WHO WE WORK WITH
Founders & Emerging Companies
Formation, fundraising, governance, commercial agreements, growth.
Investors & Funds
Angel investments, venture financings, SPVs, fund formation, portfolio matters.
Technology Businesses
AI, SaaS, software licensing, data privacy, strategic transactions.
OUR STORY
Meet the Founder
Ran Bi
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Partner | Duncan Bergman Mandell
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J.D. from Yeshiva University, Benjamin Cardozo School of Law
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LLM in Law & Entrepreneurship from Duke University School of Law
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Certified Information Privacy Professional - United States & Europe (CIPP/US, CIPP/E)
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Committee Member | Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Committee, New York City Bar Association (NYCBA)
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Committee Member | Technology, Cyber and Privacy Law Committee, NYCBA
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Licensed in NY
Counsel for Founders, Investors & Technology Companies
At Forward-Thinking Legal, we specialize in startup and technology law, providing strategic legal solutions for founders, investors, and high-growth companies. With deep expertise in venture financing, AI regulation, SaaS, and emerging technologies, we help businesses scale legally while staying ahead of regulatory challenges.
We’ve worked with early-stage startups, high-growth tech companies, and venture investors, guiding them from formation to funding, scaling, and exit. Whether you're launching a software platform, securing venture capital, or navigating regulatory complexities, our practical, business-focused legal counsel ensures your success.
📍 Headquartered in New York | 🌍 Serving Clients Nationwide
WHY WORK WITH US
Technology-Focused Legal Expertise
Deep understanding of AI, SaaS, data privacy, emerging technologies, and the legal challenges facing technology-driven businesses.
Startup & Venture Capital Focus
Experience advising startups, investors, and high-growth companies on formation, fundraising, governance, and growth-stage matters.
Practical & Business-Oriented Solutions
Legal guidance tailored to business objectives, transaction realities, and long-term growth.
Responsive, Partner-Level Service
Direct access, practical communication, and efficient execution throughout the life of your business or transaction.
Startup & Venture Capital Law
We help founders and investors navigate the complexities of launching, funding, and scaling a company:
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Entity Formation & Structuring – Delaware C-Corps, LLCs, and alternative structures
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Fundraising & Venture Financing – SAFEs, Convertible Notes, Preferred Stock
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Investor & Founder Agreements – NVCA Model Docs, Shareholder Agreements, Investor Rights Agreements
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Securities Compliance – SEC & CFTC guidance for traditional and digital assets
Technology & SaaS Businesses
Scaling a technology business requires robust legal structures to support growth and innovation:
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Software Licensing & SaaS Agreements – Tailored contracts for cloud-based platforms
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IP Protection & Commercialization – Patent strategy, trade secret protection, and licensing
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Data Privacy & Compliance – GDPR, CCPA, and evolving U.S. privacy laws
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AI Governance & Risk Management – Compliance with emerging AI regulations and ethical considerations
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Crypto Mining – read more
Corporate Growth & Strategic Transactions
As your business scales, we provide legal support for complex transactions and corporate governance:
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Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) – Structuring and negotiating acquisitions and exits
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Joint Ventures & Strategic Partnerships – Drafting agreements to align business objectives
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Equity Compensation & Employment Agreements
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Regulatory & Compliance Strategy – Navigating industry-specific compliance challenges
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Fractional General Counsel – read more
Data Privacy, Security & Compliance
With increasing regulatory scrutiny, we help tech companies ensure compliance and mitigate risks:
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Privacy Policies & Terms of Use – Customized for SaaS, AI, and consumer-facing platforms
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Data Processing Agreements (DPA) – Ensuring lawful data sharing and protection
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Cybersecurity & Risk Mitigation
EXPERIENCE ACROSS THE VENTURE ECOSYSTEM
Our work regularly involves matters such as:
Startup & Corporate Formation
✓ Delaware C-Corp Formation Docs – Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, Founder Agreements
✓ LLC Operating Agreements – Tailored for single or multi-member startups & investor-backed ventures
✓ Shareholder & Founder Agreements – Structuring clear governance and investor rights
Fundraising & Investment Documents
✓ SAFE Notes & Convertible Notes – Founder-friendly fundraising tools
✓ Preferred Stock Agreements – Series Seed & Series A financing
✓ NVCA Standard Venture Capital Documents – Investor rights & stock purchase agreements
✓ Token & Digital Asset Agreements – Legal frameworks for digital asset-based fundraising
Tech & Commercial Agreements
✓ SaaS Agreements – Terms for software-based platforms and cloud solutions
✓ Software & IP Licensing Agreements – Protecting proprietary technology
✓ Professional Services & Consulting Agreements – Clear scopes & liability protections
✓ AI & Data Usage Agreements – Structuring compliant data-driven solutions
Privacy, Security & Compliance
✓ Privacy Policies & Terms of Use – GDPR, CCPA, and U.S. privacy law compliance
✓ Data Processing Agreements (DPA) – Ensuring lawful data transactions
✓ Cybersecurity Compliance Documents
Employment & Equity Compensation
✓ Equity Compensation Plans – Stock Options, Vesting Schedule adoptions
✓ Founder, Employee & Consultant Agreements – Tailored for startups & scaling teams
✓ IP Assignment & NDA Agreements – Protecting proprietary technology & innovations
FOUNDERS. INVESTORS. TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES
Supporting clients from formation through financing, growth, and strategic transactions.