Founders Agreement Template – US

Disclaimer

The information provided is intended solely as a general example related to agreements among startup founders in the United States. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney specializing in corporate or contractual law. Laws and regulations may vary depending on the jurisdiction, and adjustments may be required to ensure compliance with local requirements. The use of this example is the sole responsibility of the user, and we assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from its use without professional review.

Please note: This is a sample Founders Agreement template designed for illustrative purposes only. Actual terms should be tailored to specific arrangements and legal requirements.

Founders Agreement Sample (US)

Parties Involved:

Founder A: Alice Johnson
Address: 123 Startup Lane, San Francisco, CA 94107

Founder B: Bob Lee
Address: 456 Innovation Drive, San Francisco, CA 94109

Company:

The company formed under this agreement is referred to as “InnovateX Inc.,” with its principal place of business at 789 Venture Street, San Francisco, CA 94111.

Ownership & Equity:

The founders agree on the initial ownership split as follows: Alice Johnson holds 60%, and Bob Lee holds 40% of the company’s equity, subject to vesting and transfer restrictions outlined herein.

Contributions & Responsibilities:

Founder A shall contribute initial capital and oversee product development, while Founder B shall handle marketing, sales, and operational management. Both shall commit to active participation in the company’s growth.

Intellectual Property:

All intellectual property created or contributed by the founders related to the company’s business shall be assigned to the company, with ownership rights clarified as per attached schedule.

Vesting:

Equity shall be subject to a standard four-year vesting schedule with a one-year cliff, to ensure continued contribution and commitment from the founders.

Governing Law:

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Disputes shall be resolved within the courts of San Francisco County.

Additional Provisions:

• Founders agree to confidentiality and non-compete clauses as outlined in the attached appendix.
• This agreement may only be amended in writing signed by all founders.
• Any disputes arising shall be resolved through arbitration in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco, ______________________