The Boardroom
These Are the Top 10 Legal Needs Founders Face
These legal questions are keeping your startup up at night.
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So you’ve got a big idea, a bold plan, and a few Google Docs filled with dreams. Amazing. But before you launch your startup into the stratosphere, let’s talk about something less glamorous—but very necessary: legal stuff. Because while you’re focused on building the next big thing, the right legal foundations can make or break your business (and your peace of mind). Curious to know what you may need a lawyer for? Here are the 10 most common legal needs almost every founder has:
1. Business Formation & Structure LLC? S-Corp? C-Corp? Picking your legal structure isn’t just paperwork—it affects your taxes, liability, and ability to raise money. Choose wisely, and get it filed correctly.
2. Founder Agreements Before anyone builds a thing or signs a check, founders need to agree on roles, equity splits, decision-making, and what happens if someone exits. Think of it as a business prenup.
3. Intellectual Property Protection Your brand name, logo, app design, or secret sauce? That’s gold. Protect it with trademarks, copyrights, or patents before someone else does.
4. Contracts & Service Agreements Whether you're hiring freelancers, working with clients, or selling products, you need crystal-clear contracts. They’re your first line of protection when (not if) things get messy.
5. Employment & Independent Contractor Agreements Bringing people on board? These docs set expectations and clarify who owns what (spoiler: your company should own the work).
6. Equity & Cap Table Management Issuing shares to co-founders or early hires? Keep that cap table clean, legal, and up to date—especially if you want to raise funding.
7. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) Before you spill your next-gen pitch to a developer or potential partner, have them sign an NDA. Better safe than sorry.
8. Privacy Policies & Terms of Use If you’re collecting any customer data or running a digital product, these aren’t optional—they’re required (and often legally mandated).
9. Fundraising Compliance Angel investors? Crowdfunding? VC pitches? Each comes with its own legal fine print. Get help to avoid costly missteps.
10. Regulatory Compliance Depending on your industry (health, finance, education, etc.), you may need special licenses or to follow certain laws. Don’t assume—you need to know.*
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*BTW - We are not giving legal advice. Please consult a lawyer to fully understand any of the above.
