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Management Rights Letter: Granting Institutional Investors Oversight Access
When startups take money from venture capital funds subject to ERISA or similar regulations, those funds need a special document: the Management Rights Letter (MRL). This short but powerful agreement ensures the investor has sufficient rights to “manage” their investment, helping them comply with legal requirements.
Indemnification Agreement: Personal Protection for Startup Directors and Officers
When startup leaders make tough calls - hiring, spending, pivoting - they expose themselves to personal liability. The Indemnification Agreement serves as a legal shield, protecting directors and officers against lawsuits, claims, and costs incurred while serving the company.
ROFR and Co-Sale Agreement: Managing Share Transfers While Preserving Cap Table Control
In venture-backed startups, control of the cap table is critical. The Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement (ROFR/Co-Sale) helps founders and investors maintain that control by regulating how shares are transferred - particularly when founders, early employees, or other major holders want to sell.
Voting Agreement: Aligning Shareholder Power in Key Company Decisions
While founders often assume they’ll control their company post-funding, the Voting Agreement tells a more nuanced story. This document outlines how shareholders agree to vote their shares on critical company matters, including board elections and future financing approvals.
FAQs
Open allDo all investors get rights under the IRA?
Not usually. Most rights are limited to “major investors” who meet certain thresholds, preventing administrative complexity from smaller shareholders.
Can the SPA include multiple closings?
Yes. Some SPAs allow staged investments or additional closings if investors commit to fund in tranches.
What happens if reps and warranties in the SPA are inaccurate?
If misstatements are discovered, investors may have indemnification claims, meaning the company (or founders in some cases) could be liable.
Do all investors sign the SPA?
Yes, all participating investors sign the SPA, along with the company. It governs the purchase of shares in that financing round.
How is an SPA different from a term sheet?
The term sheet is a non-binding summary of key deal points. The SPA is the binding agreement that formalizes the transaction and contains detailed legal terms.
What is a typical range for valuation caps?
Seed-stage caps often fall between $3M and $10M, but terms vary widely depending on market conditions, industry, and company traction.
How do valuation caps affect dilution?
Low caps can create significant dilution when notes or SAFEs convert, especially if the company grows rapidly before a priced round.
Are valuation caps always included in SAFEs and notes?
Not always, but they are common. Some early-stage investors accept uncapped SAFEs if they have strong conviction in the company.
What is the difference between a valuation cap and a discount?
A cap sets the maximum valuation for conversion, while a discount lowers the share price relative to the next round’s investors. Many instruments include both, and investors convert using whichever is more favorable.
How long do companies or investors have to exercise a ROFR?
Typically 30–60 days, though shorter timelines may be negotiated to avoid deal delays.
What is the difference between ROFR and ROFO?
A ROFR (Right of First Refusal) allows the company or investors to match a third-party offer. A ROFO (Right of First Offer) requires the shareholder to offer their shares internally before seeking outside buyers.
Can drag-along rights be negotiated?
Yes. Founders often negotiate for higher approval thresholds, equal treatment provisions, and liability caps to ensure fairness.
What is a typical threshold to trigger drag-along rights?
Most agreements require majority or supermajority consent (often 60 - 70%) from preferred shareholders, though this can vary by deal.