Introducing Suresh Sriskandarajah: Executive in Residence at ventureLAB

Suresh Sriskandarajah, an Executive in Residence at ventureLAB, is an experienced technology and business lawyer dedicated to aiding startups in navigating the complex legal landscape. With a foundation in engineering and entrepreneurship, his mission is to help fledgling ventures establish legally sound and sustainable business structures.

As the founder of Suresh Law, a boutique law firm focusing on business, technology, and real estate law, he offers vital legal services tailored to startups and innovators. His firm emphasizes the creation of legal strategies that ensure compliance and facilitate smooth operations in the competitive startup ecosystem.

In addition to his law practice, Sriskandarajah co-directs the uOttawa Startup Law Clinic and teaches at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law in Toronto. In these roles, he imparts his extensive knowledge of business law, technology law, and entrepreneurship to train the next generation of legal professionals. This preparation is crucial for supporting emerging companies and navigating the rapidly changing startup environment.

Sriskandarajah holds four advanced degrees: a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School, a degree in Strategic Management from the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, and dual degrees in Electrical Engineering and Liberal Studies from the University of Waterloo. He is a member in good standing with several professional bodies, including the Law Society of Ontario, the Professional Engineers of Ontario, and the Real Estate Council of Ontario.

Throughout his career, Sriskandarajah has garnered valuable insights into the legal needs of startups, which he is keen to share. He emphasizes the importance of forming the right legal structure at the inception of a business. Selecting between a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship can have substantial ramifications for taxes and liability, making early consultation with a lawyer imperative to determine the best setup for each unique situation.

Moreover, he advocates for the drafting of clear and comprehensive contracts to protect businesses and prevent disputes with customers, partners, or employees. Proper agreements are foundational to any significant business relationship. Sriskandarajah also underscores the necessity of compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including those concerning privacy, employment, taxes, and licensing, warning that non-compliance can lead to fines or legal troubles that might jeopardize a startup’s success.

He stresses the importance of anticipating future growth and recognizes that as a business expands, its legal needs will evolve. Collaborating with a lawyer who comprehends the long-term vision of the startup is essential for navigating the complexities of business scaling.

Suresh Sriskandarajah’s multifaceted experience and expertise equip startups with the legal grounding necessary for long-term success and resilience in an ever-changing business landscape. Entrepreneurs interested in establishing a robust legal framework for their ventures are encouraged to connect with him through platforms such as LinkedIn for further insights and guidance.