Founders Mix + Learn: Legal Insights for Climate Innovators
Event Overview
Join us for an evening of connection, learning, and community building at American Underground. This event is designed for founders, innovators, and supporters across the climate, clean, sustainability, and blue tech spaces.
We’ll kick things off with informal networking, followed by a 20-minute legal spotlight session led by startup attorney Joshua Hayes of Hutchison PLLC. You'll gain practical guidance on setting your startup up for success — from formation and equity to IP protection and fundraising pitfalls.
We'll also share a brief overview of the Carolina Climate Founders Forum (CCFF), a new peer-to-peer initiative supporting North Carolina’s next wave of climate tech entrepreneurs.
Legal Session
Legal Foundations for Climate, Clean, and Sustainability Tech Founders
Presented by Joshua Hayes, Partner at Hutchison PLLC
This session offers practical legal guidance for early-stage founders building solutions in climate tech, clean tech, sustainability, and blue tech. You'll learn key concepts around entity formation, equity ownership, IP protection, and common legal mistakes to avoid. Whether you're raising your first round or refining your business model, you'll walk away with essential insights to move forward confidently.
About the Speaker
Joshua Hayes, Partner at Hutchison PLLC
Josh Hayes advises emerging growth companies throughout their journey — from formation and funding to exit. He has deep experience with equity structures, venture financings, and commercial agreements, particularly in the tech and life sciences sectors. As a partner at Hutchison, Josh is passionate about equipping founders with the legal tools to thrive.
Who Should Attend?
This event is for anyone working in or curious about the climate and clean tech ecosystem, including:
Entrepreneurs and startup founders
Engineers and product developers
Investors and advisors
Support organizations and service providers
Academics, researchers, and students
Anyone passionate about sustainability and climate innovation
Carolina Climate Founders Forum (CCFF)
The Carolina Climate Founder’s Forum (CCFF) is catalyzing North Carolina’s clean and climate tech future. Through peer collaboration, mentorship, and curated programming, CCFF supports early-stage founders tackling climate challenges. Their Fall 2025 Founder Cohort will bring together innovators to strengthen connections, accelerate ideas, and grow NC’s climate tech ecosystem.
Learn more: https://www.carolinaclimate.org/