A legal checklist for startups

Legal topics tend to get postponed early on, but they become the most expensive problems in a funding round or a dispute. This checklist helps you check your startup's legal foundations.

1. Company and shareholders

• Did you choose the right company type? See limited or joint-stock.
• Are the articles and trade registry records current?
• Is there a written founders' agreement with equity, vesting and leaver terms? See our founders' agreement guide.
• Do the share ledger and cap table match?

2. Intellectual property

• Has everything built by founders and employees been assigned to the company?
• Do freelancer and agency contracts state that rights pass to the company?
• Have you filed a trademark? See our trademark guide.
• Do you comply with open-source licences? See our open-source licences guide.

3. Customer contracts

• Are terms of use and a privacy policy published? See our terms of use guide.
• Are service levels, liability caps and payment terms with business customers in writing?
• If you sell to consumers, do you comply with distance-selling and consumer rules?

4. Employees and partners

• Written employment contracts with confidentiality and IP clauses?
• Social security registrations on time?
• Written agreements with anyone promised options? See our ESOP guide.
• Clear supplier and partnership contracts? See our partnership agreements guide.

5. Data and security

• Privacy notice, consent and data inventory ready? See our KVKK guide.
• Commercial-message consent collected separately?
• Basic security measures and a breach plan? See our cybersecurity guide.

6. Sector compliance

In fintech, health, education and mobility, assess licence and permit needs early; see our fintech and health tech guides.

7. Investment readiness

Collect all documents in an organised data room; see our due diligence guide.

Conclusion

Review this list at least once a year. This guide is general information; work with a lawyer experienced with startups on your company's specifics.