The 8-Point Legal Checklist Every Indian Startup Founder Ignores
Founder agreements, IP assignment and ESOP pools - the unglamorous paperwork that decides whether your fundraise closes.
Most early-stage disputes trace back to paperwork that was never done. Before you raise, get these eight things right.
- Incorporate the right entity
- Sign a founders' agreement with vesting
- Assign all IP to the company
- Keep a clean cap table
- Reserve an ESOP pool
- Register your trademark
- Put contractor NDAs in place
- Stay on top of statutory compliance
Investors run diligence on exactly these items. Clean legal hygiene is often the difference between a term sheet and a pass.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different - consult an advocate about your specific circumstances.
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