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Founder Equity Agreement Template for New Zealand

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Founder Equity Agreement

"I need a Founder Equity Agreement for a New Zealand tech startup with three co-founders, where two founders will work full-time starting March 2025 with 40% equity each, and one part-time founder will have 20% equity with a 3-year vesting schedule."

Document background
The Founder Equity Agreement is a crucial document used when establishing a new company or formalizing relationships between existing founders in New Zealand. It is typically implemented during company formation or early stages of operation, when two or more founders need to clearly define their equity stakes, responsibilities, and obligations. The agreement ensures compliance with New Zealand corporate law, particularly the Companies Act 1993, while addressing key aspects such as share vesting, transfer restrictions, intellectual property rights, and exit provisions. This document is essential for protecting founder interests, preventing future disputes, and providing a solid foundation for potential future investment or company sale. The Founder Equity Agreement also typically includes provisions for decision-making processes, confidentiality obligations, and mechanisms for resolving potential conflicts between founders.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the founding members and the company

2. Background: Context of the agreement, including company formation and founder relationships

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Share Allocation: Details of initial shareholding structure and equity split between founders

5. Vesting Provisions: Terms of share vesting schedule and conditions

6. Founder Commitments: Roles, responsibilities, and time commitment of each founder

7. Transfer Restrictions: Limitations on transfer of shares and right of first refusal provisions

8. Intellectual Property: Assignment of IP rights to the company and protection of company IP

9. Confidentiality: Protection of company and founder confidential information

10. Decision Making: Process for major company decisions and voting rights

11. Exit Provisions: Terms governing founder exit, including good/bad leaver provisions

12. Dispute Resolution: Process for resolving disputes between founders

13. General Provisions: Standard contract terms including governing law, amendments, and notices

Optional Sections

1. Employment Terms: Used when founders will also be employees, outlining employment conditions

2. Non-Competition: Added when founders agree to restrictions on competing business activities

3. Tag-Along Rights: Included to protect minority shareholders in case of share sale

4. Drag-Along Rights: Added to facilitate potential future sale of the company

5. Board Representation: Used when specific board composition rights are granted to founders

6. Future Funding Provisions: Added to address founder rights and obligations in future funding rounds

7. Founder Loans: Included if founders are making loans to the company

8. Special Voting Rights: Used when certain founders receive special voting or veto rights

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule 1: Share Capital Table: Detailed breakdown of shareholding structure and share classes

2. Schedule 2: Vesting Schedule: Detailed vesting timelines and milestones for each founder

3. Schedule 3: Company IP: List of existing intellectual property being assigned to the company

4. Schedule 4: Founder Details: Personal information and contact details of all founders

5. Schedule 5: Reserved Matters: List of decisions requiring special majority or unanimous consent

6. Appendix A: Share Transfer Form: Standard form for executing share transfers

7. Appendix B: Deed of Adherence: Template for new shareholders joining the agreement

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

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Relevant Industries

Technology

E-commerce

Financial Services

Healthcare

Manufacturing

Professional Services

Media and Entertainment

Education

Real Estate

Consumer Goods

Biotechnology

Clean Energy

Agriculture

Software Development

Consulting

Relevant Teams

Legal

Executive Leadership

Board of Directors

Corporate Governance

Finance

Company Secretariat

Business Development

Corporate Affairs

Compliance

Relevant Roles

Founder

Co-founder

Chief Executive Officer

Managing Director

Company Secretary

Corporate Lawyer

Legal Counsel

Chief Legal Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Business Development Director

Startup Advisor

Company Director

Board Member

Corporate Governance Officer

Equity Partner

Industries








Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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