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Founder Shareholder Agreement

Founder Shareholder Agreement Template for Ireland

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Founder Shareholder Agreement

"I need a Founder Shareholder Agreement for a technology startup with three co-founders (two technical, one business) launching in March 2025, with specific focus on IP protection and a 4-year vesting schedule for founder shares."

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Document background
The Founder Shareholder Agreement is a critical document used when establishing a new company or formalizing the relationship between existing founding shareholders in Ireland. It serves as the cornerstone agreement that governs the relationships between founders, protecting their interests while ensuring clear guidelines for company operation and potential future scenarios. This document is essential for startups and new businesses across all sectors, particularly where multiple founders are involved. The agreement must comply with Irish company law, specifically the Companies Act 2014, and includes provisions for share ownership, voting rights, board composition, transfer restrictions, and exit mechanisms. It helps prevent potential disputes by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes, while also providing mechanisms for resolving any conflicts that may arise.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identifies all founding shareholders and the company as parties to the agreement

2. Background: Sets out the context of the agreement, including company formation and purpose

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Share Ownership and Capital Structure: Details the initial shareholding structure and share classes

5. Shareholders' Rights and Obligations: Outlines core rights and responsibilities of founding shareholders

6. Board Composition and Governance: Establishes board structure and appointment rights

7. Decision Making: Details voting rights and reserved matters requiring specific shareholder approval

8. Transfer Restrictions: Sets out restrictions on share transfers and right of first refusal provisions

9. Tag-Along and Drag-Along Rights: Establishes minority protection and majority exit rights

10. Confidentiality: Defines confidential information and obligations to maintain confidentiality

11. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation: Establishes restrictions on competitive activities and employee solicitation

12. Intellectual Property: Addresses ownership and protection of company IP

13. Dispute Resolution: Sets out procedures for resolving disputes between shareholders

14. Exit Provisions: Details mechanisms for shareholder exits and company sale

15. Term and Termination: Specifies duration of agreement and termination circumstances

16. General Provisions: Includes standard boilerplate clauses like notices, amendments, and governing law

Optional Sections

1. Founder Vesting: Include when founders' shares are subject to vesting schedules

2. Investment Rights: Include when planning future investment rounds with specific rights for founders

3. Founder Employment: Include when founders will be employed by the company in executive positions

4. Dead Lock Resolution: Include for companies with equal shareholding splits to resolve potential deadlocks

5. Share Option Pool: Include if establishing an employee share option scheme

6. Permitted Transfers: Include to allow specific types of share transfers to family members or personal holding companies

7. Dividend Policy: Include when specific dividend distribution rules are needed

8. Good Leaver/Bad Leaver: Include when different exit terms apply based on circumstances of founder departure

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule 1 - Share Capital Table: Detailed breakdown of shareholding structure and share classes

2. Schedule 2 - Reserved Matters: List of decisions requiring special shareholder approval

3. Schedule 3 - Deed of Adherence: Template for new shareholders to join the agreement

4. Schedule 4 - Company Details: Key company information including registered office and company number

5. Schedule 5 - Initial Business Plan: Overview of company's initial business strategy and objectives

6. Schedule 6 - Share Valuation Methodology: Agreed method for valuing shares in various circumstances

7. Schedule 7 - Competing Businesses: List of businesses considered competitors for non-compete provisions

8. Appendix A - Board Procedures: Detailed procedures for board meetings and decision-making

9. Appendix B - Vesting Schedule: Details of any share vesting arrangements for founders

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ tiktok³ÉÈË°æ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

alex.den.21@genieai.co
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Relevant Industries

Technology and Software

Financial Services

E-commerce

Healthcare

Professional Services

Manufacturing

Media and Entertainment

Biotechnology

Real Estate

Education Technology

Clean Technology

Retail

Consulting

Food and Beverage

Transportation and Logistics

Relevant Teams

Legal

Executive Leadership

Board of Directors

Corporate Governance

Company Secretariat

Corporate Development

Mergers and Acquisitions

Compliance

Finance

Risk Management

Relevant Roles

Chief Executive Officer

Company Founder

Managing Director

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Technology Officer

Company Secretary

Board Director

Chief Operations Officer

General Counsel

Corporate Lawyer

Legal Counsel

Investment Director

Startup Founder

Entrepreneur

Business Owner

Company Director

Board Member

Executive Director

Industries








Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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