If you’re a founder raising capital, you’ve probably got a pitch deck, a valuation in mind (maybe pulled from thin air—no judgment), and a list of people (friends and family, angel investors or VCs) to target. But what most founders don’t have.

Raising capital through a private offering isn’t just about getting checks in the door—it’s about doing it legally, professionally, and with your eyes open to the risks.

When early-stage startups look to raise capital, two financing instruments often come to the forefront: Convertible Notes and SAFEs (Simple Agreements for Future Equity).

Raising capital is a critical milestone for many startups, private companies, and real estate ventures. Yet navigating the regulatory landscape of securities laws can be complex and costly. Fortunately, Regulation D (“Reg D”) of the Securities Act of 1933 offers an efficient path to raise funds without going through the time-consuming and expensive process of registering securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).