Who we serve

Founders, usually before the sale.

Most of our clients started something, own a meaningful piece of it, and can see a liquidity event coming, or just went through one. They’re usually the first in their family to have this particular problem.

Hands marking up printed sketches and plans on a wooden desk.

Where our clients usually are

Four moments we’re built for.

One to three years out

The founder who can see it coming

Inbound interest from buyers, or a raise that would let you take some money off the table. Nothing is signed. This is when planning is cheapest and does the most good.

  • Checking whether your shares qualify for QSBS
  • Gifting and trusts while the valuation is still low
  • A clear number for “enough”

LOI signed

The founder in the middle of a deal

Diligence is underway and every decision has a deadline. You need someone reading the terms from your side, in after-tax dollars, who isn’t paid when the deal closes.

  • Comparing cash, stock and earnout in real terms
  • Rollover equity and escrow, explained plainly
  • A plan for the proceeds before they arrive

In the last eighteen months

The founder who just sold

The wire came in. You have more money than you’ve ever had, and more people calling than ever. What you mostly need is time, and someone to keep the urgent-sounding things from becoming mistakes.

  • Estimated taxes and a cash reserve
  • Investing slowly, on a written schedule
  • Working out what the money is for

Equity, not the CEO title

The cofounder or early employee

A meaningful stake, options to exercise, and a tender offer or lockup on the calendar. Often more complicated than the founder’s situation, and more often ignored.

  • When to exercise, and what it costs in taxes
  • Whether to sell in a tender, and how much
  • Diversifying after the lockup ends

What they build

Mostly Southern California companies.

San Diego builds a particular mix of companies, and our client list looks a lot like it. We don’t specialize in an industry. We specialize in the moment the company becomes money.

  • Software
  • Biotech & life sciences
  • Medical devices
  • Craft beer & beverage
  • Consumer brands
  • Defense & aerospace suppliers
  • Healthcare practices
  • Restaurant groups
  • Family manufacturing

Honestly

Are we right for you?

We’re probably a good fit if

  • Most of your net worth is tied up in a company you started or joined early
  • A sale, raise, tender or IPO is likely in the next few years, or just happened
  • You want to understand the plan, not just be told it’s handled
  • You’d like one person to call, who calls back

We’re probably not the right firm if

  • You want someone to pick stocks or trade actively
  • You’re looking for the lowest possible fee
  • You’d prefer a large firm with offices in every city
  • You mainly need tax preparation or insurance

If that’s you, say so on the intro call. We keep a short list of people we’d send our own families to.

Sound like where you are?

Thirty minutes with a partner. Tell us what’s coming up, and we’ll tell you whether we can help.

Book an intro call