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Founders’ Agreement

The single most important document for co-founders — it prevents the disputes that kill startups. Generate a free draft, then get it professionally vetted.

What is a Founders’ Agreement?

A Founders’ Agreement sets the ground rules between co-founders — who owns how much, who does what, how decisions are made, and crucially, what happens if a founder leaves. It’s the document that prevents the equity and control disputes that derail so many early startups.

The most important element is vesting — typically over 4 years with a 1-year cliff — so a co-founder who exits early doesn’t walk away with a large chunk of equity for little contribution.

Key clauses it should cover

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Founders’ Agreement

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Important: This is an auto-generated draft template for reference only — not legal advice. Laws and your specific situation vary. Please have it reviewed by a qualified professional before signing. Get this agreement professionally drafted & vetted →
FAQs

Common questions

Yes — a Founders’ Agreement prevents the most common startup-killer: disputes over equity, roles and what happens when a founder leaves. Handshake deals fall apart under pressure.

Vesting means founders earn their equity over time (commonly 4 years with a 1-year cliff). It protects the company if a co-founder leaves early — they don’t keep unearned equity.

It’s a template draft for reference. To be robust and enforceable for your situation, it should be reviewed and finalised by a qualified professional — which we can do.

As early as possible — ideally before or right after incorporation, while everyone is aligned and before real value (or disputes) build up.

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