MintzTech Connect: All Things Technology — July 2026

By Daniel I. DeWolf, Samuel Asher Effron

Dear Readers,

One of the defining characteristics of the startup ecosystem is its constant evolution. As founders, investors, and other stakeholders navigate changing market conditions, the legal and business frameworks that support emerging companies continue to evolve as well. In this edition of MintzTech Connect, we examine several important issues at the intersection of venture financing, corporate governance, and innovation.

Our first article, “Should Investors Demand Better Liquidation Terms for SAFEs?,” takes a fresh look at one of the most widely used financing instruments in the startup market. While SAFEs have become the standard for many early-stage financings, we explore whether current market terms adequately protect investors when a company is acquired before a SAFE converts into equity and consider how certain common sense changes could create a more balanced outcome for investors.

Our second article, “How to Be an Effective Board Member for a Private Company,” provides a practical guide for directors serving on private company boards. Rachel Gholston and Annie Cho outline the fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and oversight, discuss common conflict-of-interest scenarios, and offer actionable recommendations for directors seeking to provide effective governance and strategic guidance as companies grow.

Finally, in our client spotlight, we feature LEA Technologies, an innovative company helping registered investment advisers eliminate clerical work and deliver clean, structured data into the core systems firms rely on every day.

Be sure to visit our website for emerging companies @ mintzedge.com, and please sign up here to receive email alerts when new articles are posted on MintzEdge.

Be safe + be well, 
Dan + Sam 

Contents

// Should Investors Demand Better Liquidation Terms for SAFEs?

// How to Be an Effective Board Member for a Private Company

// Client Spotlight: LEA Technologies

 

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  • Venture Capital & Emerging Companies

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  • Daniel I. DeWolf
  • Samuel Asher Effron

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  • Venture Capital & Emerging Companies

    • Related Industries

  • Technology

    • Authors

    Daniel I. DeWolf

    Daniel I. DeWolf

    Member / Chair, Technology Practice | Co-chair, Venture Capital & Emerging Companies Practice

    Daniel I. DeWolf is a Member at Mintz and a leading authority on growth companies and venture capital law, having worked on pioneering online capital-raising methods. He is immersed in the national and international ecosystem of emerging companies and investors focused on startups. He has also been a member of NYU Law School’s faculty since 2003, where he teaches venture capital law.
    Samuel Asher Effron

    Samuel Asher Effron

    Member / Co-chair, Venture Capital & Emerging Companies Practice

    Samuel Asher Effron is a Member at Mintz who assists clients with venture capital and private equity transactions, helping startups with legal and business matters. He has clients in a variety of technology sectors, including video gaming, music, virtual and augmented reality, and consumer electronics.