Bio

David Nelson concentrates on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and debt financings, and venture capital transactions. He also advises public and private emerging growth companies with respect to a range of corporate activities, including corporate finance, securities law compliance, contracts, and corporate governance. A significant portion of David’s practice centers on startups and emerging companies. His understanding of what it takes to turn an idea into a company enables David to guide his clients through that transition. David advises clients in connection with a full range of issues that arise during the startup phase of an organization, such as formalizing relationships among the entity’s founders, drafting key organizational documents and contracts, and protecting the company’s assets. David’s first-hand experience working for a startup company lends him an insider’s appreciation of the importance of protecting the ideas that form a new company’s nucleus. He provides the analysis and advice necessary to help clients strike a balance between the need for such protection and the high costs often associated with securing it. He also has years of experience with financings and venture capital transactions. His experience representing both venture capitalists and entrepreneurs seeking investors informs each deal David handles and gives him a unique, 360-degree perspective. He is particularly sensitive to the marketing side of financing and helps his emerging business clients position themselves for optimal success in this regard, including initiating contact with potential investors. Conversely, he is adept at working from the venture capitalist’s side of the table to ensure that the client’s investment is sound. David earned his undergraduate degree from Haverford College, his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School.