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Jeremy Raphael

Founding Partner at Optimal Counsel LLP

Jeremy Raphael is a founding partner at Optimal Counsel LLP, where he specializes in corporate law, particularly for emerging technology and consumer packaged goods companies. He has a strong focus on supporting startups through various stages of their lifecycle, including formation, growth advising, venture capital financing, and mergers and acquisitions. His approach is characterized by strategic, pragmatic, and data-driven methods aimed at facilitating high-stakes financings.1

Education and Background

  • J.D. from Brooklyn Law School (2010)
  • B.S.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis (2002), recognized as a Dean’s Scholar in Business

Professional Experience

Before co-founding Optimal Counsel, Jeremy served as a partner at Egan Nelson LLP and held significant positions at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and Andrews Kurth LLP. His experience includes advising venture capital and private equity firms on investments in technology companies. He has led numerous venture capital financing deals involving top-tier investors such as Draper, Kleiner Perkins, and Sequoia.1

Contributions and Recognition

Jeremy is also active in academia, having guest lectured at various institutions including the University of Michigan Law School’s Entrepreneurship Clinic. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star in New York Metro from 2014 to 2021.12

His LinkedIn profile indicates he has over 500 connections and highlights his extensive experience in the field.2

Highlights

May 24 · linkedin

Optimal Counsel clients already know that nobody is better at turning an Excel mess into actionable, detailed insights than my partner Jay Buchanan. Now his skills are available to all: he's built the Open Startup Model. Every founding team can easily map out the ongoing impact of all flavors of convertibles (notes, pre-money SAFEs and post-money SAFEs) through multiple rounds of equity financing, whether they're just forming or have already raised capital. The model also tracks investor pro rata rights and voting control, with quick inputs into an easily modifiable spreadsheet. Take a look at this huge contribution to a more flexible, open startup ecosystem.

Sep 16 · linkedin

I’m starting a new position as Founding Partner at Optimal Counsel LLP! Along with my partners Brian Alford and Jay Buchanan, I looking forward to continuing to serve emerging tech and CPG companies with lean, elite, tech-enabled corporate counsel.

Optimal operations commence tomorrow!

Related Questions

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Jeremy Raphael
Jeremy Raphael, photo 1
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Location

New York, New York, United States