Have a great idea and plan on starting a business? Thinking about raising venture capital at some point in the future? You should think twice about forming an LLC. Venture capitalists typically require a “C” corporation when investing in a business. Here are a few reasons why:

• Venture Capitalists like preferred stock, they are familiar with preferred stock, and will usually have already perfected terms for preferred stock.

• Venture Capitalists typically don’t care about / don’t want pass through losses from an LLC.

• Venture Capitalists will invest with an exit strategy in mind. That exit will likely either be an IPO, which is generally only available to “C” corporations, or sale of the company, which would preferably occur via a tax-free reorganization. Only corporations can participate in tax free reorganization.

So why not an “S” corporation? First, “S” corporations, under most circumstances, may not have a shareholder that is not a natural person; most Venture Capital funds are organized as limited partnerships. Second, “S” corporations may not have more than one class of stock. As I mentioned above, Venture Capital funds love preferred stock, and they can’t get it from an “S” corporation.

My business law practice can help you set up your business and plan for raising venture capital.

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