Matt Winans and Patrick Smith, principal CPAs for the technology Industry from Clifton Larson Allen (CLA), one of the largest accounting firms in the U.S, dive into the prevailing challenges of fund-raising in a bear-market climate. As deal-making and fundraising undergo a slowdown, why should founders zero in on accounting, especially in these testing times? The answer lies in establishing unshakeable credibility, both in idea and financial management. In the episode we discuss: 🚀 Preparing for seed round pitches: Understand essential accounting best practices every founder should be well-versed with to look like an attractive investment target. 🧮 Capital Raising Realities: Key takeaways on having a solid financial model, determining the ideal fundraising amount, and ensuring your capital table is perfectly structured. 📜 Laying a Strong Foundation: Matt and Patrick dissect concerns surrounding initial rounds, entity selection, equity agreements, and more. With tips on shareholder rights, governance issues, and the 1202 stock treatment to ensure your company is built on a sturdy foundation. 🌐 The Multinational Puzzle: Understanding HR policies across jurisdictions, managing inter-entity transactions, to complying with local tax laws – Matt and Patrick spotlight the hurdles and solutions for multinational corporations. The episode also emphasizes the importance of getting third-party consultations for certain complex issues. ⚖️ Regulatory Spotlight: With Congress ushering in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the landscape for tech startups has changed, especially regarding payroll taxes. Delve into the nuances of this new regulation and what it means for R&D payroll tax benefits. Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. While our guests, Matt Winans and Patrick Smith of CLA, provide expertise and insights based on their professional experience, listeners are advised to seek counsel from a qualified financial advisor or accountant before making any financial decisions.