Counsel · Morse
Venture capital, M&A, and corporate counsel for founders, growth-stage companies, and investors across the full company lifecycle from first financing to exit.
Get in touchDan advises startup founders, growth-stage companies, and investors on the full range of corporate and transactional matters, from entity formation through venture financings, strategic transactions, and exits. He represents clients in VC financings at every stage, M&A deals, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
Drawing on experience at international law firms and as in-house counsel, Dan understands the pressures founders and executives face when raising capital, negotiating terms, and scaling operations. He helps clients navigate those moments efficiently while protecting long-term value.
Dan has particular experience with technology, life sciences, AgTech, and FoodTech companies, including SaaS and technology-enabled businesses. He also counsels boards and management teams on governance, cap table structuring, and transaction readiness.
Seed through late-stage financings, preferred stock, convertible notes, SAFEs, term sheet negotiation, and investor side letters.
Stock and asset purchases, founder-led company acquisitions, acquihires, and sell-side and buy-side representation.
Board matters, cap table structuring, transaction readiness, and counsel to boards and management teams on governance best practices.
Entity formation, founder equity, early-stage structuring, and ongoing corporate counsel for companies from inception through growth.
Negotiation of operating agreements, commercial arrangements, and strategic partnerships involving both institutional and strategic investors.
Commercial agreements, licensing arrangements, and contract negotiation supporting business operations and strategic transactions.
Represented a technology-enabled services company in a Series A venture capital financing, including a founder secondary transaction, cap table analysis, and term sheet negotiation.
Advised emerging companies and investors across Seed, Series A, and Series B financings involving preferred stock, convertible notes, and SAFE instruments.
Represented buyers and sellers in M&A transactions, including stock purchases, asset purchases, and acquisitions of founder-led companies.
Counseled boards and management teams on corporate governance and transaction readiness in advance of financings and exits.
Advised clients on joint ventures and strategic partnerships, including negotiation of operating agreements and commercial arrangements.
Dan has practiced at leading international law firms and served as in-house counsel at both a Fortune 100 food company and a growth-stage technology company through its exit. This breadth of experience across BigLaw, corporate legal departments, and high-growth startups informs a practice style that is practical, efficient, and calibrated to business realities.
Writing on the legal and business issues that matter most to founders, investors, and growth-stage companies across California, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, and Arkansas. Recent pieces are published through Morse. Standalone posts will appear here.
California's Venture Capital Diversity Reporting Law: Imminent Deadlines, Open Questions, and What to Do Now
Side Letters in Venture Capital Financings: What Founders Need to Know
Basics of an Acquihire
Food Contract Manufacturing Agreements: Six Things to Know
Five Steps to Preparing for Your Venture Capital Financing
Three Things to Consider in a Corporate Venture Capital Investment