Introduction to LaunchPad

Procopio’s commitment to the startup community runs deep. For some entrepreneurs we’re there from the beginning with our LaunchPad incubator. Since 2012, a select group of carefully chosen entrepreneurs have begun the formation, protection of core technology, early funding and growth of their companies in our LaunchPad incubator.

The incubator is housed in Procopio’s Del Mar Heights office, the heart of San Diego’s high-technology community. Incubator participants work side by side with attorneys who understand their industries and the path to success for emerging growth companies.

Our LaunchPad program hosts startups in a wide array of industries, including but not limited to:

 

  • Software and Internet-based technology;
  • High-tech hardware;
  • Life sciences and med tech;
  • Health care;
  • Digital health care;
  • Clean tech;
  • Renewable energy;
  • Telecom;
  • And more.

Why Participate in LaunchPad?

LaunchPad participants receive tailored corporate and intellectual property legal services, at no cost, in order to successfully position their companies for outside funding. They do so while benefiting from complimentary office space and back-office business support including conference rooms and other amenities.

Participating entrepreneurs also benefit from education on key topics—including valuation, funding, intellectual property strategy, employment issues, and pursuing a strong exit—along with access to successful entrepreneurs and investors and experts in finance, marketing and other critical areas for emerging-growth companies. Our attorneys provide ongoing legal support and assist with corporate structuring, patent protection, investor pitches, branding, and growth strategy.

Access to our Advisory Board - LaunchPad participants also enjoy access and collaboration opportunities with our LaunchPad Advisory Board, which includes experienced entrepreneurs, investors and business advisors. Participants also gain access to experts in finance, accounting, insurance, marketing and other critical areas for emerging-growth companies. 

The LaunchPad incubator program runs for nine months, with participants progressing through the formative stages of business development and leaving the incubator positioned for further growth and success.

The admission process for LaunchPad is competitive.  If you are unsure about your company's eligibility or have questions please contact Procopio’s Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, Kevin J. Wilson at 619.515.3234 or kevin.wilson@procopio.com.

If you feel your startup is right for the program use the button below to apply.

 

Companies participating in the LaunchPad program agree to engage Procopio for legal support, allocate enterprise equity (or equivalent) of 1.5% to Procopio, and upon taking up residence, provide proof of premises liability insurance. 

What Others Are Saying

Rebecca Hoffman

Co-Founder of PERCEEV

“Our experience with LaunchPad exceeded our expectations. Plenty of incubators and accelerators focus on the “fun” stuff like product development and pitch strategy; LaunchPad helps founders establish the foundation required for a successful startup to fundraise and scale. Not only does Procopio provide a team of top tier attorneys, but their connections in our community run very deep. They provided many excellent educational sessions in addition to networking events and great personal introductions. We are proud to have Procopio on our team!”

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Kirk Magnuson

Founder and CEO, Kaptain Outside App

“The Procopio LaunchPad program was an educational, supportive, and vital aspect of Kaptain growing. We were able to learn from people who had decades of experience, ensure our company was legally ready to fundraise, and brainstorm on strategy and execution. It was an extremely valuable experience.” 

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Rogério “Roger” Carlson and Tawnia Gillespie

ActvFan Co-Founders

“Being an Incubatee in Procopio’s LaunchPad was invaluable for our sports tech startup, ActvFan. Not only did Procopio provide excellent legal support and services, but also their stellar reputation and extensive network provided access to outstanding professionals, some of whom are now part of our Advisory Board.”

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Walid Romaya

CEO of RealStir (Real Estate on Demand)

“Launching any startup is hard work. Besides the compelling idea, you need capital, dedication, laser sharp focus and the right team. Procopio’s LaunchPad provides the all-important incubation ingredient to a startup whereby great legal minds are available to help and advise in all key aspects, such as fundraising structure, patent strategy and software compliance. Besides the legal advice, RealStir felt at home at the beautiful space with great support and encouragement. I highly recommend Procopio’s LaunchPad to any startup who needs that extra lift to take it to the next level.”

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Dave Twining

Chief Operating Officer,

Planck Aerosystems

“Our time in Procopio’s LaunchPad incubator was just what we needed to get our company up and running. The attorneys allowed us the freedom to do our thing without interference But they were also always open to a legal consultation on short notice in an unscheduled sync in one of their offices. Knowing top-flight corporate attorneys were right down the hall allowed us to focus our time and effort on building our business. We can definitely trace our current success back to our time in Procopio’s LaunchPad.”

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LAUNCHPAD PROGRAMMING

 

Core Educational Workshops

Developing and Protecting IP for Startups

PRESENTED BY PROCOPIO PARTNER PATTRIC RAWLINS

This program addresses the importance of intellectual property (IP) and the reasons to protect IP. The presentation will cover the available forms of IP and discuss how to develop an overlapping IP protection strategy. The presentation also provides key information about utility patents and design patents.

Early Stage Financings for Startups

PRESENTED BY PROCOPIO PARTNER MICHAEL KINKELAAR

This program presentation will discuss the important aspects of structuring the financing of a company, from its formation, first capitalization and founder contributions, through and including a Series A Preferred Stock financing, including friends and family rounds, angel financing, venture capital and strategic funding, and non-dilutive funding. Debt and equity financing and differing terms and provisions, SAFE Notes, Convertible Promissory Notes, and rights preferences and privileges of equity financings, and valuation considerations, will be covered also.

Pitch Decks and Term Sheets for Startups

PRESENTED BY PROCOPIO PARTNER

PAUL JOHNSON

This presentation discusses the basics of venture fundraising: the ask, what investors are looking for, how to approach them and key issues for founders.

Financial Modeling 101 & Understanding Financial Statements

pRESENTED BY PROCOPIO SENIOR CONSULTANT KENNETH WEIXEL

The purpose of this course is to set the foundation for understanding basic financial statements of a business including the Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Statement of Cash Flows. In addition, we will cover the basics of financial modelling including financial forecasts, planning tools and budgeting. Consider this course “Financial Statements for Entrepreneur Dummies!”

Market Commercialization & Earnings Activation

PRESENTED BY MERCERMORGAN CEO,

SAL DIGIUSEPPI

This workshop will address the important aspects of how to structure your initial market outreach and business development efforts in order to accelerate commercialization.

Elective Workshops*

*selections will be based on needs and level of interest of current cohorts

Corporate Documentation/ Formation for Startups

PRESENTED BY A PROCOPIO PARTNER

Using your IP Portfolio in Financings for Startups

PRESENTED BY PROCOPIO PARTNER

NOEL GILLESPIE

Employment Law 101 for Startups

PRESENTED BY A PROCOPIO PARTNER 

Data Privacy for Startups

PRESENTED BY PROCOPIO SENIOR COUNSEL & CHIEF privacy officer ELAINE HARWELL

Inbound and Outbound Technology Licensing for Startups

PRESENTED BY A PROCOPIO PARTNER

 

Open Source Considerations for Startups

TBD

 Mergers & Acquisitions 101

PRESENTED BY PROCOPIO PARTNER

PAUL JOHNSON

LAUNCHPAD COMMITTEE

 

Meet the Team

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Dennis J. Doucette

Procopio

Partner

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Noel C. Gillespie

procopio

Partner

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Paul B. Johnson

Procopio

partner

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Michael J. Kinkelaar

procopio

partner

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Roger C. Rappoport

Procopio

Partner

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Pattric J. Rawlins

Procopio
Partner

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Ken Weixel

Procopio Business Advisors
Senior Consultant

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Kevin J. Wilson

Procopio
Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer

ADVISORY BOARD

 

Meet the Advisors

Sasha Banjac
Sasha Banjac

PhD Physicists, serial entrepreneur, product architect and CEO/CTO of Royanis LLC

kevin carroll
Kevin Carroll

Over fifteen years executive leadership experience in the technology sector, executive director of Tech San Diego

Sal DiGiuseppi
Sal DiGiuseppi

Trusted Board Advisor to many market leading healthcare companies on a variety of commercialization and human capital issues.

Manuel Jaime
Manuel Jaime

Accomplished technologist and digital innovator helping emerging technology companies launch and scale

Brian Kelleher
Brian Kelleher

Serial medtech entrepreneur, venture investor, board member and advisor

Susan Kuruvilla
Susan Kuruvilla

seasoned San Diego executive focused on helping companies effectively manage financial and HR issues

Magda Marquet
Magda Marquet

serial entrepreneur in life sciences, co-founder of ALMA Life Sciences, LLC, an early stage investment firm creating and growing innovative healthcare companies

Learn more about Procopio.