Taking Funds from Foreign Investors or Hiring Foreign Nationals Could Kill Your Next Round or Exit

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Startups often rely on foreign capital and global talent to scale, but early decisions about funding, hiring, and governance can create hidden regulatory risks that surface years later during a financing, acquisition, or IPO. Accepting investment from foreign individuals or funds, granting certain governance rights, or employing foreign nationals in the United States can trigger national security reviews, export control concerns, and other complications that may delay or even derail major transactions.

In this practical workshop, Snell & Wilmer attorneys Brett Johnson and T. Troy Galan will walk founders and early-stage operators through the risks that can quietly impact valuation, diligence, and exit opportunities, and explain the proactive steps companies can take early to avoid costly surprises later.

What we’ll cover:
• How foreign investment decisions can create long-term scrutiny and unexpected deal obstacles
• Common CFIUS-related issues tied to board seats, observer rights, and information access
• Why export control laws can apply even at the earliest stages of building technology
• Key considerations when hiring or working with foreign national talent in the U.S.
• What investors and acquirers look for during diligence and how to prepare early

What you’ll walk away with:
• A clearer understanding of how foreign investment and export controls intersect with startup growth
• A practical framework for evaluating risk before accepting foreign capital or hiring globally
• Actionable steps to reduce regulatory and diligence concerns early
• Insight into the questions to ask now to avoid surprises later