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Founder Employment Agreement Template for Canada

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Founder Employment Agreement

"I need a Founder Employment Agreement for a Canadian technology startup, where the technical founder will serve as CTO and receive 30% equity vesting over 4 years, with IP assignment provisions being particularly important as they're bringing some pre-existing technology to the company."

Document background
The Founder Employment Agreement is a crucial document used when formalizing the relationship between a company and its founder(s) in Canada. It is typically implemented either at company formation or during a subsequent funding or restructuring event. The agreement combines standard employment provisions required under Canadian federal and provincial laws with founder-specific elements such as equity participation, intellectual property assignment, and special duties. This document is essential for protecting both parties' interests, establishing clear expectations, and ensuring compliance with Canadian corporate and employment laws. It typically includes detailed provisions on compensation, equity vesting, role responsibilities, confidentiality, non-competition, and termination terms, while acknowledging the founder's unique position as both an employee and key stakeholder in the business.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the company and the founder

2. Background: Context of the agreement, including the founder's role in establishing the company

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Position and Duties: Founder's title, role, responsibilities, and reporting structure

5. Time Commitment: Work hours, dedication requirements, and any permitted outside activities

6. Compensation: Base salary, benefits, and basic equity compensation structure

7. Equity Participation: Detailed terms of share ownership, vesting schedule, and shareholder rights

8. Intellectual Property: Assignment of IP rights, including pre-existing IP and new developments

9. Confidentiality: Protection of company confidential information and trade secrets

10. Non-Competition: Restrictions on competing activities during and after employment

11. Non-Solicitation: Restrictions on soliciting employees, customers, or suppliers

12. Termination: Grounds for termination and consequences of different termination scenarios

13. Company Policies: Compliance with company policies and procedures

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

Optional Sections

1. Board Position: Terms of board membership, if the founder will serve as a director

2. Expense Reimbursement: Details of expense policies and reimbursement procedures

3. Insurance and Indemnification: Special insurance coverage and indemnification rights for the founder

4. Dispute Resolution: Specific procedures for resolving disputes, including mediation or arbitration

5. Relocation: Terms related to relocation if the founder needs to move for the position

6. Special Projects: Terms regarding specific strategic initiatives or projects

7. Family Member Employment: Policies regarding employment of founder's family members

8. Sabbatical Rights: Terms for any agreed sabbatical or extended leave periods

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule A - Compensation Details: Detailed breakdown of salary, benefits, and bonus structure

2. Schedule B - Equity Terms: Detailed terms of share ownership, including vesting schedule and conditions

3. Schedule C - Position Description: Detailed description of roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations

4. Schedule D - Pre-existing IP: List of founder's pre-existing intellectual property excluded from assignment

5. Schedule E - Restricted Activities: Specific list of prohibited competitive activities

6. Appendix 1 - Share Rights: Detailed description of rights attached to founder's shares

7. Appendix 2 - Benefits Package: Detailed description of all benefits and perquisites

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ tiktok³ÉÈ˰æ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Relevant legal definitions








































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Relevant Industries

Technology

Software Development

Biotechnology

Clean Energy

Financial Technology

E-commerce

Healthcare Technology

Manufacturing

Professional Services

Media and Entertainment

Artificial Intelligence

Telecommunications

Consumer Products

Education Technology

Real Estate Technology

Relevant Teams

Legal

Human Resources

Executive Leadership

Board of Directors

Corporate Governance

Compensation Committee

People Operations

Talent Management

Relevant Roles

Founder

Co-Founder

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Technology Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Product Officer

Managing Director

President

Executive Director

Technical Founder

Business Founder

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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