Checklist: The 10 Templates Every Early-Stage Startup Should Have
Launching a startup involves much more than a great idea. To protect your business, manage operations effectively, and position yourself for growth and investment, legal and business documentation is essential. This checklist outlines the ten must-have templates every early-stage startup should have from day one.
These documents are foundational, legally protective, and critical for maintaining compliance and professionalism.
1. Founders' Agreement
A Founders' Agreement establishes the roles, responsibilities, equity ownership, and decision-making powers among co-founders. It helps mitigate future disputes and ensures alignment from the outset.
Key Provisions:
Equity split and vesting schedule
Roles and responsibilities
Intellectual property assignment
Dispute resolution
2. Operating Agreement (or Bylaws for Corporations)
Your Operating Agreement (for LLCs) or Corporate Bylaws (for C-Corps or S-Corps) defines how your company is governed. This is crucial for both internal governance and external legal compliance.
Why It Matters:
Required for opening bank accounts
Clarifies management and voting rights
Supports fundraising credibility
3. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
NDAs are essential to protect sensitive business information when communicating with employees, contractors, or investors.
Use Cases:
Pitching to investors
Interviewing potential hires
Partnering with service providers
4. Employment Offer Letter and Independent Contractor Agreement
As your team grows, you'll need to onboard both employees and independent contractors. Use:
Employment Offer Letters to define job roles, compensation, and benefits
Independent Contractor Agreements to clarify deliverables and terms for 1099 workers
5. Intellectual Property (IP) Assignment Agreement
Ensure that all IP created by employees, founders, or contractors belongs to the company—not the individual. An IP Assignment Agreement legally transfers ownership of inventions, designs, code, or branding assets.
6. Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement (CIIAA)
The CIIAA is a companion to employment agreements and ensures all work product and inventions created during employment are the property of the company.
Benefits:
Reinforces confidentiality obligations
Establishes clear IP rights
7. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
If your startup operates online, you must have:
Terms of Service (ToS) to govern how users interact with your product or service
Privacy Policy to disclose how user data is collected, stored, and used in compliance with laws like GDPR and CCPA
8. Capitalization Table (Cap Table)
A Cap Table is a structured spreadsheet that tracks ownership stakes, option pools, and convertible instruments. It is essential for fundraising, equity management, and strategic planning.
9. Investment Term Sheet Template
When entering fundraising discussions, having a basic Term Sheet Template will help you understand and negotiate investment terms.
Key Terms:
Valuation
Liquidation preference
Voting rights
Anti-dilution clauses
10. Board Consent and Resolutions Template
Once your startup has a formal board of directors, you’ll need a template for Board Consents and Resolutions to record key decisions such as hiring executives, issuing stock, or entering major contracts.
Equip Your Startup with Legal Essentials
Early-stage startups often move fast, but without the right legal infrastructure, founders risk costly disputes, delays in funding, and compliance penalties. Having these 10 templates not only helps mitigate those risks but also positions your company for scalable success.
Need help drafting or customizing any of these documents for your startup? Call our experienced legal team today at 786.461.1617 to schedule a consultation and ensure your startup is legally sound from day one.