Potential source: a qualified US startup securities lawyer plus a strategic-finance practitioner; Burkland's published services illustrate financial modelling coverage, but no individual interviewee is confirmed. Burkland: Strategic Finance for Startups
Q7. What should be in a “runway reality check” before a pivot or executive hire?
Why buyers care: A good option can still be too expensive to test. Good answer covers: cash reconciliation, receivables probability, committed liabilities, hiring lead time, minimum safe cash, downside cases, financing dependencies and sources of uncertainty. Expert quote: [Pending interview].
Q8. What is the difference between reviewing a fundraising decision and acting as a placement agent?
Why buyers care: The contracting boundary may create serious regulatory risk. Good answer covers: what activities are involved, investor solicitation, negotiations, success-linked compensation, state-specific requirements, written scope exclusions, and referral to registered professionals. The SEC is explicit that finding investors and transaction compensation can indicate broker activity. Broker-Dealers — US SEC Expert quote: [Pending interview].
Q9. When does a higher SAFE valuation cap fail to make an offer better?
Why buyers care: Founders often compare one headline number. Good answer covers: stacked SAFE dilution, rights, prior instruments, side letters, option pool, governance and legal context; not legal conclusions without facts. YC describes post-money SAFE mechanics. The SAFE — Y Combinator Expert quote: [Pending interview].