Startup & Venture Financing · Calgary
Startup & Venture Financing Lawyer in Calgary
Outside capital can fund years of growth, if it’s structured right. The same round that fuels you can quietly cost you control two rounds later, and most of that is decided in terms founders skim past. Obsidian helps Calgary founders raise capital on terms that bring the money in and keep the company yours.
What we handle
Raise on terms that keep the company yours
The work of a financing lives in the terms, the instrument, and the cap table. Here’s where we do it.
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Term sheet review & negotiation
We translate the term sheet into what it actually means for your control, your ownership, and your next round, and negotiate the terms that matter before you sign.
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Priced rounds, SAFEs & convertibles
Each instrument carries different dilution and control consequences. We structure the round, and model the cap table, so you know exactly who owns what after conversion.
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Investor rights & protective provisions
Liquidation preferences, anti-dilution, board seats, and protective provisions, the terms that decide who really controls the company, negotiated to protect your position.
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Debt & venture financing
Credit facilities, venture debt, and revenue-based financing structured to fund growth without giving up equity.
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Equity & incentive plans
Stock options, RSUs, and incentive plans that attract the leaders you need with upside tied to the outcome.
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Cross-border capital
Raising from investors outside Alberta or Canada adds regulatory and tax complexity. We structure it so geography expands your capital pool instead of capping it.
What we cover
The terms we draft and negotiate
The specifics that decide control, dilution, and what your cap table looks like two rounds from now.
- Term sheets translated and negotiated before you sign
- Priced rounds, SAFEs, and convertibles modelled on the cap table
- Liquidation preferences and anti-dilution terms
- Board seats and protective provisions
- Credit facilities, venture debt, and revenue-based financing
- Stock options, RSUs, and incentive plans
Common questions
Raising capital, answered
Do I need a lawyer to raise capital?
For a priced round or anything with investor rights and protective provisions, yes. These terms are binding and compound across future rounds; getting them wrong early is one of the most expensive mistakes a founder can make.
SAFE or priced round, which should I use?
SAFEs are fast and founder-friendly early, but stacking too many, especially uncapped, creates dilution surprises at conversion. A priced round is more work but gives everyone clarity. We’ll advise based on your stage and how much you’re raising.
Can you review an investor’s term sheet?
Yes, that’s exactly the moment to involve us, before you sign, while the terms are still negotiable.
Start here
Bring the capital in without giving away the company
Tell us where the raise is, and we’ll pressure-test the terms while they’re still negotiable.