Resources for insight and
inspiration
Guides
Insights
Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs): Clarity Without Commitment
In early startup partnerships or exploratory projects, you might not be ready for a full contract - but you still need alignment. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides a way to set expectations without creating binding obligations.
Letters of Intent (LOIs): What Founders Need to Know Before the Deal
Startups often move fast - but when you're courting investors, buyers, or major customers, you need to slow down just long enough to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI). It’s not a binding contract (usually), but it lays the groundwork for one - and sets the tone for the entire deal.
SaaS Agreements Demystified: Legal Must-Knows for Software Startups
If your startup delivers software in the cloud, your SaaS Agreement isn’t just legal fine print - it’s the foundation of your customer relationships. The terms you set now will define your revenue model, limit your risks, and help you scale into larger deals.
FAQs
Open allInvestors who feel informed and engaged are more likely to participate in follow-on rounds and make introductions to new investors.
Investor relations cover all investors, while board management focuses on directors who have governance authority. Both require structured communication.
Monthly or quarterly is standard. The key is consistency and clarity.
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.
Traction is one of the strongest drivers. Revenue, user growth, and customer engagement make valuations more defensible.
Not always. An inflated valuation can create problems in later rounds if you can’t meet growth expectations, leading to down rounds.
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.
Send a thank-you email, provide requested info, and share milestone updates. Respectful persistence is better than silence.
No. Experienced investors expect risks. Addressing them openly with mitigation strategies shows maturity and builds trust.
Most initial meetings run 30–45 minutes. Your pitch should take 10–15 minutes, leaving the rest for questions.
A pitch deck, a one-pager, and your cap table are usually enough. Financial models and product demos are useful for follow-ups.
By documenting approvals, following bylaws, and keeping communication open with both the board and shareholders. A decision matrix can help prevent disputes.
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.
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.
Investors typically negotiate board seats at the Series A stage or later, once institutional capital is involved.
Not necessarily. Many founders keep advisors in an informal capacity or through an advisory agreement rather than granting them board seats.
Most early-stage boards start with 3 members, expanding to 5 or 7 as the company grows.
If you incorporate as a C-corporation, yes. An LLC may not require one, but corporations legally must have a board.