OTC Seminar Series: Startup Law 101

Join us for an evening with Anna S. Tharrington, Managing Partner at Hutchison PLLC, as she shares practical guidance on the legal and business decisions that shape the success of startup companies.

Drawing on years of experience advising entrepreneurs, angel investors, and venture capital funds, Anna will walk through the foundational decisions founders face when launching and growing a company — and how to structure those decisions thoughtfully from the start.

Whether you're a faculty researcher exploring a university spinout, a student with a startup idea, or an entrepreneur actively building a company, this session will provide a practical roadmap for establishing the legal and structural foundation that allows startups to grow, raise capital, and scale successfully.

In this session, Anna will discuss:

• Choosing the right legal structure and avoiding common early-stage pitfalls
• Structuring founder relationships, equity, and governance the right way
• Preparing your company for angel and venture capital investment
• Contracts and early business decisions that can create issues later if handled incorrectly
• How to build a legal foundation that supports long-term growth and investment

About the Speaker

Anna S. Tharrington is Managing Partner of Hutchison PLLC, a North Carolina-based law firm focused on representing high-growth companies, investors, and innovation-driven businesses. She regularly advises startups from formation through venture financings and exit transactions and represents angel investors and venture capital funds across the region. Through her work with founders, investors, and university spinouts, Anna brings a practical, real-world perspective on how startups can build strong foundations and avoid common early-stage mistakes.

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session and networking reception.

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Host or Publisher IC Office of Technology Commercialization