Russell M. Email & Phone Number

murcada threepoint is how I combine the learning of over three decades in the intersections of business, finance and technology. I prefer to "GSD" and "FSO" (Figure Stuff Out), bringing an owners mindset and creativity to scenarios marked by complexity and unpredictability.

Advising technology industry clients and startup teams on a full range of issues relating to business formation and operational matters, including venture capital and other financing transactions, product and privacy, complex commercial agreements, and regulatory compliance matters, including securities offerings, corporate governance, and privacy policies.

As the COO of Hurify Digital Markets, I advised the founder/ CEO on complex legal issues and directed external legal counsel in corporate and commercial transactions for a cryptocurrency-based e-commerce start-up using smart contracts and a tokenized incentive system. Relying on my ecommerce experience, I was responsible for defining the first viable product's user experience and product functionality, directing product development teams to implement a ecommerce platform in under 30 days. Mapped out strategies for using “smart” contracts and token-based economics to realize an alternative token economics marketplace. Researched regulatory requirements of multiple national securities laws, international anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, and data protection/privacy and took the lead on the company’s interactions with regulators. Led the company’s GDPR compliance program and served as the company’s Data Protection Officer in accord with the GDPR requirement.

Started this hybrid professional consulting and early-stage investment fund to provide strategic and operational advice. Serving in interim C-level roles with select portfolio companies, advised founder teams on complex strategic challenges and legal requirements. In one case, brought in by founders to lead a complete turnaround, including a significant reduction in force followed by a rebuilding of the business, with a more defined strategy and optimized business operations. After returning to cash flow positivity, helped implement a click-and-mortar initiative involving the acquisition of retail operations in the space where we had established ourselves as an industry leader in ecommerce. Negotiated, drafted, or revised NDAs, stock purchase agreements and other investment agreements for direct investments. Conducted due diligence, business formation review, and analysis of capitalization strategies. Delivered high risk adjusted returns to LPs.

Collaborated with attorneys in several leading US and EU law firms while advising foreign investors on a wide range of legal matters, such as investments into business opportunities and joint ventures, licensing and supply chain agreements and resolution of multimillion-dollar contract disputes. Worked with local counsel to draft investment agreements, teaming and joint venture agreements, and interpretation of local laws governing foreign investments. Conducted due diligence on local partners, including extensive ownership reviews and reports to determine extent of government ownership and control. Successfully resolved issues with government agencies on behalf of foreign investors. Worked as a subject matter expert in corporate ownership on substantial international trade disputes and worked on-site preparing responsive documents on behalf of Chinese companies in anti-dumping investigations.

Started a corporate financial advisory and strategy consulting firm serving early-stage and privately held technology companies. Specialized in M&A and creating business plans to support attracting strategic corporate investments. Developed strategic plans for pioneering firms in electronic publishing, financial services technology and M2M and remote sensing (aka IoT today). Managed cross-functional teams during business planning, due diligence, deal structuring, funding, and exit strategies. Two of our Vantage Capital clients went on the Washington Fastest Growing Companies List and achieved significant exits with the strategies we helped create.

Focused on corporate and commercial law with an emphasis on Greater China clients entering the U.S. market and representing U.S. businesses with interests in expanding into Greater China. Provided transactional and general advisory services to owners, directors and management of corporations and partnerships. Developed an alliance with one of the first Beijing-based Chinese law firms to provide cross-border legal services.

Los Angeles, California, Us

Associate in the firm's corporate securities and banking and regulatory practice. Supported M&A and financing transactions with document review preparation and due diligence projects for corporate and regulated bank clients. Prepared annual and quarterly SEC filings and disclosures for federal and state securities and banking regulators. Researched and prepared memoranda on issues for senior attorneys.

Jd

Mba, Finance, International Business

Ba, Economics