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Startup Equity Agreement

Startup Equity Agreement Template for United Arab Emirates

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Startup Equity Agreement

I need a Startup Equity Agreement for a Series A investment of AED 5 million from a venture capital firm into my Dubai-based fintech company, with the investment planned to close by March 2025 and including provisions for two board seats for the investors.

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Document background
The Startup Equity Agreement is a crucial document used when investors are taking an equity stake in a UAE-based startup company. This agreement has gained significant importance with the UAE's emergence as a leading startup hub in the MENA region, supported by recent reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership in certain sectors. The document must comply with UAE Federal Commercial Companies Law and, where applicable, specific free zone regulations. It typically includes detailed provisions on share allocation, valuation, investor rights, governance structure, exit mechanisms, and protective provisions for all parties. The agreement needs to balance international investment standards with local regulatory requirements, making it essential for both local and foreign investors participating in the UAE startup ecosystem.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of all parties to the agreement including the Company, Founders, and Investors

2. Background: Context of the investment, company status, and purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions and Interpretation: Definitions of key terms used throughout the agreement and rules of interpretation

4. Investment Terms: Details of the investment amount, valuation, and number of shares being issued

5. Completion Mechanics: Steps for completing the investment, including conditions precedent and timing

6. Warranties and Representations: Standard warranties from the Company and Founders regarding the business

7. Share Rights and Restrictions: Rights attached to shares and any restrictions on transfer or encumbrance

8. Corporate Governance: Board composition, voting rights, and management provisions

9. Reserved Matters: Decisions requiring special approval from investors or shareholders

10. Pre-emptive Rights: Rights of existing shareholders to participate in future funding rounds

11. Tag-Along and Drag-Along Rights: Rights of shareholders in case of sale or transfer of shares

12. Exit Provisions: Provisions regarding IPO, trade sale, or other exit events

13. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information

14. Term and Termination: Duration of the agreement and circumstances for termination

15. General Provisions: Standard boilerplate clauses including notices, amendments, and governing law

Optional Sections

1. Anti-Dilution Protection: Protection for investors against future down rounds, optional based on negotiation

2. Founder Vesting: Vesting schedule for founder shares, used when founders need incentivization to stay

3. Employee Share Option Pool: Creation and terms of an ESOP, if planned

4. Strategic Rights: Special rights for strategic investors, such as first refusal on commercial contracts

5. UAE Local Partner Provisions: Required if the company is not in a free zone and needs a local partner

6. Islamic Finance Compliance: Additional provisions to ensure Shariah compliance if required

7. Intellectual Property Assignment: Specific IP transfer provisions if required for the investment

8. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation: Restrictions on competitive activities, if needed

Suggested Schedules

1. Cap Table: Current and post-investment shareholding structure

2. Company Information: Details of company registration, licenses, and corporate structure

3. Warranties: Detailed warranties given by the Company and Founders

4. Reserved Matters List: Comprehensive list of matters requiring special approval

5. Completion Requirements: Detailed list of conditions precedent and completion deliverables

6. Key Terms Summary: Summary of key commercial terms of the investment

7. Board Regulations: Detailed procedures for board meetings and governance

8. Form of Deed of Adherence: Template for new shareholders joining the agreement

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

E-commerce

Financial Technology

Healthcare Technology

Educational Technology

Artificial Intelligence

Blockchain

Clean Technology

Software Development

Digital Media

Logistics

Food Technology

Retail Technology

Internet of Things

Cybersecurity

Professional Services

Consumer Services

Manufacturing

Biotechnology

Real Estate Technology

Relevant Teams

Legal

Finance

Corporate Development

Investment

Compliance

Executive Leadership

Board of Directors

Corporate Governance

Business Development

Risk Management

Relevant Roles

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Legal Officer

Investment Manager

Venture Capital Partner

Corporate Lawyer

Investment Banker

Startup Founder

Company Director

Legal Counsel

Investment Analyst

Corporate Secretary

Business Development Manager

Fund Manager

Compliance Officer

Private Equity Manager

Managing Partner

Board Member

General Counsel

Financial Advisor

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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