How to Leverage Moats to Attract Early Stage Investors with Michael Stein

Join this virtual event hosted by the fnSeattle Chapter!

Join our fnSeattle Chapter as they collaborate with their featured speaker, Michael Stein, Partner and General Counsel at SWAN Venture Group, to give insights on early stage PNW investment.

With over thirty years of experience as a practicing attorney specializing in intellectual property law, Michael Stein has also more recently played the role as an active angel investor and start-up company advisor. As the General Counsel for SWAN Venture Group, a fund for investing in early stage and Series A rounds in the Pacific Northwest, Stein has intimate knowledge into what goes into those early stage investment decisions. He joins Founders Network Seattle Chapter for an in-depth conversation about one of the most crucial concepts for early stage companies to master: the defensive moat. Sign up to attend the Founders Network event to learn answers to key questions including:

• What is a moat?
• Why are moats central to early stage investments?
• What are the primary roles of moats?
• How can companies leverage the power of moats?

About the featured speaker:

Michael Stein

At SWAN Ventures, I'm a Partner and serve as General Counsel. I contribute substantially to due diligence and deal flow, and I specialize in intellectual property law.

I am passionate about helping early stage companies with growth, financing, and intellectual property. I have 30 years of experience practicing law, specializing in intellectual property law. Specific areas of national recognition include patenting software inventions in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning. My education includes a BSEE from Drexel University (1983); MSE from University of Pennsylvania (1985); and a JD from Temple University School of Law (1990). In addition, I’ve been an active an angel investor and advisor to startup companies for the past 7 years. In the early stage investment arena, I have extensive experience in both leading and participating in due diligence teams. I currently serve on the advisory boards of nine (9) early stage companies.

About SWAN Venture Group:

SWAN Venture Group is a family of funds for investing in early stage Seed and Series A rounds. We are a regional fund targeting our investments in the Pacific Northwest to include the US states of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Utah, and the province of British Columbia, Canada.

fnSeattle Chapter Leadership Team:

• Chapter Director: Matias Troccoli
• Membership Chair: James Wagoner
• Growth Chair: Cy Scott

Complimentary Ticket:

Are you a full-time tech founder? Be our guest! During COVID, we’re making our events available to tech founders everywhere. Enjoy a complimentary ticket to come learn from fellow tech founders, partners and investors. Already used your complimentary guest pass? Request an invite to see if you qualify for membership.

About Founders Network:

Founded in 2011, Founders Network offers lifelong peer mentorship to over 600 tech startup founders globally. Our platform, programs and high-touch service facilitate authentic experience sharing, warm introductions and long-term professional relationships. Additional benefits include over $500k in startup discounts and promotion to 2,000 newsletter readers. Members are located in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, London and other tech hubs. Each month our Membership Committee admits a new cohort of full-time tech founders who are nominated by an existing member. Learn more at https://foundersnetwork.com

Confidentiality Policy

All information shared within Founders Network is strictly confidential. We are built on a foundation of trust, and the community takes confidentiality seriously. Investors, members, and staff all share experiences and opinions off the record. In this roundtable forum, we continue to model our fnValues of Reciprocity, Humility, Authenticity and Inclusivity.