Document background
The Venture Capital Shareholders Agreement is a fundamental document in Swiss venture capital transactions, typically used when professional investors make significant equity investments in high-growth companies. This agreement, governed by Swiss law and particularly the Swiss Code of Obligations, serves as the primary document regulating the relationship between venture capital investors, existing shareholders, and the company. It contains crucial provisions regarding corporate governance, share transfer restrictions, investor protections, and exit rights. The document is essential for establishing clear rules for the company's operation post-investment, protecting minority shareholder rights, and setting out the framework for future funding rounds and eventual exits. It must be carefully drafted to ensure compatibility with Swiss corporate law while meeting international venture capital market standards.
