Asterops

  • Why I Chose to Own

    Why I Chose to Own

    After a decade of renting in New York City, my wife and I decided to move to New England, where we found our dream home. We saved diligently for a down payment and sought opportunities in more affordable areas. Our decision to buy was driven by family planning, financial sensibility, independence, and the desire for…

  • Ikigai: An Introduction

    Ikigai: An Introduction

    The concept of “Ikigai,” originating from Japan, emphasizes finding a reason for being by aligning passions, talents, and values with the needs of the world. This results in a fulfilling and energized life’s work. The pillars of Ikigai involve what you love, what the world needs, what you are good at, and what you can…

  • Startup Closure: Understanding Assignment for Benefit of Creditors (ABC)

    Startup Closure: Understanding Assignment for Benefit of Creditors (ABC)

    Many startups don’t succeed, and it’s crucial to plan for closure. An Assignment for Benefit of Creditors (ABC) is an alternative to bankruptcy, involving transferring assets to a neutral party for liquidation and creditor payment. It’s beneficial for startups with valuable assets and offers more control than bankruptcy. Helpful resources are available for guidance.

  • Advisory Shares

    Advisory Shares

    As a new founder, connecting with experienced individuals is crucial for success, including investors, key hires, mentors, and advisors. Advisors offer technical expertise, insights, and connections to support the company’s growth. They typically receive compensation in the form of equity, which vests over 2-3 years. Deciding on the equity percentage can be challenging, but Carta…

  • Mentorship in the Workplace

    Mentorship in the Workplace

    In our previous post, we discussed mentors in our personal life – next, let’s talk about mentors in our work lives. Since college, I have been lucky to have a mentor by my side. They have been a steady source of guidance and support, through triumphs and rock bottom. Even now, years later, we stay…

  • What should I use to Incorporate my Business?

    So, you have decided the structure in which you want to incorporate your business, but now how do you do it‽?? Incorporation of a business usually requires state government paperwork. Thankfully, there are some companies that help streamline the process for you. You pay them a nominal fee to make sure you don’t f&*% anything…

  • HSA Pt. 2 – Know your options & how to optimize

    Missed Part 1 on HSAs? Check it out here on Substack. You’ve opened your HSA, funded it, and are ready to manage those medical bills. Now comes the question – how to optimize your HSA for maximum benefit. Let’s dive into contribution limits, saving strategies, investment options, and explore similar accounts like FSAs and HRAs. Contribution Limits: How Much Can…

  • How should I Incorporate my Business?

    Are you looking to start a business? Do you know how you legally want to structure your business? There are three main categories that identify how you should decide to structure your business: number of owners, who’s liable, and who pays taxes. See a breakdown below of the different types of business structures possible for…

  • Sales Tax & Rainy Day Funds

    Startup Ops Tip #1 | Sales tax, don’t wait until it’s too late. The cost of doing business includes sales taxes. It’s not the most exciting part of startups & small businesses, but it’s crucial. Most SaaS products & tangible goods will be taxed on the state level. Research each state’s sales tax requirements and consult…