Legal Counsel for Startups, Angel Investors + Technology-Driven Ventures
For more than 35 years, I’ve worked with entrepreneurs building technology-based businesses and angel and venture capital investors supporting those ventures. My practice focuses on the full lifecycle of early-stage companies—from business plan development to exit—providing legal guidance that’s practical, strategic, and aligned with growth.
I regularly assist clients with:
- Startup formation and entity selection
- Private and public fundraising, including crowdfunding
- Securities law compliance
- Employment and compensation agreements
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
As a startup and venture capital attorney based in Minnesota, I help founders and funders alike navigate the legal complexities of innovation and investment.
Community Leadership in the Startup + Investment Ecosystem
I founded AngelPolleNation (APN), a Twin Cities networking group focused on angel investing education and deal flow. Since 2011, APN has hosted more than 30 quarterly events and profiled over 90 companies. We also run Piranha Pool™, a live pitch event for investors held annually at the MinneBar tech conference.
I’m proud to serve on the advisory board of Gopher Angels, act as a high-tech division judge for the Minnesota Cup business plan competition, and mentor through Techstars Farm-to-Fork, gener8tor Minnesota, and the Great North Capital Fund. These roles keep me engaged in the venture ecosystem and allow me to support entrepreneurs beyond the legal side of their journey.
Supporting Education, Arts + Entrepreneurial Values
Outside of legal practice, I serve on the board of Venture Academies, a Gates Foundation award-winning charter school that uses blended learning and entrepreneurship-focused education to support students from diverse backgrounds. I also sit on the board of the Minnesota Jewish Theater Company, the only independent U.S. theater company dedicated to Jewish stories with universal appeal.
Outside the Office
I’m a longtime audiophile, a so-so piano player, and a proud collector of Billy Joel memorabilia—having attended over 120 Billy Joel concerts and counting.
Education
- University of Minnesota, J.D. 1983, magna cum laude
- University of Minnesota, B.A. 1980, summa cum laude
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota
Publications
- “Chapter 1: Business Formation & Entity Selection” in The Complete Business Lawyer Quick Answer Book, Minnesota CLE, co-authored with Kimberly Lowe, October 2021
- Feature, “Edina’s Philanthropic Spirit” – Edina Magazine, December 2013
- Feature, “Building Businesses Through the Crowd” – Finance & Commerce, July 19, 2013
- Feature, “Startups can Advertise for Capital, but Here’s a Catch” – Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, July 16, 2013
- Feature, “AngelPolleNation Takes Flight” – TECHdotMN: News about Minnesota Startups, May 7, 2013
- Feature, “Group Wants Strong Angel Network” – Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, August 5, 2011
Presentations + Appearances
- The Complete Business Lawyer Seminar, “Business Formation and Entity Selection,” Minnesota CLE, co-presented with Kimberly Lowe, 10/28/2021
- Angel Investing 101 in the Time of the Pandemic” – Austin Area Angels, June 2020
- “Preparing Your Startup for Success” – Kauffman Foundation FastTrac, November 2018
- “Preparing Your Startup for Investment” – Twin Cities Startup Week, October 2018
- “How to Finance Your Startup” – Gopher Angels event for Twin Cities Startup Week, October 2018
- “The Early Entrepreneur Catches the Funding: A Breakfast Seminar on Fundraising” — Minnesota Cup Semi-Finalists, August 2018
- Interview, “Minnesota Entrepreneurs Grow with Crowdfunding” – KSTP Eyewitness News
“Jeff shows up and really brings it. He’s a tireless champion and helper of startups and startup investors. There are few attorneys you’ll see working as busy behind the scenes to help foster a better startup ecosystem, but Jeff is at the top of the list.
Add to his hustle the fact that his network is unparalleled here in Minnesota and it means that he’s a guy you want on your team if you’re a startup. He’s your built-in advantage.” – Casey Allen, Founder, Enterprise Rising
“Jeff Robbins is the entrepreneurs attorney. He knows the rules, how to protect your company and understands what it takes to go through all the phases of business. From start-up to acquisition. He has the experience to help you navigate all the challenges you will face in your business and the skills to help you negotiate a fair deal. His high IQ, sharp wit, ability to make hard work fun and deep connections make him such a valuable member of your team. I could not imagine my business without Jeff and I have been very fortunate to have him as my lead attorney. I highly recommend working with Jeff in any capacity.” – Daren Klum, CEO, Secured2 Corporation
- Named a 2024 Top Lawyer in Minnesota by Minnesota Monthly magazine.
