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About the Author  | Liam Gill is a former venture-backed founder and lawyer. After earning his Master of Science, studying Venture Capital Investor Psychology, he has spent the last few years helping startups raise millions, including raising pre-product, pre-traction and pre-team. | | | | Aikido, a startup from Ghent, Belgium, is making strides in the developer-focused security platform space with a fresh $17 million Series A funding round. Their platform stands out by being open source and directly aimed at developers, unlike many security tools designed with chief security officers as the intended users. Aikido is designed to minimize false alarms and only alert developers to genuine security issues, setting it apart from competitors like Snyk, JIT, Endor Labs, and others. This recent funding round, led by European venture firm Singular, follows a $5 million seed round, bringing Aikido's total funding to $22.5 million. Aikido’s approach includes a freemium model, open-sourcing products, and a commitment to simplifying security for developers, avoiding the complex interfaces typical of many security tools. | | | What do clients have to say? "Liam is a force multiplier for your fundraising efforts and will change the way you see the game." - Yehong Zhu, Founder & CEO @ Zette ($1.7M Raised)
"Liam has positively impacted the trajectory of my business. Personally, learning the art of persuasion and storytelling has improved my success rate." - Jimi Daodu, Founder & CEO @ Vault Hill ($2.1M Raised) | | | Practical Information - Freelancer Considerations | Hiring freelancers can be a valuable strategy for startups looking to access specialized skills or scale their operations efficiently. However, there are important legal considerations to keep in mind when engaging freelancers. Here are some key points to consider from a legal perspective: -
Contractual Agreements: Always have a written contract in place outlining the terms of the engagement, including scope of work, deliverables, timelines, payment terms, and intellectual property rights. Clearly define the relationship as that of an independent contractor to avoid potential misclassification issues. -
Intellectual Property (IP) Rights: Clarify ownership of any work product created by the freelancer. Ensure that the contract includes provisions assigning all rights, title, and interest in the work product to your startup to avoid disputes over ownership of IP assets. -
Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: Protect your startup's sensitive information by including confidentiality and non-disclosure provisions in the contract. Require freelancers to keep all confidential information confidential both during and after the engagement. -
Compliance with Labor Laws: Be aware of labor laws and regulations that may apply to freelancers in your jurisdiction, including minimum wage requirements, overtime pay, and tax obligations. Ensure that your engagement with freelancers complies with these laws to avoid legal issues. -
Insurance and Liability: Consider whether freelancers need to carry their own insurance, such as professional liability insurance or workers' compensation insurance, to protect against potential claims or liabilities arising from their work. -
Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Include provisions in the contract specifying the process for resolving disputes, such as mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Having a clear dispute resolution mechanism can help prevent costly legal battles down the line. -
International Considerations: If hiring freelancers from other countries, be aware of international laws and regulations that may apply, including tax implications, work visas, and cross-border data transfer regulations. -
Review and Negotiation: Carefully review the terms of the contract before signing and be prepared to negotiate with freelancers to ensure that the terms are fair and reasonable for both parties. By considering these legal factors when hiring freelancers, you can help protect your startup from potential legal risks and ensure a successful working relationship. Always consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. | |
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Exclusive Deals from Liam Gill | | In addition to our newsletter we offer 60+ free legal templates for companies in the UK, Canada and the US. These include employment contracts, investment agreements and more. | This newsletter (or any other content provided by Law4Startups) is not legal, financial, or tax advice. We are simply providing legal information and collating news from around the world. We recommend that you consult an attorney before making any legal decisions. We do not make any representations and take no responsibility for the actions you take based upon this information. | | |
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