Foundation for Funding: Legal Entity Selection for Capital and Growth

Choosing the right legal entity is one of the most important decisions an entrepreneur can make, influencing everything from fundraising opportunities and investor interest to taxation, governance, liability, and long-term growth. This session will explore how different business structures can support future capital needs and help founders build a strong foundation for sustainable expansion. Participants will gain practical insights into aligning entity selection with their business goals and funding strategy.

This program is presented by Ben Franklin Technology Partners Learning Center and Invent Penn State LaunchBox & Innovation Network

Topics Covered

An overview of common business entity types, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations
How legal structure can impact fundraising, investment readiness, ownership, and governance
Key tax, liability, and compliance considerations when selecting an entity
Factors to evaluate when choosing an entity that supports future growth, scalability, and capital attraction

Benefits of Attending

Gain a clearer understanding of which legal structures are best suited for various growth and funding objectives
Learn how entity selection can influence investor expectations, business operations, and long-term strategic opportunities
Identify questions to consider and resources to leverage before making critical business formation decisions

Who Should Attend

Entrepreneurs and innovators interested in identifying a business entity to support future investment and growth.

About Invent Penn State
Invent Penn State, Penn State's entrepreneurship and innovation initiative, empowers students, founders and communities to turn bold ideas into businesses, careers and opportunities across Pennsylvania. Through its 24-location LaunchBox & Innovation Network, Invent Penn State provides business coaching, accelerator programs, coworking space, mentorship and other resources to help entrepreneurs and innovators bring ideas to life.

Invent Penn State is financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development. Learn more at invent.psu.edu.

Meet the presenter

Lee Peterson is the Interim Director for Penn State Dickinson Law’s Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic. Lee is a graduate of Penn State Law, where he concentrated his studies in startup and early-stage businesses and underrepresented groups. Since joining the Clinic, Lee has given a number of presentations on investment, loan and preferred-supplier programs for entrepreneurs.

Foundation for Funding: Legal Entity Selection for Capital and Growth