Situation
A startup preparing for its first funding round approached the firm. Its product was developing and an investor was interested, but difficulties arose around ownership relations and decision-making rules.
Action
Before investment negotiations began, I analysed the shareholders' existing arrangements and organised issues concerning voting rights, exit rules, intellectual-property protection and strategic decision-making mechanisms.
Outcome
A comprehensive shareholders' agreement was prepared, reducing the risk of disputes and streamlining the transaction. For the client, the outcome was a signed investment deal; the company was also protected at a stage when many issues were only beginning to emerge.