Document background
The Startup Shareholder Agreement is a crucial document for Belgian startups seeking to establish clear rules and structures for shareholder relationships. It becomes necessary when a startup moves beyond initial formation to include multiple shareholders, particularly when seeking investment or implementing employee share schemes. The agreement must comply with the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations while addressing startup-specific concerns such as future funding rounds, exit strategies, and founder vesting schedules. This document typically follows the incorporation of the company and precedes or coincides with investment rounds, serving as a fundamental governance tool that balances the interests of founders, investors, and other shareholders while providing mechanisms for growth and eventual exit.
