Gulf South Angels & Baker Donelson Present Free ''Startup Financing 101''

Gulf South Angels Announces Third Session of The Legal Brief Webinar Series Focused on Startup Financing in Partnership with Baker Donelson

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 30, 2026) – Gulf South Angels (GSA), the region’s leading angel investor network, has announced the third installment of The Legal Brief, a free quarterly webinar series designed to provide practical legal education for startups, entrepreneurs, and the innovation ecosystem across the Gulf South.

The upcoming session, “Startup Financing 101: SAFEs, Convertible Notes, and Equity Rounds,” will be presented in partnership with Baker Donelson on Wednesday, May 13, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. CST. The virtual Zoom presentation will include a live Q&A and will focus on helping founders and early-stage companies better understand the most common financing structures used to raise capital.

The session will be led by Jean-Luc Delpy and Madison Gaines of Baker Donelson. They will provide an overview of SAFEs, convertible notes, and priced equity rounds, explaining how each structure works, why companies and investors choose one over another, and the key legal and business considerations associated with each approach. The presentation will also cover the benefits and drawbacks of each financing option, common issues that arise during fundraising, and practical insights for founders as they navigate different stages of growth.

“Understanding the nuances of early-stage financing structures is critical for founders as they raise capital and scale their businesses,” said Jean-Luc Delpy, Shareholder, Baker Donelson New Orleans. “We’re excited to partner with Gulf South Angels to help entrepreneurs better understand these options and make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.”

“Understanding how to raise capital and choosing the right structure is critical for early-stage companies,” said Mike Eckert, Founder and Chairman of Gulf South Angels. “This session will help founders navigate those decisions with greater confidence.”

About Gulf South Angels 
Gulf South Angels (GSA) is a nonprofit organization founded in Southeast Louisiana that has grown into a premier network of 165 accredited investors across 18 states. Since its founding in 2014, GSA has collaborated to evaluate, fund, and support early-stage companies across a wide range of industries, investing more than $32 million in 70-plus companies. The group connects innovative entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and strategic connections, and is recognized among the top 10% of angel groups in North America by the Angel Capital Association. Learn more at gulfsouthangels.org.

About Baker Donelson
Baker Donelson is a national law firm with more than 700 attorneys and public policy advisors representing more than 30 practice areas to serve a wide range of legal needs. Clients receive knowledgeable guidance from experienced, multidisciplined industry and client service teams, all seamlessly connected across more than 20 offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The firm advises startups, growth-stage companies, and investors on corporate law, financing, and strategic transactions, helping clients navigate complex legal and business challenges.