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Co-Founder Agreements

Co-Founder Agreements

Co-Founder Agreements

Protect personal relationships & your business chances!

Protect personal relationships & your business chances!

Protect personal relationships & your business chances!

Co-Founder Agreement

PDF File - Co-Founder Agreement (Preview)

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Co-Founder Agreement

PDF File - Co-Founder Agreement (Preview)

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With a Co-Founder Agreement, you can avoid later disputes regarding the vesting of shares, internal division of tasks, external role distribution, and IP rights, which threaten the chances if long-term success in about two out of three startups.
Co-Founder Agreement

PDF File - Co-Founder Agreement (Preview)

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Benefits Overview

Avoiding of Later Disputes and High Costs

Avoiding of Later Disputes and High Costs

Avoiding of Later Disputes and High Costs

Avoiding of Later Disputes and High Costs

Clear Agreements

By clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and expectations, misunderstandings are avoided.


Transparency from the Start

Open communication about all important aspects strengthens mutual trust.


Legal Security

Professional contract design minimizes potential conflict points in advance.

Protection Against Changes in the Founding Team

Protection Against Changes in the Founding Team

Protection Against Changes in the Founding Team

Protection Against Changes in the Founding Team

Vesting Regulations

Ensuring that company shares remain distributed fairly and according to engagement.


Exit Clauses

Clear regulations in the event that a founder leaves the company.


Ensuring Continuity

Avoiding instability and uncertainty within the team and towards investors.

Efficient Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Efficient Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Efficient Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Efficient Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Time and Cost Savings

Avoidance of lengthy and expensive court proceedings through predefined procedures.


Preservation of the Business Relationship

Constructive conflict resolution promotes continued successful cooperation.


Agreed Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms enable quick and cost-efficient solutions.

Attractiveness for Investors and Partners

Attractiveness for Investors and Partners

Attractiveness for Investors and Partners

Attractiveness for Investors and Partners

Reduced Investment Risk

Clear internal structures make your startup more attractive to investors.


Professional Appearance

A solid co-founder agreement signals seriousness and professionalism.


Strengthening the Basis of Trust

Shows partners and stakeholders that potential conflicts have been proactively addressed.

Scope of Contract

Defining Internal Structures and Responsibilities

Role Distribution

Defines who takes on which tasks and responsibilities in the startup.

Time Commitment and Engagement

Defines the expected workload and availability of each founder for the company.

Compensation and Incentives

Regulates how and when founders are financially compensated and what incentive structures exist.

Company and Founder Protection

Capital Distribution and Vesting

Determines the distribution of the company shares and how they are acquired through a vesting plan.

Secure Intellectual Property

Ensures that all intellectual property rights belong to the company and not to individual founders.

Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreements

Protects sensitive information and prevents founders from directly competing with the company.

Conflict Prevention and Efficient Dispute Resolution

Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

Describes procedures on how conflicts can be resolved efficiently and without litigation, e.g. through mediation or arbitration.

Exit Rules and Crisis Management

Determines what happens when a founder leaves the company or is unable to continue due to death or illness.

Adaptability of the Agreement

Defines the process by which the agreement can be changed or updated as needed to adapt to new circumstances.

Our Packages

Choose the package that suits your business.
Co-Founder Agreement (Basic)

CHF 1,695

Includes:
  • Personal meeting
  • Examination of the legal situation
  • Development of contractual objectives
  • Preparation of the legal documents
  • Feedback Round
  • Finalization and signing

POPULAR

Co-Founder Agreement (Basic)

CHF 1,695

Includes:
  • Personal meeting
  • Examination of the legal situation
  • Development of contractual objectives
  • Preparation of the legal documents
  • Feedback Round
  • Finalization and signing

POPULAR

Co-Founder Agreement (Basic)

CHF 1,695

Includes:
  • Personal meeting
  • Examination of the legal situation
  • Development of contractual objectives
  • Preparation of the legal documents
  • Feedback Round
  • Finalization and signing

POPULAR

Co-Founder Agreement (Professional)

CHF 2,875

Includes:
  • Everything from the Basic Package
  • Personal meetings with co-founders
  • Development of individual solutions
  • Negotiation moderation (if necessary)
Co-Founder Agreement (Professional)

CHF 2,875

Includes:
  • Everything from the Basic Package
  • Personal meetings with co-founders
  • Development of individual solutions
  • Negotiation moderation (if necessary)
Co-Founder Agreement (Professional)

CHF 2,875

Includes:
  • Everything from the Basic Package
  • Personal meetings with co-founders
  • Development of individual solutions
  • Negotiation moderation (if necessary)

Lose-Win Guarantee

Your satisfaction is important to us. Therefore, we guarantee a full refund of the purchase price in case of dissatisfaction. The documents and recommendations prepared up to that point will remain available to you even after the refund.

Your satisfaction is important to us. Therefore, we guarantee a full refund of the purchase price in case of dissatisfaction. The documents and recommendations prepared up to that point will remain available to you even after the refund.

Client Feedback

  • Flurin Jenal

    Flurin Jenal

    Founder of Stormed Inc.

    "Marco knows exactly what startups need, offers his help directly, keeps everything lean, and enables fast implementation. Great!"

    Desiree Pastore

    Desiree Pastore

    Vice President, Relationship Manager at Neuberger Berman

    "Marco provided me with extremely competent and timely advice on my legal questions regarding an extensive and complex employment contract. I can only recommend his legal consulting!"

    Serial entrepreneur

    Dieter Borer

    Serial entrepreneur

    "The ability to act quickly is essential in business. Marco enables me to do just that. I make business decisions on my own schedule, while he ensures that the associated legal risks are minimized."

    Daniel Koss

    Daniel Koss

    Founder of creable AG

    "Marco advises my company competently, pragmatically, and above all immediately when a problem arises. Really top-notch advice!"

    Daniel Svonava

    Daniel Svonava

    Co-founder of Superlinked, Inc.

    "As the founder of a software startup, I enjoy working with Marco because he understands how to combine thorough legal research with the context of a startup."

    Marvin Sangines

    Marvin Sangines

    Founder of notus GmbH

    "Working with Marco gives me confidence, as I know that my legal risks are covered. His quick and risk-oriented legal advice feels less like a service and more like a partnership."

Client Feedback

  • Flurin Jenal

    Flurin Jenal

    Founder of Stormed Inc.

    "Marco knows exactly what startups need, offers his help directly, keeps everything lean, and enables fast implementation. Great!"

    Desiree Pastore

    Desiree Pastore

    Vice President, Relationship Manager at Neuberger Berman

    "Marco provided me with extremely competent and timely advice on my legal questions regarding an extensive and complex employment contract. I can only recommend his legal consulting!"

    Serial entrepreneur

    Dieter Borer

    Serial entrepreneur

    "The ability to act quickly is essential in business. Marco enables me to do just that. I make business decisions on my own schedule, while he ensures that the associated legal risks are minimized."

    Daniel Koss

    Daniel Koss

    Founder of creable AG

    "Marco advises my company competently, pragmatically, and above all immediately when a problem arises. Really top-notch advice!"

    Daniel Svonava

    Daniel Svonava

    Co-founder of Superlinked, Inc.

    "As the founder of a software startup, I enjoy working with Marco because he understands how to combine thorough legal research with the context of a startup."

    Marvin Sangines

    Marvin Sangines

    Founder of notus GmbH

    "Working with Marco gives me confidence, as I know that my legal risks are covered. His quick and risk-oriented legal advice feels less like a service and more like a partnership."

Next steps

Step 1

Agreement of the Kick-Off Meetings

Step 2

Kick-off meeting

Step 3

Development of the contractual objectives and legal documents

Step 4

Feedback Round

Step 5

Finalization and Implementation

Get started now!

Take an important step to protect your business and your personal relationships with your co-founders.

How can we serve you?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why do I need a co-founder agreement if I fully trust my co-founder?

A Co-Founder Agreement not only serves to dispel mistrust but also to establish clear structures and expectations. Even with the best of trust, different ideas or misunderstandings can arise. A written agreement helps to create clarity from the start and avoid potential conflicts by defining important aspects such as role distribution, capital shares, and decision-making processes.

Why do I need a co-founder agreement if I fully trust my co-founder?

A Co-Founder Agreement not only serves to dispel mistrust but also to establish clear structures and expectations. Even with the best of trust, different ideas or misunderstandings can arise. A written agreement helps to create clarity from the start and avoid potential conflicts by defining important aspects such as role distribution, capital shares, and decision-making processes.

Why do I need a co-founder agreement if I fully trust my co-founder?

A Co-Founder Agreement not only serves to dispel mistrust but also to establish clear structures and expectations. Even with the best of trust, different ideas or misunderstandings can arise. A written agreement helps to create clarity from the start and avoid potential conflicts by defining important aspects such as role distribution, capital shares, and decision-making processes.

What contract points are regulated in a Co-Founder Agreement?

A comprehensive co-founder agreement should include several essential elements that lay the foundation for successful and clear collaboration within the founding team. This includes defining roles and responsibilities so that everyone knows what tasks and duties they have within the company. Important aspects also include capital distribution and vesting rules, to transparently clarify how company shares are distributed and under what conditions they can be acquired. The agreement should also establish clear processes for decision-making, so that important corporate decisions can be made in a structured manner. Conflict resolution mechanisms are essential to have efficient procedures for resolution in case of disputes. Additionally, exit clauses should be included to regulate what happens when a founder leaves the company. The issue of intellectual property is also central: it must be clarified who owns the developed ideas and technologies. Finally, the protection of confidential information through confidentiality and non-compete agreements is an important component to secure sensitive company data and avoid competitive conflicts.

What contract points are regulated in a Co-Founder Agreement?

A comprehensive co-founder agreement should include several essential elements that lay the foundation for successful and clear collaboration within the founding team. This includes defining roles and responsibilities so that everyone knows what tasks and duties they have within the company. Important aspects also include capital distribution and vesting rules, to transparently clarify how company shares are distributed and under what conditions they can be acquired. The agreement should also establish clear processes for decision-making, so that important corporate decisions can be made in a structured manner. Conflict resolution mechanisms are essential to have efficient procedures for resolution in case of disputes. Additionally, exit clauses should be included to regulate what happens when a founder leaves the company. The issue of intellectual property is also central: it must be clarified who owns the developed ideas and technologies. Finally, the protection of confidential information through confidentiality and non-compete agreements is an important component to secure sensitive company data and avoid competitive conflicts.

What contract points are regulated in a Co-Founder Agreement?

A comprehensive co-founder agreement should include several essential elements that lay the foundation for successful and clear collaboration within the founding team. This includes defining roles and responsibilities so that everyone knows what tasks and duties they have within the company. Important aspects also include capital distribution and vesting rules, to transparently clarify how company shares are distributed and under what conditions they can be acquired. The agreement should also establish clear processes for decision-making, so that important corporate decisions can be made in a structured manner. Conflict resolution mechanisms are essential to have efficient procedures for resolution in case of disputes. Additionally, exit clauses should be included to regulate what happens when a founder leaves the company. The issue of intellectual property is also central: it must be clarified who owns the developed ideas and technologies. Finally, the protection of confidential information through confidentiality and non-compete agreements is an important component to secure sensitive company data and avoid competitive conflicts.

How can a Co-Founder Agreement really prevent or resolve future conflicts?

By establishing clear rules and processes, many potential conflicts are already mitigated in advance. Should a dispute arise nonetheless, the dispute resolution mechanisms outlined in the agreement provide structured ways to quickly and efficiently find solutions without having to engage in lengthy and costly court proceedings.

How can a Co-Founder Agreement really prevent or resolve future conflicts?

By establishing clear rules and processes, many potential conflicts are already mitigated in advance. Should a dispute arise nonetheless, the dispute resolution mechanisms outlined in the agreement provide structured ways to quickly and efficiently find solutions without having to engage in lengthy and costly court proceedings.

How can a Co-Founder Agreement really prevent or resolve future conflicts?

By establishing clear rules and processes, many potential conflicts are already mitigated in advance. Should a dispute arise nonetheless, the dispute resolution mechanisms outlined in the agreement provide structured ways to quickly and efficiently find solutions without having to engage in lengthy and costly court proceedings.

What happens to my company shares if I want or have to leave the startup?

This depends on the vesting and exit clauses outlined in the Co-Founder Agreement. Often there are provisions that stipulate that unvested shares revert to the company or to the remaining founders. In the case of a planned exit, conditions may also be agreed upon under which shares can be sold or transferred. These provisions protect both the company and the remaining founders from unexpected changes.

What happens to my company shares if I want or have to leave the startup?

This depends on the vesting and exit clauses outlined in the Co-Founder Agreement. Often there are provisions that stipulate that unvested shares revert to the company or to the remaining founders. In the case of a planned exit, conditions may also be agreed upon under which shares can be sold or transferred. These provisions protect both the company and the remaining founders from unexpected changes.

What happens to my company shares if I want or have to leave the startup?

This depends on the vesting and exit clauses outlined in the Co-Founder Agreement. Often there are provisions that stipulate that unvested shares revert to the company or to the remaining founders. In the case of a planned exit, conditions may also be agreed upon under which shares can be sold or transferred. These provisions protect both the company and the remaining founders from unexpected changes.

Can we adjust the Co-Founder Agreement if our business terms change?

Yes, a good co-founder agreement includes clauses for amending or updating the contract. Should circumstances change – whether through growth, investment, or personal situations – the agreement can be adjusted with the consent of all founders accordingly. This ensures that the agreement always meets the current needs of the company.

Can we adjust the Co-Founder Agreement if our business terms change?

Yes, a good co-founder agreement includes clauses for amending or updating the contract. Should circumstances change – whether through growth, investment, or personal situations – the agreement can be adjusted with the consent of all founders accordingly. This ensures that the agreement always meets the current needs of the company.

Can we adjust the Co-Founder Agreement if our business terms change?

Yes, a good co-founder agreement includes clauses for amending or updating the contract. Should circumstances change – whether through growth, investment, or personal situations – the agreement can be adjusted with the consent of all founders accordingly. This ensures that the agreement always meets the current needs of the company.

How does a Co-Founder Agreement affect investors and future funding rounds?

A professionally crafted Co-Founder Agreement signals to investors that the founding team is organized and proactively manages potential risks. It shows that clear structures and processes are in place, which strengthens investor confidence. Additionally, clear vesting arrangements and ownership structures can be crucial to securing investments and successfully passing legal due diligence examinations.

How does a Co-Founder Agreement affect investors and future funding rounds?

A professionally crafted Co-Founder Agreement signals to investors that the founding team is organized and proactively manages potential risks. It shows that clear structures and processes are in place, which strengthens investor confidence. Additionally, clear vesting arrangements and ownership structures can be crucial to securing investments and successfully passing legal due diligence examinations.

How does a Co-Founder Agreement affect investors and future funding rounds?

A professionally crafted Co-Founder Agreement signals to investors that the founding team is organized and proactively manages potential risks. It shows that clear structures and processes are in place, which strengthens investor confidence. Additionally, clear vesting arrangements and ownership structures can be crucial to securing investments and successfully passing legal due diligence examinations.

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