M&A
Representation of software company in its acquisition by a major US technology company.
Attorney
Audrey K. Wessel
Private Equity & Venture Capital, Business Law, Intellectual Property, Data Privacy
- Indianapolis
- 317.777.7936
- audrey.wessel@gutweinlaw.com
About
Audrey Wessel advises startups, emerging growth companies, technology businesses, and middle-market companies throughout the business lifecycle — from formation and early-stage fundraising to scaling, strategic transactions, and exit. She serves as outside counsel to founders and leadership teams, helping them build and grow companies with a strong legal and operational foundation.
Audrey regularly represents startups and growth-stage companies in seed, Series Seed, Series A, Series B, and Series C financing rounds. She helps founders structure companies for investment, negotiate term sheets, complete SAFE and convertible note financings, implement equity incentive plans, and manage private securities offerings. She also advises clients on corporate governance, commercial contracts, and the day-to-day legal issues that arise as companies scale rapidly.
In addition to her startup and financing practice, Audrey advises software, SaaS, AI, and other technology-driven companies on a wide range of technology and commercial matters, including software licensing agreements, technology development and commercialization, intellectual property strategy, data licensing, online terms of service, and privacy policies. Drawing on her background in intellectual property, she helps clients protect and maximize the value of their proprietary technology and data assets.
Audrey also represents companies, founders, and investors in mergers and acquisitions involving technology companies and middle-market businesses. She advises clients through all stages of a transaction, including due diligence, negotiation, structuring, closing, and post-closing integration, with a focus on protecting business continuity and long-term value.
Audrey is passionate about working with entrepreneurs and innovative companies that are building new products and services. She believes startups and technology businesses play a critical role in driving economic growth and strengthening communities throughout Indiana and the Midwest.
Outside the office, Audrey enjoys biking, hiking, camping, reading, and discovering new music.
Education
- Indiana University Robert H McKinney School of Law – J.D., 2015
- Purdue University – B.S. Chemistry, 2012
Admissions
- Indiana
- Illinois
Areas of Focus
Successes
M&A
Representation of a SaaS platform company in its acquisition of a competitor, structuring a mixed cash and equity transaction with earnout and management incentive alignment.
Venture Capital
Representation of technology company in ~$50M Series B equity financing with top tier VC participation.
Venture Capital
Representation of an AI-enabled PropTech platform company in its ~$15M Series A financing led by institutional investors, including corporate conversion to a Delaware C-corp and implementation of an equity incentive plan.
Venture Capital
Representation of a FinTech company in its ~$75M Series C financing, including a negotiated secondary component providing liquidity to early stakeholders.
Venture Capital
Representation of a HR technology company in its seed financing and subsequent 7-figure acquisition by another venture-backed company.