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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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Supporting Innovation at the 2025 Project Medtech Midwest Showcase

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Thompson Hine is proud to have sponsored the 2025 Project Medtech Midwest Showcase, held on May 7 at mHUB in Chicago. This event brought together leaders and innovators from across the Midwest’s vibrant medtech ecosystem, including emerging and growth-stage companies, investors, service providers, and innovation groups. The showcase featured engaging panel discussions with thought leaders, a dynamic pitch competition, and valuable networking opportunities, all designed to foster collaboration and accelerate advancements in medical devices, diagnostics, wearables, digital health, and health IT. Our sponsorship reflects our commitment to supporting the regional and global medtech community, connecting stakeholders, and driving innovation.

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Fueling Connections and Capital at TechChicago Week

We are honored to sponsor the upcoming P33 Capital Summit in Chicago for the third consecutive year, reaffirming our commitment to advancing the city’s dynamic tech and innovation ecosystem. The P33 Capital Summit, a cornerstone event of TechChicago Week, brings together local founders, investors, and industry leaders from across the Midwest and beyond to accelerate the flow of capital and foster meaningful connections. This year’s summit will feature curated programming, including track-based sessions, one-on-one meetings between startups and investors, and unique networking opportunities such as the highly anticipated poker night kickoff. By supporting the Capital Summit, we help empower Chicago’s diverse community of entrepreneurs and innovators, drive inclusive economic growth, and strengthen the city’s position as a top-tier technology hub. We are proud to play a role in building a more connected, equitable, and prosperous future for Chicago’s tech sector and look forward to another impactful year of collaboration and progress. <a href="https://www.thquicklaunch.com/team/aisling-susan-olaoire-2/">Connect with us if you also plan on attending</a>.

Championing Growth: Thompson Hine Supports Chicago Crain’s 2025 Fast 50 Awards Celebration

Thompson Hine is proud to serve as a supporting partner of the 2025 Crain’s Fast 50 Awards Celebration, taking place on June 12. This prestigious event honors the 50 fastest-growing companies in the Chicago area, showcasing their significant contributions to the region's economic vitality and innovation landscape. Our partnership underscores our commitment to fostering growth within the startup and entrepreneurial community. For more information about the event, please visit the <a href="https://web.cvent.com/event/89b190d3-6208-4f0a-9b04-32a97e688ab0/summary?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=CCMKT_eventpage&amp;utm_campaign=fast50">official event page</a>.

Lindsay Karas Stencel to Speak on “Designing the Ecosystem for Prevention-Focused Founders” at Health Innovation Exchange<strong> </strong>

On June 11, Lindsay Karas Stencel will moderate a dynamic panel at the Health Innovation Exchange, powered by Zane Venture Fund, focused on “Designing the Ecosystem for Prevention-Focused Founders.” The discussion will explore how startups are tackling today’s preventive health challenges, innovating for the next generation, and closing systemic gaps in Atlanta’s startup ecosystem. Emphasizing collaboration and strategic ecosystem design, the panel will highlight how founders, investors, and community leaders can strengthen infrastructure and drive lasting impact in preventive health.

Honoring a Legacy: Sig Mosley’s Impact on Southeast Venture

Last month, Thompson Hine was honored to sponsor an unforgettable evening celebrating the legacy of Sig Mosley, Atlanta’s own “Godfather of Angel Investing.” Hosted by TiE Atlanta and Zane Venture Fund, the event brought together over 400 founders, investors, and leaders to reflect on Sig’s profound contributions to the region’s startup ecosystem and to envision the path forward for Atlanta’s venture community. Sig’s bold early investments and unwavering mentorship helped launch and scale numerous Atlanta-based startups, laying a strong foundation for the city’s thriving innovation economy. His legacy continues to inspire venture platforms and commerce enablement hubs that are shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. Thompson Hine is proud to support events that celebrate visionary leadership and foster the growth of Atlanta’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Thompson Hine Hosts Dynamic VC and Startup Panel in Cleveland

Thompson Hine recently hosted its quarterly Startups Streamlined event at the firm’s Cleveland office, bringing together key players from the region’s venture capital ecosystem to explore emerging trends and best practices in startup growth. The panel featured Hardik Desai of <a href="https://jumpstart.vc/">JumpStart Ventures</a>, who shared insights on investment activity across the Midwest; Ben Wallace, president of <a href="https://qstartlabs.com/">QStart Labs</a>, who highlighted their evolving founder- and investor-friendly model and the role of AI; and Thompson Hine attorneys Sean Ganley and Ashley Bailes, who discussed funding round strategies and proactive litigation avoidance for startups. Daniel Criswell, managing associate in the firm’s New Ventures practice, opened the session with a welcome and an overview of the Cleveland startup landscape. The event provided a dynamic forum for knowledge-sharing and connection among founders, investors, and legal professionals, driving innovation in the region.

Industry Insights: Startups Are Hiring Later Than Ever

New data from Carta reveals a growing trend among startups: delaying their first full-time hires. In 2019, the median time from incorporation to a first hire was 214 days; by 2024, that figure rose to 284 days—a 32% increase. This pattern holds for the second and third hires as well. While some of this lag may be attributed to lean operations using contractors or consultants, it's more likely driven by broader shifts in founder behavior. Factors include a greater emphasis on capital efficiency, increased reliance on AI tools, and a cultural shift where founders are building more with fewer people. There’s also speculation that top early-stage talent may be opting to start their own companies, making key early hires harder to secure.

While these trends may reflect smarter, leaner early-stage building, they raise longer-term questions about job creation in the startup ecosystem—and whether fewer early hires could impact access to startup opportunities for non-founders.

QuickLaunch: Experienced Guidance for Startups and Investors

Our QuickLaunch program is tailored to entrepreneurs, startups and investors, providing guidance on growth and funding cycles and offering cost-effective counsel on day-to-day legal matters from formation to funding to exits. Our seasoned team helps navigate the confusing waters of growth, funding, expansion and those tricky legal issues that can arise, often at fixed or budgeted pricing by using our firmwide proprietary SmartPaTH™ tool. To learn more about our tailored, value-enhancing solutions, please visit our <a href="https://www.thquicklaunch.com/">site</a>.

New Ventures Update – May 2025

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