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Startup Advisor Agreement Template for United States

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Startup Advisor Agreement

"I need a Startup Advisor Agreement for our AI technology startup, bringing on a technical advisor with 5% equity vesting over 3 years starting March 2025, with specific provisions for protecting our machine learning IP and ensuring monthly advisory meetings."

What is a Startup Advisor Agreement?

A Startup Advisor Agreement is essential when engaging experienced individuals to provide strategic guidance to early-stage companies. This document is particularly relevant in the United States startup ecosystem, where advisory relationships are common and often involve equity compensation. The agreement typically covers key aspects such as the scope of advisory services, compensation structure, confidentiality provisions, intellectual property rights, and term of engagement. It's crucial for protecting both the startup's interests and the advisor's rights, especially in situations involving sensitive information or equity-based compensation. The agreement should comply with both federal and state-specific regulations, particularly when equity is involved, and should be tailored to address the specific nature of the advisory relationship and industry requirements.

What sections should be included in a Startup Advisor Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the startup company and the advisor, including full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Brief context about the startup and the purpose of engaging the advisor

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Services: Detailed description of advisory services to be provided

5. Term and Termination: Duration of the agreement and conditions for termination

6. Compensation: Details of payment, equity, or other forms of compensation

7. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information

8. Intellectual Property: IP ownership and assignment provisions

What sections are optional to include in a Startup Advisor Agreement?

1. Non-Compete: Restrictions on competitive activities when advisor works with multiple companies or in same industry

2. Non-Solicitation: Restrictions on soliciting employees or customers when advisor has access to key relationships

3. Expense Reimbursement: Terms for reimbursing advisor expenses when advisor may incur expenses on company's behalf

4. Insurance: Requirements for maintaining professional insurance when advisor provides services with liability risks

What schedules should be included in a Startup Advisor Agreement?

1. Schedule A - Services Description: Detailed outline of specific advisory services

2. Schedule B - Compensation Terms: Detailed breakdown of compensation structure

3. Schedule C - Equity Grant Terms: Details of any equity compensation and vesting schedule

4. Appendix A - Confidential Information: Specific types of confidential information covered

Authors

Alex Denne

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

Clauses

























Industries

Securities Laws: Including Securities Act of 1933, Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and state-specific 'Blue Sky' laws. Critical for equity compensation arrangements.

Intellectual Property Laws: Covering Patent Act, Copyright Act, Trademark Act (Lanham Act), Trade Secrets Protection (Defend Trade Secrets Act), and state-specific IP laws.

Employment and Labor Laws: Including Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), state-specific employment laws, and proper classification of advisor status (independent contractor vs. employee).

Tax Laws: Encompassing Internal Revenue Code, state tax regulations, and tax implications of various compensation structures.

Confidentiality and Privacy Laws: Including state-specific privacy laws, industry-specific regulations, and data protection requirements.

Contract Law: Covering state-specific contract laws, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and common law principles governing contractual relationships.

Corporate Law: Including state-specific corporate laws, SEC regulations, and compliance with company bylaws and operating agreements.

Industry-Specific Regulations: Specific regulations depending on the startup's industry (e.g., healthcare, finance, technology).

Scope of Services: Key provision defining the exact nature and extent of advisory services to be provided.

Compensation Terms: Detailed provisions regarding payment, equity, or other forms of compensation for advisory services.

Confidentiality Obligations: Provisions protecting company's confidential information and trade secrets.

IP Assignment and Protection: Clauses governing intellectual property rights, ownership, and transfer of any IP created during the advisory relationship.

Term and Termination: Provisions specifying duration of agreement and conditions for termination.

Conflict of Interest: Clauses addressing potential conflicts and how they should be handled.

Liability and Indemnification: Provisions outlining liability limitations and indemnification obligations between parties.

Non-compete/Non-solicitation: Restrictions on advisor's ability to compete or solicit employees/customers.

Dispute Resolution: Procedures for handling disputes, including choice of law, jurisdiction, and arbitration provisions.

Compliance Requirements: General provisions ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

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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