Insights

New York – July 16, 2024: Crowell & Moring represented itselectric, a Brooklyn-based electric vehicle curbside charging company, in closing a $6.5 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Failup Ventures and Uber Technologies, with additional participation from Halogen Ventures, The Partnership Fund for NYC, Pulse Fund, Newlab, Gratitude Railroad, Tale VP, Equity Alliance Fund, LACI Impact Fund, and The Helm. This new funding will support itselectric's expansion to seven U.S. cities in 2024, including Boston, Los Angeles, Detroit, Jersey City, and San Francisco, and will help meet the growing demand for convenient and affordable curbside EV charging solutions.With the rapid growth of EV sales in the U.S. and the increasing need for charging infrastructure, itselectric's innovative Level-2 charging posts offer a scalable solution. These chargers connect behind-the-meter to draw spare electrical supply from adjacent buildings, eliminating the need for utility permitting and coordination. This approach allows for zero-cost installation to property owners and cities, while also providing a revenue-sharing model that benefits property owners. Additionally, itselectric's UL-certified detachable cable EV chargers emphasize safety, customer experience, and product quality.New York-based corporate partner Matthew Moisan led the deal with assistance from counsel Justin Lurie and associate Justin Porter.

Deciding that it might be time to explore a sale of a family or founder owned business can be an intimidating task, but what can make it even more daunting is being unprepared for what comes next. This article sets forth the high-level steps that should be taken early on ahead of any merger or acquisition event (whether it be assets sale, equity sale, merger, or otherwise) for such businesses to ensure as smooth of a sale as is possible. Some of the items below are steps to take to protect your business, others are proactive steps that potential buyers will generally want to see, but all are generally best market practices.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a no-action letter providing interpretive guidance on the verification of accredited investor status in offerings conducted pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933. Rule 506(c) permits issuers to engage in general solicitation or advertising in private offerings, provided that all purchasers are accredited investors and the issuer takes “reasonable steps” to verify the accredited status of all investors. The no-action letter introduces a streamlined approach, stating that, absent contrary indications known to the issuer, reliance on sufficiently high minimum investment thresholds—coupled with specific written representations from purchasers—may satisfy the verification requirement.

On October 30, 2023, President Biden released an Executive Order (EO) on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).  This landmark EO seeks to advance the safe and secure development and deployment of AI by implementing a society-wide effort across government, the private sector, academia, and civil society to harness “AI for good,” while mitigating its substantial risks.