About This Document
This Founders Agreement sets the foundation for a partnership between individuals launching a new business venture together. It outlines each founder’s roles, responsibilities, ownership stakes, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution processes, helping to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts as the company grows.
Who Should Use This Template
Startup co-founders establishing a new business or project together
Entrepreneurs seeking to formalize contributions, ownership percentages, and decision-making
Founders who want to protect intellectual property and ensure confidentiality
Small teams who need clear, early-stage agreements before seeking funding or scaling operations
What the Template Includes
Ownership and capital structure terms, including share distribution and pre-emption rights
Assignment of roles and responsibilities to each founder
Procedures for strategic and operational decision-making
Clear ownership of intellectual property created during the venture
Non-compete and confidentiality clauses protecting the business
Step-by-step dispute resolution process (negotiation, mediation, arbitration)
Terms for termination of the agreement and effects of founder departure
Governing law and miscellaneous provisions for amendments, assignment, and notices
Editable Word format for easy customization
Instructions for Completing the Template
Insert each founder’s full legal name, business name/project name, and a brief business description.
Define the initial ownership split and insert the details in Schedule A.
Specify if any pre-emption rights exist (meaning founders must offer shares to each other before selling to outsiders — in Schedule B).
Clearly state each founder’s position and duties (e.g., CEO, CTO).
Set a decision-making process for major company decisions (requiring unanimous or majority consent).
Determine the length and geographic scope of the non-compete period after a founder leaves.
Choose an arbitration body and location for dispute resolution if needed.
Fill in key periods such as notice periods for termination, cure periods for breaches, and disability periods if applicable.
Finalize with all founders' signatures and execution dates.
Important Reminder
This document is provided as a template to assist with early-stage startup collaboration agreements.
It does not constitute legal advice. Founders should consult a qualified attorney to adapt the Agreement to their business, especially if they anticipate raising outside investment, creating complex equity arrangements, or protecting significant intellectual property assets.
About This Document
This Founders Agreement sets the foundation for a partnership between individuals launching a new business venture together. It outlines each founder’s roles, responsibilities, ownership stakes, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution processes, helping to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts as the company grows.
Who Should Use This Template
Startup co-founders establishing a new business or project together
Entrepreneurs seeking to formalize contributions, ownership percentages, and decision-making
Founders who want to protect intellectual property and ensure confidentiality
Small teams who need clear, early-stage agreements before seeking funding or scaling operations
What the Template Includes
Ownership and capital structure terms, including share distribution and pre-emption rights
Assignment of roles and responsibilities to each founder
Procedures for strategic and operational decision-making
Clear ownership of intellectual property created during the venture
Non-compete and confidentiality clauses protecting the business
Step-by-step dispute resolution process (negotiation, mediation, arbitration)
Terms for termination of the agreement and effects of founder departure
Governing law and miscellaneous provisions for amendments, assignment, and notices
Editable Word format for easy customization
Instructions for Completing the Template
Insert each founder’s full legal name, business name/project name, and a brief business description.
Define the initial ownership split and insert the details in Schedule A.
Specify if any pre-emption rights exist (meaning founders must offer shares to each other before selling to outsiders — in Schedule B).
Clearly state each founder’s position and duties (e.g., CEO, CTO).
Set a decision-making process for major company decisions (requiring unanimous or majority consent).
Determine the length and geographic scope of the non-compete period after a founder leaves.
Choose an arbitration body and location for dispute resolution if needed.
Fill in key periods such as notice periods for termination, cure periods for breaches, and disability periods if applicable.
Finalize with all founders' signatures and execution dates.
Important Reminder
This document is provided as a template to assist with early-stage startup collaboration agreements.
It does not constitute legal advice. Founders should consult a qualified attorney to adapt the Agreement to their business, especially if they anticipate raising outside investment, creating complex equity arrangements, or protecting significant intellectual property assets.
