--- title: "Founder Agreement Drafting | Co-Founder Equity & Vesting" description: "Attorney-drafted founder agreements. Co-founder equity split, vesting and reverse-vesting, roles, decision-making, IP assignment, and leaver provisions." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "name": "Founder Agreement", "serviceType": "Founder Agreement Drafting", "description": "Attorney-drafted founder agreements. Co-founder equity split, vesting and reverse-vesting, roles, decision-making, IP assignment, and leaver provisions.", "provider": { "@type": "LegalService", "name": "Global Trademark Company", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com" }, "offers": { "@type": "Offer", "price": "350", "priceCurrency": "USD", "description": "Flat fee for a standard founder agreement, quoted in writing before drafting begins. Larger founding teams and unusual structures are scoped separately." } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Incorporation & Startups", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/incorporation" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Founder Agreement", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/founder-agreements" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Founder agreement vs. shareholder agreement vs. operating agreement?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A founder agreement is usually the first document between co-founders, often at or just before incorporation, covering the equity split, vesting, roles, and IP. A shareholder agreement is the formal post-incorporation governance contract that adds transfer restrictions, board composition, and investor terms. An operating agreement (for an LLC) or bylaws (for a corporation) are the entity's own governing documents. The terms overlap, and many of a founder agreement's provisions carry into the later documents. We draft whichever fits your stage." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is vesting and reverse-vesting, and do founders need it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Vesting means a founder earns their equity over time rather than owning it all on day one, typically four years with a one-year cliff. Reverse-vesting means a founder receives the shares at the start, but the company can buy back the unvested portion at cost if the founder leaves early. Most investors expect founder vesting, and it protects the remaining founders if a co-founder walks away after a few months. We draft the schedule to your plan." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How should co-founders split equity?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There is no formula. Common approaches weigh idea origination, full-time commitment, capital contributed, prior work, and role going forward. An even split is simple but not always right; an uneven split needs a clear rationale the founders agree on. The split itself is your commercial decision. We talk through the trade-offs, then draft what you decide so it is recorded clearly and backed by vesting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why does IP assignment matter so much?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Without a written assignment, work a founder created can be argued to belong to that founder personally rather than the company. That is one of the first things investors and acquirers diligence, and a gap can delay or kill a deal. A founder agreement assigns the relevant IP to the company up front, so ownership sits where it should before any money is raised." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens if a founder leaves?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "That is what leaver provisions are for. The agreement sets out whether a departing founder is treated as a good leaver or a bad leaver, what happens to their vested and unvested shares, and any buyback rights the company holds. Drafting this while everyone is aligned is far easier than negotiating it during a falling-out, which is exactly when it matters." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does the fee cover, and what is extra?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Our flat fee covers the structure call, the drafted founder agreement, and one round of revisions. Larger founding teams and unusual structures are scoped and quoted separately before any work begins. Any government, registration, or filing fees, for example on a related incorporation, are passed through at cost, and we do not mark them up." } } ], "dateModified": "2026-08-28" } ] --- [![](/branding/logos/gtc-logo-stacked.svg)![](/branding/logos/gtc-logo-stacked-white.svg)](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources - Company Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. › 3. [Incorporation & Startups](/services/incorporation) 4. › 5. Founder agreements Founder agreements · Co-founders + early teams # Settle who owns what before the company is worth fighting over. An attorney-drafted founder agreement records the deal between co-founders: the equity split, vesting and reverse-vesting, roles and decision-making, IP assignment to the company, and what happens when a founder leaves. You decide the commercial terms. We put them into a document that holds up when the stakes rise. $350 Flat fee, quoted up front · Larger teams scoped separately [Book a Founder Agreement Consultation](/forms/catalog/incorporation-startups/founder-agreements?ref=b2c) [Excellent ![](/branding/trustpilot/stars-4.5.svg)Trustpilot ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) ![Two co-founders reviewing a founder agreement at a bright office table](/img/home/hero-library/m-onboarding-bright-welcome-480.jpg) Founders aligned Roles & equity set Vesting in place 4-yr, 1-yr cliff IP assigned To the company ![](/assets/zaman-VN2VfObh.webp) Legal team GTC's formation team Business counsel ![](/assets/zaman-VN2VfObh.webp) Legal team GTC's formation team Business counsel 10,924+ clients 11 attorneys 5 offices 10+ years IIPLA Top IP Consultancy 2026 [Upwork · Top Rated Plus ](https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/zamanzaidi) Trusted by founders and brands worldwide ![Atlys](/assets/atlys-B5BookJo.webp "Atlys")![Perfora](/assets/perfora-D4_346Y2.webp "Perfora")![Soxco](/assets/soxco-D31kWMAz.webp "Soxco")![BossCare](data:image/webp;base64,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 "BossCare")![Innovist](/assets/innovist-BgYdG_yd.webp "Innovist")![Bacardi](/assets/bacardi-JU27gvk6.webp "Bacardi")![Footcare Lab](/assets/footcarelab-BLfB0WJu.webp "Footcare Lab")![Bare Anatomy](/assets/bare-anatomy-CBhgu9Ro.webp "Bare Anatomy")![Freedom](/assets/freedom-confectionery-HioHiGYc.webp "Freedom") How it works ## Three steps to a signed founder agreement. 1 ### Founder-level structure call Sixty to ninety minutes with the co-founders. The equity split, the vesting plan, who decides what, how IP transfers to the company, and what happens if someone leaves. The conversation is the hard part; the drafting follows from it. 2 ### Drafting and founder review A GTC attorney drafts the agreement to the structure you agreed. Every co-founder reviews it together, so the terms are understood and accepted before anyone signs. 3 ### Execution and records One round of revisions is included. The signed agreement is stored with the company's records, ready to sit underneath your incorporation and any future investor documents. What it costs ## Flat-fee founder agreement drafting Founder Agreement is $350. A standard founder agreement is a flat fee, quoted in writing before any drafting begins, one attorney-drafted agreement, structured to your team and stage, with one round of revisions included. There is no partner-hour billing and no quote after the fact. Larger founding teams and unusual structures carry more drafting and are scoped separately. Any government, registration, or filing fees on a related step are passed through at cost. What's included - Founder-level structure call: equity split, roles, and decision-making - Equity split recorded clearly, with the agreed rationale - Vesting and reverse-vesting (four-year, one-year cliff is standard) - Founder IP assignment to the company, in writing - Roles, responsibilities, and decision-making and deadlock terms - Good-leaver and bad-leaver provisions and company buyback rights - Confidentiality and non-compete terms where appropriate - One round of revisions before execution Standard founder agreement (two to three co-founders) Flat fee, quoted up front Larger founding team (four or more co-founders) Quoted by scope Founder agreement with bespoke vesting or class structure Quoted by scope Amendment (e.g. adding or removing a co-founder) Quoted by scope Government / registration / filing fees on a related step Passed through at cost GTC drafts the agreement and advises on the legal structure. The equity split, the commercial terms, and the decision to proceed are the founders' call. This is not investment or tax advice. We coordinate a tax adviser where one is needed, and no fundraise or business outcome is guaranteed. Get started ### Draft your founder agreement Tell us about the founders and the company and a GTC attorney will draft the agreement and email a flat-fee quote. Already settled the equity split or have a rough cap table? Share it and we can scope the agreement faster. [Start Now](/forms/catalog?subcategory=founder-agreements&ref=b2c) Why GTC ## Why co-founders draft this with GTC. ![](/assets/zaman-VN2VfObh.webp) Legal team GTC's formation team Business counsel Attorney-led ### Drafted by attorneys, not a template A GTC attorney drafts every clause to your team and stage. The equity split, vesting schedule, and leaver mechanics are written to your situation, not pulled from a generic form that breaks the first time it is tested. ### Vesting and reverse-vesting built in Four-year vesting with a one-year cliff is the market default, and reverse-vesting lets the company buy back unvested shares if a founder leaves early. We draft both so a departing founder does not walk away with equity they have not earned. ### IP assigned to the company Code, designs, brand, and other work made by founders are assigned to the company in writing. Investors diligence this first, and a gap here can stall a round. We close it at the start. ### Leaver provisions before they are needed Good-leaver and bad-leaver terms, buyback rights, and decision-making deadlock paths are drafted up front, while the founders still get along, rather than negotiated in the middle of a dispute. Your Customer Success Team ## A dedicated team that owns your matter from start to finish. Every GTC client gets a dedicated Account Manager and a Senior Account Manager who learn your business and stay with you from first email to final filing. They are named people who pick up the phone and already know your matter, so every step moves forward without delay. ### Your Account Manager Your day-to-day point of contact, who coordinates every matter, keeps things moving, and already knows your file. They have your full history, so you start every conversation where the last one left off. ### Your Senior Account Manager Senior oversight on strategy and escalations, stepping in as your needs grow, so every important detail stays on track. A named person, on email or a call, at every step. ![Your dedicated GTC Customer Success Team](/assets/m-onboarding-bright-welcome-C-heDolY.jpg) How we compare ## GTC vs. the alternatives What you get GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Attorney drafts to your team, equity split, and stage A big law firm: yes, at a higher hourly rate A big law firm: yes, at a higher hourly rate Flat-fee quote confirmed before drafting starts Vesting, reverse-vesting, and cliff drafted to your plan A DIY filing service (LegalZoom-style): generic template only A DIY filing service (LegalZoom-style): generic template only Founder IP assignment to the company done properly Good-leaver / bad-leaver and deadlock provisions One round of revisions included in the fee Attorney drafts to your team, equity split, and stage GTC Online filing services A big law firm: yes, at a higher hourly rate Doing it yourself A big law firm: yes, at a higher hourly rate Flat-fee quote confirmed before drafting starts GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Vesting, reverse-vesting, and cliff drafted to your plan GTC Online filing services A DIY filing service (LegalZoom-style): generic template only Doing it yourself A DIY filing service (LegalZoom-style): generic template only Founder IP assignment to the company done properly GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Good-leaver / bad-leaver and deadlock provisions GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself One round of revisions included in the fee GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself The timeline ## From structure call to a signed agreement. The founder-level conversation drives the timeline; once the structure is agreed, the drafting is quick. 1. Day 0 ### Founder-level structure call Sixty to ninety minutes with the co-founders covering the equity split, vesting plan, roles, IP assignment, and leaver terms. 2. ~1 week ### Drafting and founder review The agreement is drafted to the agreed structure and reviewed by every co-founder together before anyone signs. 3. 1 round included ### Revisions One round of revisions is included, so the founders can refine the terms before execution. 4. On signing ### Execution and records The signed agreement is stored with the company's records, ready to sit beneath your incorporation and future investor documents. In their words ## All your legal, in one place. One accountable team across every practice, operating since 2016. [Excellent ![](/branding/trustpilot/stars-4.5.svg)Trustpilot ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) 10,924+ Clients served 11 In-house attorneys 5 Global offices 10+ Years since 2016 Founder Agreement FAQ ## Frequently asked questions Founder agreement vs. shareholder agreement vs. operating agreement? A founder agreement is usually the first document between co-founders, often at or just before incorporation, covering the equity split, vesting, roles, and IP. A shareholder agreement is the formal post-incorporation governance contract that adds transfer restrictions, board composition, and investor terms. An operating agreement (for an LLC) or bylaws (for a corporation) are the entity's own governing documents. The terms overlap, and many of a founder agreement's provisions carry into the later documents. We draft whichever fits your stage. What is vesting and reverse-vesting, and do founders need it? How should co-founders split equity? Why does IP assignment matter so much? What happens if a founder leaves? What does the fee cover, and what is extra? [Book a Founder Agreement Consultation](/forms/catalog/incorporation-startups/founder-agreements?ref=b2c) Around the founding team ## The rest of your founding-stage stack The documents and steps that sit alongside a founder agreement. [ ### SAFEs & convertible notes Raising your first money? SAFEs and convertible notes are the standard pre-priced-round instruments. Draft a SAFE or note ](/services/safe-convertible-notes)[ ### Shareholder agreement Once investors are in, the founder terms carry into a formal governance contract. See shareholder agreements ](/services/shareholder-agreement)[ ### Incorporation Need the company itself? We form the entity the founder agreement sits underneath. Form your company ](/services/incorporation) Founder agreements ## Ready when you are. Settle the equity, the vesting, and the leaver terms before the company is worth fighting over. Book a structure call and a GTC attorney will draft the agreement and send a flat-fee quote. 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