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Stuart Connolly

Stuart Connolly

Co-Founder & CEO, Open Forest

Stuart Connolly is a corporate barrister in Ireland and the UK since 2012. He spent over a decade at Ireland’s top law firms including Arthur Cox & William Fry.

Articles by Stuart Connolly

12 articles

START A BUSINESSMay 27, 2026 — 6 min readSide Letters: Key Terms, Risks and Negotiation Tips for Irish FoundersLearn what investor side letters are, the terms they typically cover, risks for founders and how Irish startups can negotiate them without complications in future rounds.Read more

START A BUSINESSMay 22, 2026 — 6 min readEquity Crowdfunding Ireland: Legal Framework GuideUnderstand equity crowdfunding in Ireland under the EU Crowdfunding Regulation. Covers platform authorisation, KIIS requirements, investor protections, and how Irish startups can run compliant campaigns.Read more

START A BUSINESSMay 15, 2026 — 7 min readPro Rata Rights in Ireland: Guide for Startup FoundersSigning a seed or Series A term sheet in Ireland? Understand pro rata rights, the carve-outs to negotiate & how they shape your next fundraise.Read more

START A BUSINESSApr 26, 2026 — 5 min readIreland Due Diligence Checklist: Founder's GuideDon't let due diligence stall your raise. The Irish founder's checklist for seed & Series A, CRO, cap table, IP & a data room that closes deals faster.Read more

START A BUSINESSApr 19, 2026 — 4 min readFirst Funding Round Prep Guide for UK StartupsGet investor-ready before you pitch. The UK startup guide to share structure, cap table management, legal agreements & using SEIS/EIS to attract funding.Read more

START A BUSINESSApr 16, 2026 — 4 min readCompany Officers Duties: UK Legal GuideRunning a UK limited company? Know the seven directors' duties under the Companies Act 2006, plus the filings and how to avoid fines or disqualification.Read more

START A BUSINESSApr 15, 2026 — 7 min readDown Rounds: Legal & Structural Implications for Irish StartupsA down round raises money at a lower valuation, and the terms can bite. See how anti-dilution, founder dilution and pay-to-play work, plus ways to soften it.Read more

START A BUSINESSApr 14, 2026 — 10 min readPreference Shares: Types, Rights for Irish StartupsPreference shares decide who gets paid first on exit. Understand liquidation preferences, dividend priority and anti-dilution before you give them away.Read more

START A BUSINESSApr 13, 2026 — 5 min readShare Warrants: Irish Startup Fundraising GuideShare warrants give the right to buy shares later, often as a venture-debt sweetener. See how they work in Irish deals and the terms worth negotiating.Read more

START A BUSINESSApr 12, 2026 — 10 min readCap Table Management: Legal Guide for Irish FoundersKeep your Irish startup's cap table clean. How to build a fully diluted table, track options, stay Companies Act compliant, and be ready to raise.Read more

START A BUSINESSApr 10, 2026 — 4 min readUK Limited Company Registration: 5-Step GuideSet up a UK limited company online in about 10 minutes, no visit needed. A five-step guide covering the name, officers, the £100 fee and ID checks.Read more

START A BUSINESSApr 10, 2026 — 11 min readSubscription Agreement: Essentials for Irish FoundersRaising a round in Ireland? Know your subscription agreement before signing: shares, warranties, conditions, and the disclosure mistakes that cost founders.Read more