Upcoming Events, Courses, and Talks

Strong companies are built on strong governance. Yet many early-stage startups overlook the foundational legal and operational structures that protect founders, clarify ownership, and make companies investable.

This workshop introduces founders to the fundamentals of startup corporate governance and explains why getting these decisions right early can prevent costly mistakes later. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how governance frameworks shape company control, equity allocation, and decision-making structures.

During this session, attendees will explore the three pillars of startup governance—legal structure, ownership and control, and shareholder rights. The workshop also walks through the core documents every startup should establish, including formation documents, shareholder agreements, equity plans, and board records. Participants will also learn how to read and structure a cap table, understand equity allocation, and recognize how dilution occurs as companies raise capital.

Whether you're forming a company for the first time or preparing for fundraising, this workshop will help you understand how proper governance protects founders, reduces investor risk, and builds a stronger foundation for long-term growth.

Who Should Attend

• First-time startup founders establishing their company structure

• Early-stage entrepreneurs preparing to raise capital

• Startup teams responsible for legal, operational, or financial oversight

• Founders managing equity allocation and cap tables

• Entrepreneurs seeking to avoid costly governance mistakes

• Anyone building a venture-backed startup who wants to understand investor expectations

About the Instructor

Cherry Trivedi is a global executive leader with more than 25 years of experience in international business, port operations, and corporate governance. She currently advises the Illinois International Port District and has led large-scale operational and strategic initiatives across global infrastructure and logistics organizations.