Episode 10 - Daniel Kahn - Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, LLP

The Exit Strategy Podcast

In episode 10 of the Exit Strategy, we speak with our guest Daniel Kahn who is responsible for Strategy and Business Development in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) for Wilson Sonsini, the premier law firm in the Technology business in the United States, today. We ask Daniel Kahn the questions that European founders may want to consider when expanding their company or selling it in the United States.

1 -When should you go to the United States?
2 -Why should EU companies consider the USA
3 -A guide and steps to being ready to go to the USA:

• Must have a good product in Europe with customers
• Look at your market and see if there is a market for you in the USA.
• You need money before going.
• You need to have people; you don’t send a Junior guy.
• Your CEO must have some time to head to America from time to time but not permanent.
• Make sure you look over your trademark and patents.
• Get your acts together, and your contracts are aligned.

4 - Where is the right place to expand in the USA?

• Life Science should consider Boston
• Marketing or AdTech should consider New York, etc.
• But it’s very on a case-by-case basis.

5 - When should a start-up bring in a lawyer?

• Term Sheets
• Experience with LPs or Investors

6. How should a company prepare if they are in Europe to expand into the USA?

7. Cultural understanding of the deal:

• The exit: Cash, Debt, Equity, etc.
• The investment: Equity, Trenching, etc.
• Management Buyout

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