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Share subscription deed
I need a share subscription deed for an investment of $500,000 in a tech startup, with a 5-year lock-in period, quarterly performance reviews, and a 10% annual dividend payout.
What is a Share subscription deed?
A Share subscription deed is a legal agreement that sets out the terms when investors buy new shares directly from a company. It spells out how many shares they'll purchase, at what price, and when the deal will close - essentially documenting the whole investment transaction.
Beyond just recording the sale, these deeds protect both sides by including important details like payment schedules, company warranties, and any special rights the new shareholders will receive. They're especially common in private equity deals and startup funding rounds, where U.S. companies need clear documentation for SEC compliance and future fundraising.
When should you use a Share subscription deed?
Use a Share subscription deed when your company is bringing in new investors through a direct share sale. This document becomes essential during Series A funding rounds, private placements, or anytime you're selling equity directly to specific investors rather than through public markets.
The deed proves particularly valuable in complex investment scenarios - like when different investors are buying at different prices, when special voting rights are involved, or when the investment will happen in stages. It helps prevent future disputes by clearly documenting everyone's rights and obligations, while meeting SEC requirements for private securities transactions.
What are the different types of Share subscription deed?
- Standard Subscription Deed: Basic version covering share price, quantity, and payment terms - ideal for straightforward investments with single investors
- Multi-Party Subscription Deed: Handles multiple investors buying shares simultaneously, often with different pricing tiers or rights
- Staged Investment Deed: Structures the share purchase in phases, with specific milestones triggering additional investment rounds
- Convertible Note Subscription Deed: Combines debt-to-equity conversion terms with standard subscription provisions
- Employee Share Scheme Deed: Tailored for employee stock purchase plans with specific vesting schedules and company protections
Who should typically use a Share subscription deed?
- Company Directors: Authorize and sign the Share subscription deed on behalf of the issuing company, ensuring proper corporate approval
- Investors: Review and sign as subscribers, committing to purchase shares under the specified terms
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review the deed, ensuring SEC compliance and protecting both parties' interests
- Company Secretary: Maintains official records and handles share certificate issuance after deed execution
- Investment Bankers: Often coordinate the transaction and help structure terms for larger private placements
How do you write a Share subscription deed?
- Company Details: Gather current shareholding structure, authorized share capital, and company registration documents
- Investment Terms: Specify share price, number of shares, and total investment amount for each subscriber
- Subscriber Information: Collect legal names, addresses, and tax identification details of all investors
- Payment Schedule: Define payment timing, installment amounts, and any conditions for release
- Special Rights: Document any voting rights, board seats, or other privileges granted to new shareholders
- Compliance Check: Review SEC private placement requirements and state securities laws that apply
What should be included in a Share subscription deed?
- Parties Section: Full legal names and addresses of the company and all subscribers
- Share Details: Class, quantity, and price of shares being issued
- Payment Terms: Timing, method, and conditions for share payment
- Warranties: Company's representations about its legal status and share capital
- Subscriber Declarations: Investment capacity and eligibility confirmations
- Completion Mechanics: Steps and timing for finalizing the share transfer
- Governing Law: Jurisdiction and dispute resolution procedures
- Execution Block: Signature spaces with witness requirements
What's the difference between a Share subscription deed and a Subscription Agreement?
A Share subscription deed is often confused with a Subscription Agreement, but they serve distinct purposes in equity transactions. The key differences lie in their formality, enforceability, and typical use cases.
- Legal Weight: Share subscription deeds carry greater legal formality as executed instruments under seal, offering stronger enforceability in court
- Timing and Structure: Deeds typically handle more complex, multi-stage investments with detailed conditions, while subscription agreements suit simpler, one-time share purchases
- Witness Requirements: Deeds must be properly witnessed and sealed, whereas subscription agreements only need standard signatures
- Limitation Periods: Deeds generally have longer statutory limitation periods for enforcement (usually 12 years vs. 6 years for agreements)
- Consideration: Deeds don't require consideration to be legally binding, making them more flexible for certain transaction structures
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