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Founder's Agreement


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Online Founder's Agreement Starts at Rs. 4897.00 / -
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About Founder's Agreement

A founders agreement is usually referred to as shareholders agreement, is a written document that deals in cases such as relative split of the equity among the founders of the firm, also the fact that how long the founders will have to remain with the firm for their shares to fully vest. Thus it extends the role and responsibilities of the founding members of a company, the equity vested in them etc. Founders agreement covers various aspects that the founders undertake.

Advantages

Clarity

It gives clarity between the founders. There are certain matters which are not discussed between the co- founders. Thus, this agreement provides clarity of doubts, decisions and terms.

Segregation

The roles and duties are clearly segregated and defined through founders Agreement.

Components

Definitions

Apart from the name of the founders and the enterprise, it is advisable to define the potential of the business venture with utmost clarity. This should be done by way of clearly laid out terms defining the vision, goals and proposed milestones of the business.

Capital

This clause (or clauses) should state the initial investment made by each founder, as well as any additional capital contributions that may be needed in the future from the founders for expansion and operational needs.

Ownership

Ownership clause deals with equity held by each founder, either by percentage, or the number of shares held. The contribution provided and the role played by each co-founder helps determine his share in equity.

Roles and responsibilities

  • This clause is crucial to pre-empt any ambiguity by clearly specifying the role of each founder.
  • Further, every co-founder owes a certain duty and responsibility to each co-founder as well as the enterprise; and the same must be accounted for.
  • Roles and Responsibilities clause will also play a significant role in determining the decision-making power of each founder, as well as possible future relations with the Board of Directors.

Compensation

The agreement should also specify the amount compensation provided to and/or salary drawn by each co-founder, as well as the manner of reimbursement of expenses.

Exit of founders

  • Although this is a situation that every startup would want to avoid, in order to prevent any unpleasantness in the future, an exit clause must form part of a founders’ agreement.
  • There must be a provision for the case(s) in which a co-founder may choose to leave the enterprise or be removed from the company. Reasons for the same may vary and may include reasons of death and illness.
  • Thus, it will prove to be advantageous to specify a procedure governing every conceivable situation.

Dissolution

This is an essential clause with respect to the possibility of winding-up and liquidation of the enterprise. The manner of distribution of money and other resources amongst the founders in the event of liquidation must be provided.

Dispute resolution

  • It is always helpful to create a mechanism to provide for the resolution of any disputes that might arise in the future.
  • Clauses specifying the manner of resolution of certain disputes may prove to be of aid if the founders wish to avoid a court case to the best possible extent.

Miscellaneous provisions

  • Provisions like non-compete clauses, assignment of Intellectual Property rights, loans from founders, severability, etc., usually feature in such contracts.
  • A non-compete clause is meant to prevent a co-founder from quitting and starting a similar business in the future.
  • If the company has availed any loan from the founders, the manner of repayment of loan and payment of interest on the loan must be defined.
  • To avoid future disputes, intellectual property rights of a business should be jointly assigned in the name of all the co-founders. Not only does it serve as protection against disputes, it also serves as the acknowledgment of the wit and effort of each founder that goes into the business.
  • A severability clause states that the terms of a contract are severable, that is, detachable from each other. Incorporating a severability clause into the agreement helps because even if some terms of a contract are rendered invalid due to any reason, it does not make the entire contract invalid.
  • A formalised and written founders’ agreement is always better than an oral contract. Further, a written contract should be drafted with the aid and assistance of a legal professional so as to create a watertight agreement without any loopholes that can be exploited.

Process

A well efficient lawyer from our team shall contact you, and explain you the total process, and will understand the need of Founders Agreement by you.

Once the objectives of the same are clear, the lawyer shall draft a sample Founders Agreement accordingly.

The draft Founders Agreement shall be sent to you, for your review.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Founders’ Agreement is an official contract that is signed between all the co-founders of a firm. This document states all the responsibilities, ownership, and initial investments made by each of the founders of the company. It is advised to make a founders’ agreement at the incorporation stage of an enterprise as it will lay out the responsibilities and roles of each of the co-founders.

The purpose of the agreement is to make the understanding the co-founders have regarding the functioning of their company and relationship and obligation between co-founders legally binding through a formally written agreement

It provides for business definition, percentage or number of shares which is held by each co-founder, the extent of each founder responsibility, issue regarding the firing of any founder, a non-compete clause, confidentiality, etc.

Don't worry, just fill the above mentioned details & contact the professionals of Expert Lawyer and we will guide you with the complete process.

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