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Startup Shareholder Agreement for the United Kingdom

Startup Shareholder Agreement Template for England and Wales

A Shareholder Agreement governed by the laws of England and Wales that establishes the rights, obligations, and relationships between shareholders in a startup company. It sets out key provisions for share ownership, transfer restrictions, voting rights, and management decisions, while protecting both majority and minority interests. The agreement includes specific provisions relevant to startups such as future funding rounds, exit strategies, and employee share schemes.

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What is a Startup Shareholder Agreement?

A Startup Shareholder Agreement is a crucial document for any new company seeking to establish clear governance structures and protect stakeholder interests under English and Welsh law. This agreement becomes essential when a startup has multiple shareholders, is seeking investment, or planning to issue shares to employees. The document typically covers share ownership, transfer restrictions, decision-making processes, and exit provisions. It's particularly important for defining relationships between founders, investors, and key employees, while ensuring compliance with UK company law and establishing a framework for future growth and investment rounds.

What sections should be included in a Startup Shareholder Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification and details of all shareholders and the company

2. Background: Context of the agreement and company formation

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Share Capital and Shareholdings: Details of share classes, rights, and current ownership structure

5. Transfer of Shares: Procedures and restrictions for share transfers

6. Management and Decision Making: Governance structure and voting rights

7. Reserved Matters: Decisions requiring special majority or unanimous consent

8. Dividend Policy: Rules for distribution of profits

What sections are optional to include in a Startup Shareholder Agreement?

1. Tag-Along Rights: Protection for minority shareholders in case of sale, typically included when minority shareholder protection is required

2. Drag-Along Rights: Ability to force minority shareholders to join in sale, typically included when majority shareholders want exit flexibility

3. Anti-dilution Protection: Protection against value dilution in future funding rounds, typically included when early-stage investors need protection

4. Employee Share Schemes: Framework for employee share options, included when company plans to offer employee equity

What schedules should be included in a Startup Shareholder Agreement?

1. Schedule 1: Details of the Company: Company information, including registration details and share capital structure

2. Schedule 2: Matters Requiring Shareholder Consent: Detailed list of reserved matters

3. Schedule 3: Share Transfer Procedures: Detailed procedures for share transfers including valuation methods

4. Schedule 4: Deed of Adherence: Template for new shareholders to sign up to the agreement

5. Schedule 5: Share Capital Table: Current and projected shareholding structure

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

England and Wales

Publisher

Genie AI

Cost

Free to use

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