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Equity Agreement
I need an equity agreement for a startup co-founder who will receive 10% equity vesting over 4 years with a 1-year cliff, including provisions for dilution protection and a buyback option in case of departure.
What is an Equity Agreement?
An Equity Agreement outlines how ownership stakes are divided and managed within a Qatari company, setting clear terms for shareholders' rights, responsibilities, and profit sharing. These contracts are especially important under Qatar's Commercial Companies Law, which requires detailed documentation of ownership structures and capital contributions.
Beyond basic ownership terms, these agreements typically cover crucial elements like voting rights, share transfer restrictions, and dividend policies. They're particularly vital for Qatari businesses operating under the Qatar Financial Centre, where foreign ownership rules and local partnership requirements need careful consideration and clear documentation.
When should you use an Equity Agreement?
Use an Equity Agreement when starting a new business venture in Qatar, especially if you're bringing multiple investors or partners together. This document becomes essential when establishing ownership structures that comply with Qatar's 51% local ownership requirements, or when setting up operations in the Qatar Financial Centre with foreign stakeholders.
The agreement proves particularly valuable during major business changes - like adding new shareholders, planning an exit strategy, or restructuring company ownership. It's also crucial when defining specific profit-sharing arrangements, establishing board representation rights, or creating protective measures for minority shareholders under Qatari corporate governance rules.
What are the different types of Equity Agreement?
- Private Equity Subscription Agreement: Details terms for private equity investments, commonly used by Qatari investment firms and family offices
- Equity Investment Contract: Broader agreement for general equity investments, suitable for both QFC and mainland Qatar companies
- Equity Compensation Agreement: Structures employee share ownership plans within Qatari corporate governance rules
- Business Equity Agreement: Basic partnership structure for small to medium enterprises in Qatar
- Vested Equity Agreement: Implements gradual ownership rights, often used in startups and tech companies
Who should typically use an Equity Agreement?
- Company Founders: Initiate and sign Equity Agreements when establishing new ventures in Qatar, especially when structuring ownership between local and foreign partners
- Legal Counsel: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Qatar Commercial Companies Law and QFC regulations
- Private Investors: Review and negotiate terms before providing capital, particularly focused on profit-sharing and exit rights
- Corporate Officers: Execute and manage ongoing compliance with agreement terms, including dividend distributions and voting procedures
- Government Regulators: Review agreements during company registration and ensure adherence to local ownership requirements
How do you write an Equity Agreement?
- Ownership Details: Gather full legal names, Qatar ID numbers, and ownership percentages for all shareholders
- Capital Structure: Document initial investments, valuation methods, and share class distinctions
- Local Partnership: Confirm compliance with Qatar's 51% local ownership requirement or QFC regulations
- Management Rights: Define voting procedures, board representation, and decision-making thresholds
- Exit Provisions: Specify share transfer restrictions, tag-along rights, and dispute resolution methods
- Digital Platform: Use our automated system to generate a compliant agreement that includes all required elements under Qatari law
What should be included in an Equity Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, Qatar ID numbers, and registered addresses of all shareholders
- Capital Structure: Detailed breakdown of share classes, voting rights, and capital contributions
- Ownership Distribution: Clear statement of shareholding percentages meeting Qatar's local ownership requirements
- Governance Provisions: Board composition, meeting procedures, and decision-making thresholds
- Transfer Restrictions: Right of first refusal, tag-along rights, and exit mechanisms
- Dispute Resolution: Qatar law as governing law, QFC or local court jurisdiction specifications
- Compliance Statement: Confirmation of adherence to Qatar Commercial Companies Law
What's the difference between an Equity Agreement and a Simple Agreement for Future Equity?
While both documents deal with ownership stakes, an Equity Agreement differs significantly from a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) in several key aspects under Qatar law.
- Timing of Rights: Equity Agreements grant immediate ownership rights, while SAFEs promise future equity upon specific triggering events
- Regulatory Requirements: Equity Agreements must comply with Qatar's current 51% local ownership rules, whereas SAFEs can be more flexible as they don't constitute immediate ownership
- Valuation Approach: Equity Agreements specify precise current valuations and shareholding percentages, but SAFEs defer valuation until a future funding round
- Legal Structure: Equity Agreements create immediate shareholder relationships under Qatar Commercial Companies Law, while SAFEs function more as convertible instruments
- Documentation Complexity: Equity Agreements require more extensive documentation for QFC compliance, whereas SAFEs are typically shorter and more straightforward
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