Todd Taylor
Attorney At Law
ttaylor@avisenlegal.com
612-325-5036
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“I love helping people solve problems and get through complex transactions with minimal stress.”
Bar Admissions
- New York, 2022
- Minnesota, 1998
I am a Minneapolis-based business attorney and have worked in every Midwest state on ethanol, biodiesel, solar, and RNG energy projects. I have also worked with many agriculture-related companies, including large dairies and cattle operations that have installed or examined RNG and AD for compressed natural gas (CNG) for dual-use trucks, solar for shade and even a large cattle feedlot in North Dakota that airlifted cattle to Ukraine. I focus almost exclusively on renewable energy and sustainability companies and projects.
I have worked on biomass-based energy projects for over 25 years, including a wide variety of ethanol, biogas, SAF and hydrogen-based projects. I work closely with my clients to ensure all aspects of a successful project development are in place, including technology licensing, feedstock and input agreements, offtake agreements, engineering, and construction agreements, as well as equity and debt financing. I am currently working on multiple hydrogen projects throughout the U.S., including renewable diesel in the Southeast, methanol production in the Midwest, hydrogen fuel cell projects in the Midwest, a SAF hydrogen project in California, and others.
I work with impact companies and the investors that fund them. Developers, technology companies, private equity, venture capital and infrastructure funds hire me to help with developing and financing sustainable and impact projects, including renewable and conventional energy projects, clean tech, agriculture tech and food tech companies and infrastructure projects. I get hired because I get results.
I also work with entrepreneurs and technology focused companies to start up, create their companies, hire employees, raise angel, venture, crowdfunding and other financing, grow their businesses, buy other companies and sell their business when the time is right.
As a co-founder of a boutique law firm, I work with passion and genuine interest in my clients.
My favorite book is “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.” I was born in Canada and lived in Brussels, Belgium for four years learning to like mayonnaise on French fries. I love Chess (both the game and the musical). I believe expertise combined with passion is the best way to serve my clients.
Business and Commercial Law
Client’s Issue: Two owners wanted to leave the existing business.
My Approach: They needed help setting up a new business and navigating non-competes, then developing their contracts moving forward
Result: Smooth transition; helped them navigate and negotiate with former employer to smoothly transition out of the company
Type of Client: Sustainable Aquaculture
Client’s Issue: Newer business that needed all legal infrastructure put in place
My Approach: I handled the creation of their entity; essentially helped birth the company. I assisted with fundraising, negotiated and drafted all commercial agreements, construction contracts, engineering agreements, supply agreements, offtake agreements
Result: Raised over $50 million; built large scale facility; currently working on large scale project development and financing
Type of Client: Smart Building Solution Company
Client’s Issue: Needed additional capital to grow and general corporate legal support
My Approach: Helped with $18M Series A venture financing, worked with them on strategic licensing matters, employment issues; managing heavy hitter investors, dealt with lawyers from the venture financing firms
Result: Expanding and growing, entering new markets, attracting new customers, adding employees, increasing revenue by Bill Gates-backed fund and the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative
Type of Client: Public Company
Client’s Issue: Publicly traded company needed to create public offerings, handled Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE) transactions, and the use of convertible notes
My Approach: Because of my knowledge of the complexities of public company IPOs and other capital raising ventures, I overlaid my knowledge of heavily regulated public companies and the entities that govern such transactions
Result: Assisted in over a dozen financings during the relationship
Entrepreneurial
Client’s Issue: I was referred by the investor to help two young guys who wanted to start a medical device company. I helped them raise money to get funded, and through Fatigue Damage Spectrum (FDS)-level testing
My Approach: We worked with them to do their series A financing round, assisted on all employment contracts and all financing transactions
Result: Closed on financing and getting closer to commercialization
Type of Client: Vertical Indoor Farm Aeroponics
Client’s Issue: Needed to raise funds for growth
My Approach: I helped them with their series A round of venture capital financing, cleaned up corporate structure, advised board on a variety of areas related to growth; helped restructure management committee and structure the business for future growth
Result: Helped them move from an early stage company to nationwide distribution of their product
Impact Counsel
Client’s Issue: My client needed securities counsel to help him set up company and do seed rounds of investment
My Approach: I served as outside general counsel related to growth, busing lease, option plans, key employee agreements, critical licensing agreements, negotiation and drafting, and all series A financing rounds
Result: They went from start-up to having had one of the largest venture rounds in 2019, one of the largest series A focused on an impact sustainability company; they have grown significantly in customers and revenue
Type of Client: Waste to Energy Company on The East Coast
Client’s Issue: I worked with this company during its early stage development that required an impact counsel approach
My Approach: I helped them with key agreements including- EPC contracts, licensing contracts, feed stock and bio tech off-take agreements, ITC (Investment Tax Credit) and qualified opportunity zone financing, infrastructure financing, Q0z investors, senior debt with one state-side sustainability lender and one European lender. Dealt with complicated tax structures
Result: Helped them move from a dream to a financially successful company
Type of Client: Aquaculture
Client’s Issue: Needed to create a company out of a great idea
My Approach: I helped the client create the company, did all seed financing, all of their second stage equity financing, project financing, technology licenses, public financing, equity, bank debt, bonds, and employment work; also serve as outside general counsel for this company
Result: A successful large-scale pilot facility that is fully operational – test facility was $10 million to build, and helped raise half billion dollars for the full-scale manufacturing facility
Type of Client: Biorefinery
Client’s Issue: Two developers were looking to build an advanced biofuel refinery
My Approach: Helped with seed round funding, infrastructure fund investment, project finance to build facility including debt, equity, green bonds; served as overall project counsel
Result: More successful biofuel companies in 2020
Mergers and Acquisitions
Client’s Issue: Client was approached by a strategic equity firm (Platinum) to acquire them as part of a roll out strategy. This company would fit with others they had acquired. Family-owned business who had never been through anything like this before.
My Approach: I served as counsel to the business, as well as helping family members with their personal issues surrounding the business
Result: Helped them sell to a private equity firm and get a purchase price significantly above the first offer. Navigated not just the business but the family members with a minimal amount of stress for everyone involved
Opportunity Zones
Client’s Issue: Client needed investors and tax advice to pursue qualified opportunity zone tax benefits
My Approach: We worked with a company and two separate investors and potential investors to analyze the tax structure for qualified Opportunity Zone investments; Negotiated and finalized two separate investments. Worked with one of the Big 4 accounting firms on tax and corporate structure to maximize tax benefits
Result: Able to close the Opportunity Zone financing; project is up and running
Type of Client: Sustainable Manufacturing Company
Client’s Issue: Desire to develop a project in a qualified Opportunity Zone
My Approach: Structuring the deal and found the right investors
Result: Expected completion in 2021
Outside General Counsel
Client’s Issue: Was not ready to hire a full-time general counsel but needed the services a general counsel would deliver
My Approach: I serve as the company’s outside general counsel, handling all aspects of his business including contracts, fundraising, employment law, and anything that arises in the standard operation of his business
Result: Client is thrilled to have an outside general counsel that is a fraction of the cost of a full time, in house general counsel
Type of Client: Aquaculture
Client’s Issue: Required the ongoing services of a lawyer, and wanted one person to operate as his outside general counsel managing all legal aspects of his company
My Approach: I conducted a legal audit and developed an action plan to help the client manage the most critical issues; I serve on the client’s management team and am his “first call for help” when any business or legal issue arises
Result: Happy client who enjoys the evolving role I play in his business by serving as his outside general counsel
“Todd answers his own phone, responds quickly, is efficient and most importantly, gets my deals done.” – New York City Private Equity firm partner
“We are a start-up company and Todd has guided us masterfully through the process of raising capital. Carefully explaining the do and don’ts, he is a valued member of the tru Shrimp team and a real pleasure to work with through this exciting process.” – Michael B. Ziebell, President & CEO, The tru Shrimp Company
“Todd Taylor has been our corporate counsel since we were a start-up. He has been invaluable to us as our business has grown in helping us think about the key issues and risks in all of our transactions. Todd is not just our lawyer, but a trusted advisor.” – Keshav Rajpal, Principal, Biomass Solutions
“Todd Taylor is truly one of the most talented attorneys I have ever worked with. Not only does he know the law forward and backwards, he is appropriately aggressive, gets to know his customer well, and he negotiates brilliantly. I’d have him on my team anytime!” – JD Harris, CEO, Ascent Solutions
“We had a very difficult corporate governance issue, and Avisen was very helpful in getting it resolved and then writing up the documentation. Great work!” – Al Matthys, CFO, Stock and Barrel
“Since 2008, I have experienced Todd’s advice helping me avoid conflict and litigation. His solutions and expertise are invaluable. Todd does an excellent job advising businesses. He partners with his clients and works with all the partners to close any transaction.” – Olaf Lee, President, Prototype Garage
“Many technical people focused as they are on technology development and deployment tend to consider lawyers a necessary evil. Todd takes the evil out of that necessity. This tongue- in-cheek description is meant to reflect that I actually look forward to my discussions with him and that he takes his roles as an enabler for entrepreneurs very seriously. His understanding of complex legal issues especially as they relate to corporate structure and business development is superb and because of that manages to explain the most intricate situation in a simple, no nonsense, this-is-what-really-matters, way that allows any person with scant legal training to understand the implication of what is being done and articulate appropriate business approaches. Also, he is sincerely passionate about technology which – while as a technologist I could consider a positive tract in itself – provides him an edge in supporting the all-important efforts that straddle technology and business development.” – Lucca Zullo, Principal Consultant, VerdeNero, LLC
“It has been a pleasure to work with Todd over the past several years. Few lawyers are willing to work in a new industry that sacrifices today for tomorrow but Todd takes a big picture / long term view. A great asset.” – James Drage, Entrepreneur, Investor, and Coach
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Todd on a number of high-profile events that I have organized and he has been a speaker at. Todd is incredibly knowledgeable on all things biofuels and bio-based chemicals related, as well as being genuinely passionate about it and very personable. A linchpin of the industry.” – Claire Poole, Founder and CEO, Sport Positive Summit
“It takes people who know how to collaborate and connect the dots to create successful projects, and in my experience Todd’s willingness to go the extra mile for his clients and get them connected to the right people is very effective.” – Kenneth Brown, Transformation Key, LLC
“Todd’s expertise in and passion for biomass as fuels, chemicals, and power is unsurpassed. I have found his ability to anticipate the future, provide leadership, and communicate insights in these areas to be invaluable. As a thought-leader, Todd also possesses the knowledge, drive, and concern necessary to enable you and your organization to realize your business objectives.” – Gregg Mast, President & CEO, Earthtech Energy
“Todd’s knowledge of and passion for the alternative energy industry is outstanding. He brings that energy and commitment to his work for clients.” – Clare Scott, Chief Marketing Officer, Ryan Companies US, Inc.
“Todd is the best biofuels lawyer that I know. He knows the industry inside and out. His legal skills are superb. He is a really nice guy. I recommend him and his work without hesitation.” – Richard Weiner, Attorney, Fredrikson & Byron
“I consider Todd to be an Executive’s Best Partner. It has been my pleasure to have engaged Todd with two different organizations. Todd is well versed in many areas of Law but by far his most amazing attribute is he quickly understands your business and clearly Communicates the issues, implications and potential solutions. He has handled many different issues for me including General Corporate Issues, Strategic Planning, Bridge Financing, SEC Work and Initial Stock Offerings.
As much as dealing with Attorneys can be painful, Todd is easy to work with and will bring real value to your organization. I always look forward to working with Todd and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.” – Cletis Hoffer, Vice President Payment Services at YA
“Todd has proven himself to be more than our Attorney, but truly Counsel to the company. His in-depth knowledge of the Renewable Energy arena and connections throughout the industry have helped us build a strong and stable company. He is a pleasure to work with, learn from, and bounce ideas off when we think we have the next big thing.” – Scott Hughes, Senior Operations, Strategy, and Project Management Leader
“When I founded a corporate instant messaging startup Todd handled my incorporation. His contribution went far beyond just legal services, he was truly an advisor and provided invaluable advice in the areas of corporate structure, and venture finance. Todd also provided access to his network of contacts in the venture community, which is deep, and was a truly valuable contribution to my company. Todd Taylor is an excellent attorney and I whole-heartedly recommend him as a counselor to any new business ventures.” – Abraham Nemitz, Director Sales Engineering, Uniti
- Mitchell Hamline Law School, 1998
- University of St. Thomas, Bachelor of Arts, 1992
- University Enterprise Laboratories, Chair of the Board of Directors, 2015 – 2017
- Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, co-founder, 2007-2010
- Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum, Director, 2019-2020
- Minnesota Cup, Clean Technology Division, sponsor and judge, 2009-2012
- Minnesota Department of Commerce, Uniform Securities Act Taskforce
- The Keys to Successfully Deploying SAF Production in Corn Country, Moderator, 2023 North American SAF Conference and Expo
- Eyeing the Potential for Ethanol as a Precursor to SAF Production, Moderator, 2023 North American SAF Conference and Expo
- “Is there a bio-digester in your future?” Around Farm Progress Podcast, 12/9/22
- Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable, The Renewable Gas Market & Incentives and Policies, 12/1/2022
- The Cow Jumped over the Digester – Getting a Dairy RNG Project Financed, 3/15/2022
- Food Waste RNG Project Development, 3/15/2022
- International Biomass Conference and Expo 2021, Financing a Biogas Project: Money Comes Last, 03/16/2021
- International Biomass Conference 2019, Angels, Venture and Strategics: How to 03/19/2019
- Minnesota Real Estate Journal, Real Estate Opportunity Zones Summit, 12/11/2018
- Minnesota Continuing Legal Education: Funding the Business, 01/09/2018
- Lessons Learned: Crowdfunding in Minnesota, 12/04/2017
- Minnesota Start-Up Darwin Lessons, 10/13/2017
Interview, Minnesota Lawyer, Breaking the Ice: Father’s advice guides approach to business law, 12/24/2019
- American Bar Association, Business Law Section – Infrastructure, Energy, Corporate, Finance and Securities law committees
- American Biogas Council
- AURI Biogas Working Group, Member
- AURI Green Hydrogen Working Group, Member
- Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota, Member
- Boundless Impact, Member
- Great Plains Institute, Member
- Hennepin County Bar Association, Member
- Minnesota Solar Energy Association, Member
- Minnesota Biofuels Association, Member
- Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum, Member
- Minnesota State Bar Association, Member
- Renewable Fuels Association, Past Member
- Minnesota High Technology Association, Past Member
- Algae Biomass Association, Past Board Member
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