Six modules on the legal architecture of an early-stage startup in India — choosing the right entity structure, drafting a founders' agreement, building a vesting schedule, assigning IP, structuring ESOPs, and setting up the shareholder framework. Written by a corporate lawyer for founders who need to get the legal structure right before problems arise.
By the end of this course you will understand the tradeoffs between company, LLP, and partnership structures; know what a founders' agreement must cover; be able to design a vesting schedule; understand the IP assignment obligations of founders; know the basics of structuring an ESOP; and read a SHA with enough fluency to protect your interests.
Co-founders setting up a startup who want to understand the legal structure they are building. Early-stage investors who want to understand the documents they are signing. Startup lawyers who want a comprehensive framework for advising early-stage clients. Anyone who has been handed a founders' agreement and does not know what it should say.