The challenges of forming and growing an entrepreneurial venture are formidable – particularly in such a challenging financial market where funding is tight and exits are few and far between.

However, according to Peter Rothberg, a partner at Duane Morris LLP, there are many things an entrepreneur can do to build a foundation for growth and success, starting with the proper business structure to limit financial liability and help position the company to weather any circumstance.

In addition to the proper corporate structure, Rothberg discusses why every entrepreneur should have a business plan to help build a strong foundation.  And contrary to what many believe, it’s real value is not for presenting to investors.  According to Rothberg, “the consensus of the venture capitalists that I know would tell you that the business plan is not for them, the business plan if for the entrepreneur.”

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View and download a PDF transcript of the full interview here.

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ATTORNEY INFORMATION

Peter W. Rothberg
Partner, Duane Morris LLP

Peter W. Rothberg practices in the area of corporate law with a focus on corporate securities, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, financial transactions and digital media company representation. Mr. Rothberg serves as outside general counsel to venture capital funds and to private companies involved in a variety of industries, particularly in connection with financing and acquisitions transactions, including venture capital and private equity fund investments in such companies, private placements of securities, bridge financings, IPOs and public and private mergers and acquisitions. He also represents a life insurance premium finance agency in matters related to regulatory issues as well as lending and borrowing transactions.

Mr. Rothberg is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, where he was a member of the editorial board of Law Policy in International Business, and a summa cum laude graduate of Bowdoin College, where he was a James Bowdoin Scholar.

FIRM INFORMATION

Evolving from a partnership of prominent lawyers in Philadelphia a century ago, Duane Morris now has offices in many major markets and continues to expand across the country and overseas through nonmerger growth. Throughout this expansion, Duane Morris remains committed to preserving the collegial culture that has attracted so many talented attorneys. The firm’s leadership believes this culture is truly unique among large law firms, and that outstanding legal work is best accomplished by skilled professionals who respect each other and work well together.

Duane Morris lawyers hold leadership positions in bar associations, as well as in educational, cultural and charitable organizations and with community groups across the country. Many of the firm’s attorneys come to Duane Morris after having held senior positions in government agencies and large corporations. This range of experience is further enriched by the diverse backgrounds of the firm’s attorneys. Duane Morris has long been committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting talented female and minority lawyers, many of whom hold leadership roles at the firm.

Trade publications have placed Duane Morris in the upper echelon of law firms in terms of utilizing technology. Hundreds of lawyers working around the globe quickly communicate and collaborate using the firm’s integrated computer network, accessing sophisticated research software, information-rich databases, and other knowledge-sharing tools. Duane Morris’ clients also benefit from the contributions of professional-level support staff who maintain the firm’s technological and administrative infrastructure and enable lawyers to focus on providing valuable counsel and service to their clients.

For additional information, visit: http://www.duanemorris.com

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