Thought Leadership - Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Startup Financing: When Is a SAFE Not So Safe?

Startups have been raising money using the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) since it was first introduced by Y Combinator in 2013.

Startups, SAFE Act, Financing, Entrepreneurs

Manatt Represents Iron Pillar in Pando’s $30M Series B Funding

A Manatt team successfully represented Iron Pillar, a venture growth investor backing companies building from India for the world, as the lead investor in Pando’s $30 million Series B funding.

AI Has Captured the Attention of the U.S. Public—and Federal Enforcers

Four federal agencies issued a unique Joint Statement this week on enforcement priorities related to “automated systems,” including artificial intelligence.

Greenhouse Gas Disclosure Mandates Advance in California Legislature; SEC Remains Silent

Two bills that would require climate-related disclosures from specified companies doing business in California advanced in the Legislature this week.

Berkeley’s Natural Gas Ban in New Housing and Businesses Not Allowed, Says Ninth Circuit

Local or state regulations seeking to decarbonize new buildings by banning natural gas appliances or infrastructure are preempted under federal law according to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Climate Disclosure Mandates: California Lawmakers Press Forward Ahead of Forthcoming Federal Rule

Two proposed climate-related disclosure mandate laws moved closer to becoming law in California.

Top Five Employment Issues Upon a Sudden Bank Failure

The sudden closure of a bank can create a host of ripple effects.

Mandatory Climate Emissions Disclosures: California Lawmakers Press On While SEC May Be Backing Off

Mandatory disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions by business operators is coming, one way or another. California legislators continue to press for a change in law that would require disclosures for large businesses that do business in California.

Kraken Crypto Staking Program for U.S. Investors Shut Down in Aggressive Expansion of the Howey Test

Payward Ventures, Inc., d/b/a Kraken, the cryptocurrency exchange, has entered into a $30 million settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over allegations the company failed to register its cryptocurrency staking program, in violation of U.S. securities laws.

Manatt Represents Skybound Entertainment in Mega Cat Studios Investment Deal

A Manatt team led by Venture Capital and Emerging Companies Partner Richard McDerby and including Associate Darren Bartlette successfully represented Skybound Entertainment in its investment in Mega Cat Studios, an independent video game development studio.