Founders Agreement (Australian Startup Co-Founder Document)
Last updated · Reviewed by the Claim Done team · Not legal advice
A founders agreement (sometimes called a co-founders agreement or founder accord) is the document signed by the founders of a startup before — or shortly after — incorporation. It records the equity split, vesting schedules, decision-making rights, IP assignment, exit triggers, and what happens if a founder leaves, dies, becomes incapacitated, or wants to be bought out.
Why this document matters
The 5-minute conversation in the early days that nobody wants to have — "what happens if you walk in 18 months?" — is exactly what a founders agreement forces.
How Claim Done can help
For founders who have set up a company, the Shareholders Agreement for Small Companies ($129) records the equity split, vesting, decision rights, what happens when a founder leaves, and IP assignment. For founders trading as a partnership, the Business Partnership Agreement ($97) covers the same ground for a partnership. If you are not ready for the full agreement yet, a Heads of Agreement / Term Sheet ($49) records the key terms you have agreed while the formal documents are prepared.
Start your Shareholders Agreement ($129) →Start your Partnership Agreement ($97) →Start a Heads of Agreement ($49) →
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