Startups — The California Magazine https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/ California business, technology, real estate, and culture — reporting on the people building the state's economy. en-us © 2026 The California Magazine Fri, 25 Sep 2026 23:44:15 GMT LLC or C-corp: which structure saves California startups on taxes https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/llc-or-c-corp-california-startup-taxes/ https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/llc-or-c-corp-california-startup-taxes/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 16:31:21 GMT California startups must weigh self-employment taxes, franchise fees, and the flat requirement from venture investors to choose the right business structure. The Startups Desk Startups What startup employees need to understand about equity compensation https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/startup-equity-compensation-options-vesting/ https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/startup-equity-compensation-options-vesting/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 16:21:37 GMT Stock options and restricted stock are central to startup compensation, but their tax treatment and vesting rules are complex. Here's what California startup employees need to know. The Startups Desk Startups The tax math behind LLC vs. S-Corp for California startups https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/llc-vs-scorp-california-tax/ https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/llc-vs-scorp-california-tax/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 16:09:12 GMT Founders choosing between an LLC and S-Corp face different tax bills from day one. The right choice depends on income level, not just liability protection. The Startups Desk Startups Delaware or California: what the choice means for a young company https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/delaware-vs-california-incorporation/ https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/delaware-vs-california-incorporation/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:03:26 GMT Startups must choose between Delaware's investor-friendly laws and California's simpler tax picture. Here's what each state's tax, liability and governance rules actually mean. The Startups Desk Startups How a startup option pool works, and who it dilutes https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/how-a-startup-option-pool-works/ https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/how-a-startup-option-pool-works/ Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:18:34 GMT The pool is usually created before an investment closes, which means founders fund it. That timing is the whole negotiation. Marcus Ellery Startups How to read a cap table, and the numbers that actually matter https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/how-to-read-a-cap-table/ https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/how-to-read-a-cap-table/ Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:18:34 GMT Ownership percentages tell you less than the waterfall does. Both are worth understanding before you sign anything. Marcus Ellery Startups What a venture term sheet actually commits you to https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/what-a-term-sheet-actually-commits-you-to/ https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/what-a-term-sheet-actually-commits-you-to/ Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:18:34 GMT Most of it is non-binding, but a few clauses bind immediately and one of them can end your fundraise. Marcus Ellery Startups What happens in startup due diligence, and how to be ready https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/what-happens-in-startup-due-diligence/ https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/what-happens-in-startup-due-diligence/ Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:18:34 GMT Diligence is where deals slow down or die, almost always over housekeeping rather than substance. Marcus Ellery Startups What a SAFE is, and how it differs from a priced round https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/what-a-safe-is-and-how-it-differs-from-a-priced-round/ https://thecaliforniamagazine.com/startups/what-a-safe-is-and-how-it-differs-from-a-priced-round/ Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:49:36 GMT Most California seed financing now happens on a four-page document that deliberately postpones the hardest question. Understanding what it defers is the whole point. Marcus Ellery Startups