LEGAL
Start Smart
The Legal Guide Every Startup Founder Needs
Start Smart is your essential legal guidebook for building a successful startup from the ground up. It breaks down complex legal topics—like fundraising, hiring, equity, IP, and governance—into clear, actionable insights that help founders avoid costly mistakes. Whether you're launching your first company or scaling your next venture, this guide ensures you make informed decisions with confidence.
This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. MiNDPOP is not a law firm, and no attorney-client relationship is created by your use of this content. For legal advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult xxx.
Provided courtesy of Tabetha Hinman, Hinman Legal
GUIDE
Start It
Incorporation & Structure
Get your legal foundation right from the start. This module explains the best entity types, why Delaware C-Corp is preferred, key filings like EIN and Certificate of Incorporation, and post-incorporation tasks. It ensures your startup is built to raise capital and operate legally from day one.
Hire Right
Employment & Advisory Contracts
Covers everything from employee vs contractor classification to intern legality, onboarding, international hires, and compensation strategy. Includes templates and checklists for employment contracts, equity offers, and advisor agreements — so you scale your team without legal missteps.
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LEGAL

Tabetha Hinman
Fractional General Counsel
Tabetha Hinman is the founder of Hinman Legal LLP, a boutique firm that supports early- and growth-stage startups with practical legal guidance. With over 20 years of experience as both a startup attorney and entrepreneur, she offers a unique mix of legal expertise and operational know-how. Tabetha has served as General Counsel to VC-backed companies and co-founded startups herself, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges founders face. Her firm works with founders who want more than templates—they want a trusted legal partner.
