaling, O-1 for rockstar founders).
✅ Get: The most popular visas for startups.
Module 6 focuses on the pitch that closes – how to answer “killer questions” without lying
Problem: Investors ambush you with questions like “Explain your founders equity splits?” and you freeze.
Solution: Scripts for deadly investor Qs + how to prove you’re legally ready (even if you’re based overseas).
✅ Never: Get caught off-guard by due diligence again.
Lock Down Your IP in Module 7 – (so no one can steal your idea)
Problem: Your life’s work could be copied because you didn’t file the right paperwork.
Solution: Which IP to protect (trademarks, patents, copyrights)
✅ Get: Understand what to file before demo day).
Why This Works:
- No theory – Only battle-tested tactics from attorneys who’ve helped startups raise capital.
- No jargon – We translate “legalese” into founder-friendly steps.
- No fluff – Every module gets to the point.
- Dual expertise – Business law + immigration (most courses ignore visas)
Perfect For:
- Founders tired of hearing “Love your idea, but your legal docs are a mess.”
- Immigrant entrepreneurs who need visas to access U.S. investors.
- Teams preparing for due diligence (avoid last-minute legal panic).
Special Offer for Incubators/VCs:
Partner with us to offer custom cohorts for your portfolio startups. Includes:
- Accelerator workshops
- Live “Office Hours” with our attorneys
- Revenue share on legal service referrals
Learning Objectives
Target Audience
- ✔ Pre-seed to Series A founders (especially outside the U.S.)
- ✔ Startup teams preparing for investor due diligence
- ✔ Immigrant entrepreneurs needing visas to fundraise stateside
Curriculum
Course Content
Legally Ready Course1:04:33
Consultation00:00:46
Your Instructors
Crystal Ikanih-Musa
Attorney
Crystal is a distinguished immigration and business lawyer, dedicated to providing expert legal counsel and representation to clients in all 50 states and globally. With a passion for justice and a commitment to excellence, Crystal brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every case and is admitted to the State Bar of Georgia.
As an immigration lawyer, Crystal specializes in navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law. She assists individuals, families, and businesses with a wide range of immigration matters, including family-based immigration, employment-based visas, asylum, deportation defense, and citizenship applications. Crystal is known for their compassionate approach and personalized attention to each client's unique circumstances.In addition to her immigration practice, she is also well-versed in business law and provides strategic legal guidance to entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses. She offers comprehensive services in areas such as business formation, contract negotiation, intellectual property protection, and regulatory compliance.