Here's what a shareholders or co-founder agreement involves in plain English — then get matched, free, to vetted boutique startup lawyers who advise on it every day.
A shareholders agreement is the contract between the people who own a company that sets out how they will run it together and what happens in key situations — for example how decisions are made, how shares can be transferred, and what occurs if a founder leaves. For early teams a co-founder agreement covers similar ground between the founders. A startup lawyer tailors these documents to your team and stage rather than relying on a generic template.
Clear agreements prevent disputes and make your company far easier to invest in. Because every team is different, founders get these drafted with advice rather than off the shelf.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every startup is different. Tell Sage what you're working on and we'll match you, free, to a vetted boutique startup lawyer who can advise on your specific situation.
Sage qualifies your matter — area, stage, state, urgency — and matches you to up to three startup lawyers who specialise in exactly that. Anonymous until you choose to connect.
Shareholders agreements for startups in Sydney
Shareholders agreements for startups in Melbourne
Shareholders agreements for startups in Brisbane
Shareholders agreements for startups in Perth
Shareholders agreements for startups in Adelaide
Shareholders agreements for startups in Canberra
Getting your Pty Ltd structure right from day one.
The instruments founders use to raise early capital.
Giving your team a stake — done properly.
Reading and negotiating your seed or Series A offer.
The customer-facing documents your product needs.
Yes. Tell Sage about your matter and you'll be matched, free, to vetted boutique startup lawyers who handle shareholders agreements regularly. The lawyer gives you advice for your situation; this page is general information only.
No. It explains shareholders agreements in plain English so you can have a better first conversation. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such — get advice from a matched startup lawyer for your specific circumstances.
Yes — getting matched is free for founders and your brief stays anonymous until you choose who to connect with. You engage and pay the lawyer you choose directly.
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