Build To Raise: Founder Equity & Startup Structure for Success

Founders, your first business operations decisions can make or break your startup’s ability to scale and attract investment. In this practical session, we’ll walk you through:

• The key entity types (LLC, C‑Corp, S‑Corp, etc.) founders can form
• Which structures venture investors typically prefer—and why
• Best practices for co-founder equity splits and avoiding common missteps

Plus, following the main session there’s a hands‑on workshop where you’ll apply these principles to a real-world scenario:

• NEC Members: Free access
• Non‑members: $49 for workshop

Pro tip: Since the workshop fee is $49, this is a great time to consider becoming an NEC member. You’ll get access to this workshop, all future Capital Series sessions, and a full suite of resources designed to support your entrepreneurial journey. Check it out !

Peter Swan has led Gust since April 2020, guiding the platform that connects over 500,000 startups with more than 70,000 investors. A former software developer turned product leader, Peter brings deep expertise in building scalable, founder-first tools. His background in engineering and product vision ensures startups are structured right from day one.

Chris Sloan is the go-to legal expert for early-stage companies at Baker Donelson. He co-chairs the Emerging Companies & Venture Capital group, advising startups on corporate formation, equity structuring, VC financings, and IP protection. A frequent NEC mentor and board advisor, Chris combines legal rigor with startup pragmatism.

• New and scaling founders
• Co-founding teams ready to formalize structure and ownership
• Startup builders weighing investor-friendly setups

• Core Workshop: -in depth on entity types & founder splits
• Interactive Workshop: Apply learning through real scenarios
• Pricing: NEC Members – Free | Non-Members – $49

Whether you're bootstrapping or preparing for your first round, this session gives you the strategic clarity and legal know-how to set your company—and your equity—for long-term success.

Thank you to our Community Partners,, and Metro Nashville for helping to make this event possible. And a huge shoutout to the EC's Growth Partners for their support of our founder community:,,,and.

Parking: Parking is available in the red brick garage located behind the trolley barns (entrance on 15 Lea Avenue); please come inside to the front desk to scan the QR code for validation up to 3 hours.

Also check out other Workshops in Nashville, Business events in Nashville.