Founder Agreement

What is a Founders 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.

Why do you need a Founder’s Agreement

The most important reason a Founders Agreement is advised is that it avoids any ambiguity that might arise in the future with respect to the management of the company and business relations between the founders. It is able to identify the prospective risks and complications along with supplying provisions for dealing with the same.

Thus it is always recommended that a written Founders Agreement must be drafted after consulting an expert as per the requirements of the business and understanding of the co-founder.

What to consider before the drafting of Founders Agreement?

Before entering into a Founders Agreement, the co-founders must undertake a sincere dialogue to create an understanding about issues like ownership, management, remunerations, compensation, investments, the board of directors, etc. It is essential for the founders to have clarity which shall then be reflected in the Founders Agreement. The components of the Founders Agreement should be discussed thoroughly to be able to arrive at a detailed and conclusive result.

A well-drafted Founders Agreement helps to avoid situations which may possibly hinder the development and cause uncertainty in the management of the business. Also, a wise investor ensures that during the due diligence, the Founders Agreement is scrutinized.

It is always preferred to approach an expert consultant to assist in the drafting of a  Founders Agreement. This ensures that the interest of founders and the business are secured in the best possible manner.

What are the Essentials of a Founders Agreement?

A Founders Agreement is a legal document drawn at the time of the incorporation of the business to avoid ambiguity regarding roles, responsibilities and payments/ remunerations of each of the co-founders. It sets up the goals and projections of the co-founders.
It must be free from all the loopholes that might be exploited at a later stage. Also one must ensure that it must be detailed, thorough and water-tight.

Some of the clauses that are essentials to a Founders Agreement are as followings

• Definition and scope of the business
• Ownership
• Details of capital raised (by founders and investors)
• Roles and responsibilities of each co-founder
• Compensation of the co-founders
• Exit formality for founders
• Dissolution of the business
• Dispute resolution and governing laws
• Miscellaneous provisions relating to

1. intellectual property rights,
2. non-compete clauses,
3. loans from founders,
4. sever ability etc.

Apart from these, the clauses may be added according to the requirements of the business and understanding of the co-founder.

Procedure of Founders Agreement?

• A well efficient lawyer from our team shall contact you, and explain you the total process, and will understand the need 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.
• The whole process takes around 3-4 working days.

Advantages of Founders Agreement?