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Seed investment agreement
I need a seed investment agreement for an early-stage startup seeking CHF 500,000 in exchange for equity, with provisions for investor rights, anti-dilution protection, and a clear timeline for fund disbursement. The agreement should also include a clause for board observer rights and a pre-emptive rights clause for future funding rounds.
What is a Seed investment agreement?
A Seed investment agreement outlines the terms when early-stage investors provide capital to Swiss startups in exchange for equity. It sets the foundation for the company's first significant funding round, typically ranging from CHF 50,000 to 500,000.
These agreements specify crucial details like company valuation, investor rights, and voting privileges under Swiss corporate law. They often include key protective provisions such as anti-dilution rights, board representation, and information rights - helping both founders and investors establish clear expectations while complying with Swiss Code of Obligations requirements for share transfers and capital increases.
When should you use a Seed investment agreement?
Use a Seed investment agreement when your Swiss startup needs its first significant external funding, typically after exhausting personal resources and before seeking larger Series A rounds. This agreement becomes essential once you've identified angel investors or seed funds willing to invest CHF 50,000 or more in exchange for equity.
The timing is particularly critical when multiple investors are involved, or when your startup needs to formalize governance structures under Swiss law. Having this agreement in place protects both founders and investors during the critical early growth phase, establishing clear terms for future funding rounds and preventing potential disputes over ownership and control rights.
What are the different types of Seed investment agreement?
- Basic Seed Agreement: Straightforward investment terms for single-investor rounds under CHF 100,000, with minimal protective provisions
- Convertible Note Structure: Debt that converts to equity at Series A, popular with Swiss angel investors for its flexibility
- SAFE Agreement: Simple agreement for future equity, adapted to Swiss law, offering streamlined terms without complex valuation discussions
- Preferred Share Structure: Comprehensive agreement with enhanced investor rights, voting privileges, and anti-dilution protection
- Syndicate Investment Agreement: Structured for multiple investors, including lead investor rights and pro-rata participation terms
Who should typically use a Seed investment agreement?
- Startup Founders: Sign and negotiate the agreement as company representatives, ensuring their venture gets needed capital while protecting their interests
- Angel Investors: Provide seed capital, typically CHF 50,000-500,000, and negotiate key terms like valuation and board seats
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Swiss corporate law and protect client interests
- Board Members: Review and approve terms, often becoming involved through investor appointment rights
- Company Secretary: Manages documentation, share registry updates, and corporate housekeeping post-investment
How do you write a Seed investment agreement?
- Company Details: Gather current capitalization table, articles of association, and commercial register excerpt
- Investment Terms: Define investment amount, valuation, and share class structure under Swiss law
- Investor Information: Collect KYC documentation and proof of funds for each participating investor
- Rights Package: Specify board seats, voting rights, anti-dilution provisions, and information rights
- Timeline Planning: Set clear closing conditions, payment schedules, and share issuance deadlines
- Documentation Review: Use our platform to generate a compliant agreement draft, incorporating all mandatory Swiss legal requirements
What should be included in a Seed investment agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of the startup and all investors
- Investment Structure: Precise description of share class, number of shares, and price per share
- Warranties: Company representations about financial status, intellectual property, and material contracts
- Investor Rights: Detailed provisions for board seats, voting rights, and anti-dilution protection
- Share Transfer Rules: Tag-along, drag-along rights and restrictions aligned with Swiss Code of Obligations
- Exit Provisions: Clear terms for future sales, IPOs, or liquidation events
- Governing Law: Explicit reference to Swiss law and jurisdiction for dispute resolution
What's the difference between a Seed investment agreement and a Pre-seed Angel investment agreement?
A Seed investment agreement differs significantly from a Pre-seed Angel investment agreement in several key aspects, though both deal with early-stage funding in Swiss startups. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right agreement for your funding stage.
- Investment Size: Seed rounds typically involve CHF 50,000-500,000, while pre-seed deals are usually under CHF 50,000
- Investor Profile: Seed agreements often involve professional investors or small funds, while pre-seed deals are typically with friends, family, or individual angels
- Legal Complexity: Seed agreements include more sophisticated investor rights and protections, whereas pre-seed agreements are usually simpler
- Valuation Approach: Seed rounds require formal company valuation, while pre-seed often uses convertible instruments or simpler pricing methods
- Corporate Governance: Seed agreements typically include board seats and voting rights, which are rarely found in pre-seed deals
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