MintzTech Connect: All Things Technology — May 2016
By Dan DeWolf and Samuel Effron
Letter from the Editors
Dear Readers,
There is an ancient Chinese proverb that goes like this: When the wind changes direction, there are those that build walls and there are those that build windmills. In the early part of this year, when the public capital markets swooned, there was much discussion about investors pulling back in the private company market. Further, as we saw some indications of so-called Unicorns becoming “Unicorpses,” this chatter increased. But while there appears to be a “reset” on valuations going on in the late stage private company market, there is clearly no shortage of entrepreneurs building new “windmills” and getting these young enterprises funded. Good ideas and good companies are definitely getting funded, and the early stage market remains incredibly robust! Further, companies in the late stage that are true “thoroughbreds” and built to last (unlike ephemeral unicorns) are also receiving the financial support they need to grow. All this bodes well for a solid Q2 and Q3 in the private company markets.
In this issue we feature Gotham Greens, an amazing company growing premium quality lettuces and herbs on large urban rooftops in NYC and Chicago. Environmentally conscious and also fast-growing, Gotham Greens epitomizes the ideal of creating meaningful economic value by doing good!
We also highlight a number of interesting legal proposals that could affect email privacy and angel investing. Additionally, we discuss a new law that will facilitate the resales of securities of private companies and a new tax credit for biotech companies based in NYC.
Finally, we would like to introduce our new Co-Editor, Samuel Asher Effron. Many of you may know Sam from his dedication and hard work on behalf of our clients. Sam is one of our rising young stars and his energy, enthusiasm, and insights will be a welcome addition to TechConnect. In addition to being an outstanding lawyer, Sam previously worked at a technology start-up — experience that enables him to bring a unique and well-rounded perspective to our publication.
Happy reading!
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