About this episode

The episode discusses startup failures and alternatives to bankruptcy with Prof. Elizabeth Pollman.

Host Gary J. Ross welcomes Prof. Elizabeth Pollman of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School to discuss her influential article “Startup Failure.” Prof. Pollman first explains why bankruptcy is often a poor fit for venture-backed companies. Then, Gary and Prof. Pollman explore the alternatives that founders and boards frequently consider, from wind-downs and assignments for the benefit of creditors (ABCs) to acqui-hires, along with the legal and practical implications of each. The conversation concludes with a look at emerging trends, including the challenges posed by increasingly large later-stage private companies.

People in this episode

Host: Gary J. Ross

Guest: Prof. Elizabeth Pollman

Topics covered

• startup failures
• venture-backed companies
• bankruptcy alternatives
• legal implications
• emerging trends
• private companies

Keywords

• startup failures
• venture capital
• bankruptcy
• acqui-hires
• legal implications
• private companies
• wind-downs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Books & works: Startup Failure

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