March.23.2012
A transactional team is representing a start-up social venture called SunFunder, a web-based platform for individuals to invest in solar energy projects. The concept is similar to other crowdfunding sites like Kiva, Lending Club, and Kickstarter, but with a focus on funding solar energy installations and applications, particularly in rural areas of developing countries where people lack access to electricity. The organization is in the early stages and has turned to Orrick to build hopefully a long-term relationship. The client’s focus is on launching a beta platform with pilot projects in mid 2012. There are several areas where SunFunder will require legal services in 2012, including: (a) establishing a legal entity; (b) international lending and foreign currency restrictions; (c) legal agreements such as terms of use and privacy policy; (d) securities regulations and consumer protection laws; and (e) solar project finance. The team consists of San Francisco senior general corporate associate Amanda Galton, San Francisco general corporate associate Daniel Lopez, San Francisco energy and infrastructure partner Tom Glascock, Washington, D.C. managing energy and infrastructure associate Chris Gladbach and Washington, D.C. managing structured finance associate Tonio DeSorrento.