Start-ups

First you’ll need to set up a company. Or maybe even two! In today’s fast-paced ecosystem, starting with a single Pty Ltd company often works for bootstrapped founders – It can house your IP, trademarks, and initial funding. But for optimal risk management, consider a dual-structure: a holding company to safeguard core assets (like proprietary tech or equity stakes) and a trading entity for day-to-day operations.
With remote work on the rise, ensure your setup complies with updated Corporations Act requirements for distributed teams. We can guide you through ASIC registration in as little as 48 hours, minimizing setup costs while maximizing scalability.

A shareholders agreement. Essential for any co-founder dynamic, a tailored shareholders’ agreement (SHA) is your blueprint for harmony and growth. It outlines equity splits, vesting schedules (crucial for retaining talent in a competitive market), decision-making protocols via board votes or supermajority clauses, and clear exit strategies – like drag-along rights for acquisitions. We’ll craft a shareholders’ agreement that’s built for real-world growth: clear vesting rules, robust dispute resolution, fair exit provisions and investor-friendly clauses that actually help you raise capital – not scare it away.

You will no doubt have a brand name or logo that is uniquely yours. Your brand is your start-up’s heartbeat – protect it early by registering trademarks with IP Australia for nationwide (and international) enforcement under the Trade Marks Act. This not only blocks copycats but also boosts your valuation during investor pitches, as VCs now prioritize IP audits. With AI-generated logos proliferating, include class- specific protections (e.g. for software or apps) and monitor for infringements via automated tools. Pro tip: Bundle it with domain and social handle secures to create a seamless digital fortress – we handle the filings to keep your focus on innovation.

It’s critical to have a watertight employment agreement for your employees. As your team expands – whether full-time hires or gig freelancers – custom employment contracts are non-negotiable to shield against Fair Work claims and secure your IP. Key inclusions: automatic assignment of inventions (vital for tech start-ups), non- compete clauses compliant with 2025 reforms, and flexible remote work provisions. Pair this with NDAs for contractors accessing sensitive data, like algorithms or customer insights, to prevent leaks in an era of hybrid collaboration. Our templates are start-up optimised for equity incentives and mental health clauses, ensuring compliance while fostering loyalty – get yours drafted today to build a resilient workforce.

Yes, absolutely – even (especially) when you trust each other completely. A short, plain-English founders’ agreement covers who owns what percentage, what happens if one of you wants to leave or stops pulling your weight, and how decisions get made. We see far too many “mates” fall out six months in and have no rules to fall back on. It’s straightforward to put in place and usually ready within a couple of weeks – the best insurance policy you’ll ever buy for your friendship and your business.

At minimum: a proper employment contract (or contractor agreement) plus a short confidentiality and IP assignment deed. The contract sets pay, hours, leave, notice period and includes a clause that says anything they create for the business automatically belongs to the company (super important for tech and creative start- ups). We have simple, Fair Work-compliant templates that are start-up friendly and won’t scare off good people. Get these signed before day one and you’ll sleep much better.

If you coded or designed it yourself while you’re the sole founder, you’re usually fine — but the moment you bring on co-founders, employees or contractors you need written IP assignment clauses. We add one or two extra sentences to your employment/contractor agreements plus a short standalone IP deed if needed. Takes 10 minutes to explain and prevents the nightmare of someone claiming they own part of your core product later on. Do it early, do it once, done.