Helpful Resources

Four Takeaways about Tik Tok Influencers and Unions Business Insider and Alykhan Sunderji discussed recent efforts by Tiktok influencers to form a union.  You can read the article here by Tanya Chen. Alykhan also spoke with Samson Amore about this topic in DotLa magazine.  You can read that article here. Alykhan helped build the Influencer Marketing program at Amazon and regularly advises startups and other companies on their influencer engagements.  You can read more about…

Simple Agreements for Future Equity – a Primer Alykhan Sunderji discusses Simple Agreements for Future Equity (“SAFEs”) with the Chicago Daily Herald in a recent finance article.  Alykhan Sunderji gave his insights on the utility of SAFE notes, including the benefits early stage investors can gain from holding a SAFE note.  Sunder Legal and its attorneys have broad experience working with startups to raise this kind of financing. Learn more about SAFE notes by reading…

American Banker Magazine – NFTs and the Future of Banking On September 15, 2022, American Banker Magazine and Alykhan Sunderji discussed the future of NFTs in light of changing economic conditions. You can dive deeper into this exciting topic by reading the entire article here. Key Takeaways NFTs are more than collectibles. Consumers are familiar with NFTs because they have made an impact in the collectibles market.  However, the same features that make NFTs useful…

Forming a US startup as a Canadian or non-US Person We work with a number of Canadian clients who want to form a US entity for their startup.  US VC and Angel investors favor investing in Delaware corporations when they invest in US startups, and it is no different with Canadian startups. Can a Canadian or Foreign Person form a Delaware C-Corp Absolutely yes. Most non-US persons can own a US company.  The most challenging…

Puget Sound Business Journal and Alykhan Sunderji discuss Seattle Startup Scene On July 12, 2022, Alykhan Sunderji sat down with the Puget Sound Business Journal to discuss the strengths he sees in the regional startup market. You can read the article here. Main Takeaways Be a Shark In the downturns, the sharks survive. Former In-House Counsel have a Unique Offering While there are many good law firms in Seattle, former in-house counsel understand that even…

Alykhan Sunderji discusses Buy Now Pay Later with Finance Magnates In a recent edition of Finance Magnates, Alykhan Sunderji gave his insights on the Buy Now Pay Later space, specifically whether Apple’s entry would hurt existing market participants.  Alykhan previously led the legal team for Amazon Pay, and Sunder Legal supports a number of startups in the consumer spending space. A compelling experience, but competitors (and regulators) still have a chance In his comments, Alykhan…

Starting a business in Washington State The right structure for your business depends on a number of factors that you may need to discuss with your attorney and tax advisor.  Below, we’ve provided information on the four main ways to operate a business: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability (LLC), and Corporation (Corp). As a rule of thumb (and again – you should obtain legal advice for your own circumstance): Startups that plan to raise equity…

Non-compete agreements between employers and employees are prohibited in Washington except under certain earning thresholds.  These thresholds are established in RCW 49.62.020 (for employees) and RCW 49.62.030 (for independent contractors). Employees – must earn more than $100,000 Contractors – must earn more than $250,000 However, unlike in other jurisdictions that have prohibited non-compete agreements more broadly (California), Washington law permits non-compete agreements when related to purchasing or divesting an ownership interest.  RCW 49.62 clarifies: A…

On January 9, 2022, Alykhan Sunderji presented to Advancement Coaching on the various legal issues one should consider when starting a business.  It was co-presented with Youyri Akopyan CPA.  Advancement Coaching is the premiere school for professional coaching in the United States.  Alykhan addressed the following topics in the context of the professional coaching industry, which you can review in more depth in the attached pdf. Forming a legal entity to limit liability Considerations when…

In its fall publication, McGill University discussed Alykhan Sunderji’s path to the practice of law, including his time at McGill. You can read the full story here.