Ben Straughan

Ben Straughan is a partner in the firm's Emerging Companies practice. He assists high-growth technology, venture-backed, and emerging and early-stage companies in industries that include digital media (with an emphasis on advertising, consumer and business to business (b2b) internet products), as well as media companies, software as a service (SaaS), clean technology/alternative energy companies, outsourcing and offshoring, and technology transfer and university spinouts. Ben advises companies in angel and venture capital and other finance transactions, board matters, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate and limited liability company formation and structuring.

Ben is a regular speaker on mergers and acquisitions, emerging companies and early-stage financings. He is the past Chair of the board of directors of the Northwest Entrepreneur Network (NWEN) and currently serves as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Business Section of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) as well as a member of the Business Section's Partnership/LLC Committee.

Prior to joining the firm, Ben was an associate at the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Washington, D.C. Prior to law school, he obtained his Washington State CPA license while working at an accounting firm.  Ben graduated from Georgetown University Law Center magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, and obtained his undergraduate degree in accounting at the University of Washington.

Professional Recognition

• Peer Review Rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell
  

  (AV®, BV® and CV® are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.)

Professional Leadership

• Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), Executive Committee of the Business Law Section, Chair-Elect, 2009 - 2010, Chair, 2009 Mid-Year Meeting; Secretary, 2007 - 2008
• WSBA, Partnership/LLC Law Committee of the Business Law Section, Member

Community Involvement

• Northwest Entrepreneur Network (NWEN), Chair of the Board, 2008 - present; Chair of the Board, 2008 - 2009; Co-Chair, Breakfast Committee 2009 - 2010, Co-Chair, Entrepreneur University Steering Committee, 2006
• The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) Seattle, Board of Advisors, 2006 - 2007

Related Employment

• Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Washington D.C., Associate, 1990 - 1992
• Martin/Grambush, Kirkland, WA, Staff Accountant, 1985 - 1986