SWNOVELXO Chapter 45: Formalizing the Company
"Honestly, I've been brainstorming, but nothing's stuck yet. It needs to be something that reflects what we do—security, innovation, scalability. Something memorable."
Leo chuckled. "Well, we're all about keeping things secure and ahead of threats. How about 'Fortress Solutions'?"
Matthew tilted his head. "Not bad, but I feel like 'Fortress' gives off a static vibe. We're more dynamic than that. The whole point is adaptability."
Saimon grinned. "Okay, Mr. Dynamic. How about 'Sentinel Systems'? You know, like a watchful guard that never sleeps."
Matthew's eyes lit up for a moment. "Sentinel Systems… I actually like that. It gives the impression of constant vigilance and protection. But we need to make sure no one else has trademarked it."
Leo pulled out his phone and quickly searched. "Looks like there are some companies with similar names, but none are in cybersecurity. We could register it, though we'd need a lawyer to verify."
"Alright, let's shortlist it," Matthew said, adding it to his notes. "We'll still brainstorm a few other options, but this feels right for now."
Saimon shrugged. "Fine by me. Sentinel Systems has a nice ring to it. What's next on the agenda?"
Matthew leaned back. "First, we secure the name and register the business. We'll need to file for an official business license, register with the tax bureau, and apply for permits. I'll reach out to a corporate lawyer to walk us through the whole process. After that, we can open a business account and start working on our hiring strategy."
"Do you have any lawyers in mind?" Leo asked.
"Not yet. But we can search for one right? That's why the internet exists."
"Exactly," Matthew agreed. "We'll check out reviews, maybe reach out to some startup communities to see if anyone has recommendations for corporate lawyers. Ideally, we need someone who specializes in tech and IP law."
Saimon nodded. "Yeah, makes sense. We don't want to rush and end up with some guy who's never handled a tech startup before."
"Agreed," Matthew said. "We'll also need an accountant to handle the financial side—tax filings, payroll, and all that. I don't want to be blindsided by compliance issues later on."
Leo smirked. "Man, it sounds like we're building a mini-empire here. Lawyers, accountants, employees... pretty soon we're going to need an HR department."
"One step at a time," Matthew said with a grin. "For now, let's focus on the essentials. Once we get the business registration going, we can apply for funding options. Even though the Facebook deal covers a lot, we'll need capital to expand, hire, and cover any unexpected costs."
Saimon sighed dramatically. "Paperwork, legal red tape, financial planning... Man, when I signed up for this, I thought I'd just be doing cool tech stuff, not corporate management."
"Welcome to the real world," Matthew joked. "But this is what separates a successful company from just a good idea. We have the tech, but now we need to build the infrastructure around it."
Leo leaned forward. "So, game plan. You handle finding a lawyer. I'll research banks for corporate accounts, and Saimon, you find our accountant."
"Yep," Saimon confirmed. "I'll also brainstorm a few more names, just in case something better comes to mind. But for now, 'Sentinel Systems' is looking like a solid choice."
Matthew tapped his pen on the table. "Good. Let's regroup tomorrow evening and see where we stand. We've got momentum right now, and I don't want to lose it."
Saimon and Leo both gave him a thumbs-up. "You got it," Leo said.
As the team dispersed to tackle their individual tasks, Matthew took a moment to breathe. They were no longer just three guys with a dream. They were on the brink of establishing a legitimate tech business.
The next day, the three reconvened in the office to discuss their progress. Each had spent hours researching potential candidates for their respective tasks, and now it was time to share what they had found.
"Alright, let's start with lawyers," Matthew said, opening his laptop. "I shortlisted three firms that specialize in tech startups and intellectual property law."
He projected the list on the screen:
[Martinez & Cruz Legal Solutions
Specializes in tech, startups, and intellectual property
Known for guiding several fintech and AI companies in Southeast Asia]
[Innovate Legal Partners
Offers end-to-end corporate services, including business registration and IP protection
High ratings for responsiveness and expertise with venture-backed startups]
[Torres & Tan Corporate Law
Experienced with global tech firms expanding in the Asia-Pacific region
Strong emphasis on data privacy and cybersecurity compliance]
"I'm leaning toward Martinez & Cruz," Matthew explained. "They've worked with startups like ours and have good experience with both local and international clients."
Leo nodded. "Sounds solid. Plus, if they've handled similar cases before, they'll know the loopholes to avoid."
"Exactly. I'll set up an initial consultation with them," Matthew said, adding it to his to-do list. "Alright, Leo, what about the banks?"
Leo flipped through his notes. "I checked out four banks that offer business accounts tailored for startups. Two of them stand out:
[MetroBank Corporate – They have a great reputation for tech companies and offer special startup loan programs.]
[BPI Business Plus – Focuses on high-growth businesses, and they have lower transaction fees for international transfers.]
Leo continued, "Both offer integration with accounting software, which could help us track payments from clients like Facebook. I think we should go with BPI since their international transaction system is more seamless."
"Good work, Leo," Matthew said. "Let's move forward with BPI."
Saimon leaned forward, yawning. "Alright, accountant time. I found a few candidates. The top pick is Delgado Accounting & Associates. They specialize in corporate tax filings, payroll, and compliance for tech firms. Their reviews say they're fast and reliable."
"Perfect," Matthew replied. "We'll need them to help with tax registration and payroll for when we start hiring."
Saimon grinned. "Man, I can't believe we're actually getting all this stuff in place. We're becoming legit."
Matthew nodded. "Yeah, it's a lot of moving pieces, but this is what needs to be done. Let's finalize meetings with everyone. We'll secure the name 'Sentinel Systems,' register the business, and start rolling."
Leo clapped his hands together. "Step by step, baby! We've got this."
Saimon chuckled. "Can't wait to tell people we're the founders of Sentinel Systems—sounds badass, doesn't it?"
"It does," Matthew admitted with a grin. "But let's earn that reputation first. We've got a long road ahead."