Startups Need Legal Strategy from Day One: Flexlex

Q: What gaps in the Mexican market led to the creation of Flexlex? 

A: Co-founder Iván Szymanski felt that the legal world was too detached from the everyday entrepreneur. We merged his legal knowledge with my entrepreneurial experience to launch Flexlex. Our mission is to legally protect growing businesses in Mexico, as startups, small businesses, and even scaling companies often overlook legal structure. We also want to shift the mindset because lawyers should not just show up when there is a lawsuit. Legal strategy should be part of a business plan from day one, whether the business is raising capital, starting a partnership, or simply growing sustainably.

Q: How does Flexlex contribute to the formalization of businesses, and what role do legal advisors play in strengthening the rule of law and institutional trust in Mexico? 

A: Many entrepreneurs in Mexico operate informally or only partially formalize their businesses as they grow. Flexlex shows them the risks they face, like losing everything they have built due to a legal dispute or lack of proper structure. We guide them in protecting their assets through proper legal tools: solid contracts, formal business structures, and clear shareholder agreements. This is especially critical when they are seeking investment or entering partnerships.

We offer our services at about 30% of what a traditional firm would charge, without compromising on quality. Our goal is to make top-tier legal strategy more accessible and to help entrepreneurs understand that legal planning is essential, not optional, for sustainable growth and long-term security. That is how we contribute to formalization and institutional trust in the ecosystem.

Q: How does Flexlex position itself as a strategic partner for startups? 

A: At first, like many startups, we tried digital advertising through TikTok and social media campaigns, but it was not always effective in reaching the right audience. We shifted to building strategic partnerships with chambers of commerce, investors, and venture funds that work closely with early-stage entrepreneurs. These partners help us connect with founders who are ready to formalize and scale their businesses. Through these alliances, we run workshops where we explain the legal essentials of growing a company, answer questions, and help entrepreneurs realize how the right structure can protect and boost their growth. We avoid sales pitches; instead, we focus on education and real value.

Q: What do startups and early-stage companies most commonly seek from Flexlex?

A: Unfortunately, many come to us only when there is already a problem, such as poorly drafted contracts, labor disputes, unregistered intellectual property, or structural issues when facing investment. Some are still operating as individuals instead of legal entities, even while negotiating funding. Others deal with co-founder conflicts or exits. We work closely with investment funds and business chambers to reach entrepreneurs earlier, when they are still forming their foundations. It is much easier to guide them before issues arise.

Q: How should startups approach the legal side of launching and growing their business?

A: The ideal moment is early, when the idea starts taking shape. Often, startups reach out late, after delays, changes in partners, or even losing investment. Early legal guidance helps define roles, equity, and decision-making clearly from the start, avoiding future conflicts.

For example, one of our clients came to us with a basic idea and a set group of partners. Over time, new partners joined, contributions changed, and we helped structure those investments fairly. Even small things like reviewing a lease can make a big difference. We once found a clause that would have banned them from advertising in their own space. These are critical issues that proper legal support can catch before they become serious problems.

Q: What common legal pain points or regulatory complexities have shaped your Legal Tailor Made approach? 

A: Our Legal Tailor Made approach is built by understanding each client’s goals and designing legal solutions around them. For example, restaurants often start informally. As the business grows, issues arise: unclear ownership, partner exits, or even regulatory risks tied to permits, alcohol licenses, or extortion threats. We help professionalize these structures. We have also supported family businesses passing to second or third generations, where legal clarity is key, allowing businesses to set clear roles, governance, and inheritance plans to avoid internal conflicts.

In tech, we have worked with everything from dating apps to influencers. Many lack basic protections like IP rights or personal brand registration. One influencer with millions of followers did not even have her name trademarked. In these cases, we not only draft contracts but also secure their brand and digital identity.

Ultimately, we adapt to each case, whether it is someone expanding a franchise or an influencer closing deals. That flexibility is our strength.

Q: How is your work redefining the traditional law firm model?

A: Our approach breaks away from the traditional, distant lawyer image. We maintain professionalism but make ourselves much more approachable and clear. We explain complex legal issues in simple terms so clients understand how laws affect their business. We use social media like TikTok and Instagram to share practical, easy-to-understand legal updates, not just for specialists but for everyone. We want people to see lawyers as trusted allies, not as intimidating or unreachable figures.

We also challenge the idea that lawyers only appear when there is a serious problem. We get involved early and actively protect clients, especially when we spot risks like fraud. For example, we recently helped a startup avoid signing with a fake company. We remove formal barriers to build trust and have honest, straightforward conversations without losing professionalism. Our goal is for clients to see us as partners focused on protecting and growing their projects, not just billing hours.

Q: What daily challenges do you face, especially given the lack of a clear legal framework?

A: One big challenge is that many clients think their “family lawyer” or ChatGPT can solve all their problems, so they come unprepared or just want a quick review. But legal issues require expert advice, as corporate law is not the same as other fields. ChatGPT often generates contracts that are legally inaccurate or irrelevant to local laws, causing real risks.

Another challenge is educating clients on the true value of good legal advice. Many see lawyers as an unnecessary expense rather than a preventive investment. Contracts only matter when something goes wrong, but clients often neglect essential terms, which leads to costly disputes later. Compliance is also poorly understood in Mexico. Many companies, even small or family-run, lack policies against money laundering, extortion, or harassment, which exposes them to huge risks. For example, logistics companies often face drug trafficking or extortion threats, but without clear anti-corruption or risk policies, owners and workers become vulnerable.

Clients tend to distrust lawyers, fearing that insisting on contracts or rules implies distrust between business partners. But setting clear terms protects everyone. At Flexlex, we emphasize passion and commitment. Each case is handled with genuine care, regardless of size. Our goal is to help clients grow so much that eventually they might outgrow us and need even more specialized firms, but that trust remains.

Q: How is Flexlex making a social impact and supporting vulnerable communities?

A: One major milestone was joining New Ventures, where we shifted focus and connected with a large global nonprofit. Through that alliance, we started collaborating on workshops for vulnerable rural communities in Veracruz and Puebla, especially with women. These programs help them legally formalize their businesses. We also support companies on business planning, growth strategies, and family succession plans, covering sectors like fruit, honey, textiles.

These communities are often ignored in cities, but they deserve access to good legal advice and growth opportunities. We are also exploring programs inside prisons, focusing on education and business vision. While we would love to get paid clients from this work, the main goal is to provide support and training regardless.

Q: What are Flexlex’s main priorities and strategic objectives for the rest of 2025? 

A: Considering Mexico’s recent regulatory changes, our main priority is helping businesses understand and navigate the legal landscape. Mexico remains attractive for investment, and Mexican entrepreneurs need solid legal frameworks to protect and grow their companies.

We will focus on building strong partnerships, raising awareness of our work, and supporting our clients to scale successfully. This is a critical moment for companies, especially family businesses and startups, to get their legal and financial structures in order. For example, startups must carefully consider currency risks when seeking loans, as exchange rate fluctuations can create serious liabilities.

Although the environment is unstable, these changes force businesses to improve and be more competitive. It is no longer enough to rely on informal advice< businesses need specialized legal support.

Flexlex is a legal firm in Mexico that offers tailor-made legal solutions for startups, SMEs, and established businesses. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and client-centric service, it specializes in corporate law, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, labor and tax strategy, and dispute resolution.