In a challenging fundraising environment, a seed investor can provide an emerging manager with capital and expertise – and a potential seal of approval – that makes the manager more attractive to other potential investors. Seed investments come with substantial strings attached, however, as seeders want protections from potential misconduct by sponsors, along with economic concessions that come with backing comparatively unproven sponsors. A K&L Gates program examined the current seeding landscape, including the challenges facing emerging managers; common seed deal economics; the key protective rights that seeders seek, including consent rights, GP removal and key person terms; and associated negotiating concerns. The program featured K&L Gates parter Edward Dartley and Chrissie Chen Pariso, managing partner at MPowered Capital. This article distills their insights. See “Seed Deal Study Finds Maturing Market” (Oct. 15, 2026); and “Trends and Key Drivers in PE and Private Credit Seeding Transactions” (Jul. 11, 2024).