Skip to content
LegalVision

Articles by Sophie Mao

Profile picture of Sophie Mao

About Sophie Mao

Sophie is a Senior Lawyer in Australia and an Associate in New Zealand in LegalVision’s Corporate Advisory, Business Structuring and Capital Raising teams. Sophie has assisted a large number of startups with their legal needs, including setting up the right corporate structure and implementing employee equity plans. She has provided end-to-end guidance to companies and investors as they complete equity, convertible note, SAFE and debt funding transactions.

September 27, 2021

Why Do Founders Need to Assign Intellectual Property Rights?

As a startup, your intellectual property (IP) is likely to be one of the most...

January 19, 2021

What Happens if My Company Does Not Qualify for the Startup ESS Scheme?

As a startup owner, you may wish to incentivise your employees with equity. To do...

January 19, 2021

How Do I Set Up a Unit Trust?

A unit trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and administers trust property...

November 16, 2020

What Are Fully Diluted Shares?

If your company is issuing shares, it is important to understand the impact of your...

September 1, 2020

The Difference Between an Investment Agreement and a Shareholders Agreement

When a company is raising capital, they may require a number of different legal documents...

August 21, 2020

When Should a Director Disclose Conflicts of Interest?

Directors have duties to avoid conflicts that may arise between their personal interests and those...

August 20, 2020

Directors’ Duties: The Proper Purpose Obligation

Directors occupy a position of trust and responsibility in a company. As such, you cannot...

July 15, 2020

When Does My Company Need a Share Split?

A share split allows your company to increase the number of shares it has without...

April 21, 2020

COVID-19 Is Impacting My Startup’s Fundraising. What Can I Do?

All businesses need cash to survive. Startups, who by nature focus on fast growth, can...

February 17, 2020

What Happens When a SAFE Converts?

There are several ways a startup can raise capital. Using a Simple Agreement for Future...

We’re an award-winning law firm

  • Award

    2025 Future of Legal Services Innovation Finalist - Legal Innovation Awards

  • Award

    2025 Employer of Choice - Australasian Lawyer

  • Award

    2024 Law Company of the Year Finalist - The Lawyer Awards

  • Award

    2024 Law Firm of the Year Finalist - Modern Law Private Client Awards

  • Award

    2022 Law Firm of the Year - Australasian Law Awards