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Suresh Sriskandarajah, Executive in Residence at ventureLAB, is a tech-savvy business lawyer and entrepreneur, specializing in guiding startups through legal structures, contracts, compliance, and scaling strategies.
I am a technology and business lawyer currently serving as an Executive in Residence at ventureLAB. With a background in engineering and entrepreneurship, I am dedicated to helping startups navigate the complex legal landscape and build sustainable, legally sound ventures.
As the founder of Suresh Law, a boutique law firm specializing in business, technology and real estate law, I provide legal services to startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs. My firm focuses on supporting businesses with legal strategies that ensure compliance, and smooth operations in the competitive startup ecosystem.
In addition, I co-direct the uOttawa Startup Law Clinic and lecture at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law in Toronto. Through these roles, I share my knowledge of business law, technology law, and entrepreneurship to the next generation of legal professionals, preparing them to support emerging companies and navigate the rapidly evolving startup environment.
I have earned four prestigious degrees: Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School, Strategic Management from Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, Electrical Engineering and Liberal Studies from the University of Waterloo. I am a member in good standing at the Law Society of Ontario, Professional Engineers of Ontario and Real Estate Council of Ontario.
I would like to take this opportunity to share some insights for startups on legal services:
- Form the right legal structure: Choosing the right legal structure—whether it's a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship—can have significant tax and liability implications. It's important to consult with a lawyer to determine the best structure for your business at an early stage.
- Draft clear contracts: Clear, comprehensive contracts are essential for protecting your business and avoiding disputes with customers, partners, or employees. Make sure to have solid agreements in place for every major business relationship.
- Stay compliant: Ensure that your business complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, employment, taxes, and licensing. Failure to do so can result in fines or legal action that could derail your startup.
- Consider future growth: As your business grows, your legal needs will evolve. It's important to work with a lawyer who understands your long-term vision and can help you navigate the legal complexities that come with scaling your business.
I hope that my experiences provide helpful insights for startups aiming to establish strong legal foundations, ultimately helping them succeed.
Feel free to connect with me via LinkedIn.
