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Understanding Fiduciary Duties: What Founders Owe to Their Startups
When you co-found a startup, you’re not just building a product - you’re taking on serious legal responsibilities. Among the most important are fiduciary duties. These aren’t abstract legal terms. They’re real obligations that shape decisions, disputes, and even lawsuits.
FAQs
Open allHow can investor relations help with future fundraising?
Investors who feel informed and engaged are more likely to participate in follow-on rounds and make introductions to new investors.
What’s the difference between investor relations and board management?
Investor relations cover all investors, while board management focuses on directors who have governance authority. Both require structured communication.
How often should I send investor updates?
Monthly or quarterly is standard. The key is consistency and clarity.
How do terms like option pools and liquidation preferences affect valuation?
They don’t change the headline valuation but impact founder dilution and investor returns. This makes it critical to understand the full term sheet, not just the valuation number.
What role does traction play in valuation?
Traction is one of the strongest drivers. Revenue, user growth, and customer engagement make valuations more defensible.
Should founders always push for the highest valuation possible?
Not always. An inflated valuation can create problems in later rounds if you can’t meet growth expectations, leading to down rounds.
How do investors decide which valuation method to use?
It depends on your stage. Early-stage investors rely more on methods like Berkus and Scorecard, while later-stage investors lean on DCF and comps.
How do I follow up without being pushy?
Send a thank-you email, provide requested info, and share milestone updates. Respectful persistence is better than silence.
Should I hide risks from investors?
No. Experienced investors expect risks. Addressing them openly with mitigation strategies shows maturity and builds trust.
How long should an investor meeting last?
Most initial meetings run 30–45 minutes. Your pitch should take 10–15 minutes, leaving the rest for questions.
What materials do investors expect to see in the first meeting?
A pitch deck, a one-pager, and your cap table are usually enough. Financial models and product demos are useful for follow-ups.
How can founders avoid conflicts over decision-making?
By documenting approvals, following bylaws, and keeping communication open with both the board and shareholders. A decision matrix can help prevent disputes.
Can founders override the board?
No. The board of directors has ultimate authority over major corporate decisions. Founders who ignore board approval requirements risk invalidating decisions and breaching fiduciary duties. The best approach is collaboration and transparency with the board.
What are protective provisions?
Protective provisions are special rights negotiated by investors - usually preferred shareholders - that give them veto power over key corporate actions like mergers or issuing new stock.