Startup Templates & Checklists¶

50+ templates with three versions each - because one size doesn't fit all.

Every template in this library comes in three versions to match your negotiating position and preferences:

Version	Description	When to Use
🟢 Founder-Friendly	Maximum founder protection	Strong bargaining position, competitive deal
🟡 Balanced	Fair to both parties	Standard negotiations, good relationship
🔴 Investor-Heavy	Maximum investor protection	Weak position, understand what you're signing

Understanding all three versions helps you recognize where a proposed term falls on the spectrum and negotiate accordingly.

Template Categories¶

Legal Templates¶

Essential legal documents for fundraising:

Term Sheet Templates¶

Template	Description	Appendix Link
Seed Term Sheet	Pre-Series A investment terms	View Template
Series A Term Sheet	Institutional round terms	View Template
Convertible Note	Debt-to-equity conversion	View Template
SAFE Agreement	Simple agreement for future equity	View Template

SHA Clause Templates¶

Clause	What It Governs	Appendix Link
Liquidation Preference	Exit payment priority	View Clause
Anti-Dilution	Down-round protection	View Clause
Board Composition	Governance structure	View Clause
Protective Provisions	Investor veto rights	View Clause
Drag-Along Rights	Forced sale provisions	View Clause
Tag-Along Rights	Co-sale rights	View Clause
ROFR/ROFO	Transfer restrictions	View Clause
Information Rights	Reporting obligations	View Clause

ESOP Documents¶

Template	Purpose	Appendix Link
ESOP Plan Document	Master plan framework	View Template
Grant Letter	Individual option grants	View Template
Vesting Schedule	Time-based vesting terms	View Template
Exercise Agreement	Option exercise terms	View Template

Board Resolutions¶

Resolution	When Needed	Appendix Link
Fundraising Authorization	Before accepting investment	View Template
Share Allotment	Issuing new shares	View Template
ESOP Grant Approval	Granting options	View Template

Browse All Legal Templates

Operational Templates¶

Day-to-day fundraising and management tools:

Financial Models¶

Template	Purpose	Appendix Link
Cap Table Template	Track ownership	View Template
Financial Projections	3-5 year forecasts	View Template
Unit Economics Model	LTV, CAC, margins	View Template
Runway Calculator	Burn rate analysis	View Template

Investor Relations¶

Template	Purpose	Appendix Link
Investor Pipeline Tracker	CRM for fundraising	View Template
Monthly Investor Update	Regular communications	View Template
Pitch Deck Framework	Presentation structure	View Template
Data Room Checklist	Document organization	View Template

Due Diligence Checklists¶

Checklist	Items	Appendix Link
Legal Due Diligence	50+ items	View Checklist
Financial Due Diligence	40+ items	View Checklist
Technical Due Diligence	30+ items	View Checklist
HR/Team Due Diligence	20+ items	View Checklist

Browse All Operational Templates

Calculator Methodologies¶

Understand the math behind funding decisions:

Calculator	What It Calculates	Appendix Link
Cap Table Dilution	Ownership changes per round	View Methodology
Liquidation Waterfall	Exit payment distribution	View Methodology
Anti-Dilution Adjustment	Share price/count changes	View Methodology
SAFE Conversion	Note to equity math	View Methodology
ESOP Grant Calculator	Option value and vesting	View Methodology
Valuation Models	DCF, VC method, scorecard	View Methodology

View All Calculator Methodologies

How to Use These Templates¶

Step 1: Understand the Context¶

Before using any template, read the relevant chapter to understand:

When to use this document
Key terms and their implications
Red flags to watch for
Negotiation strategies

Step 2: Choose Your Version¶

Select the template version matching your situation:

🟢 Founder-Friendly: Start here if you have leverage
🟡 Balanced: Good default for most situations
🔴 Investor-Heavy: Know what maximum investor terms look like

Step 3: Customize Thoughtfully¶

Templates are starting points, not final documents:

Adapt to your specific situation
Consult legal counsel before signing anything
Negotiate terms that matter most to you

Step 4: Track Changes¶

When negotiating:

Use redlining to track changes
Understand each modification
Document agreed terms clearly

Template Version Comparison¶

Example: Liquidation Preference Clause¶

Version	Terms	Impact
🟢 Founder-Friendly	1x non-participating, pari passu	Investor gets 1x or converts, not both
🟡 Balanced	1x non-participating, senior to common	Standard protection for investors
🔴 Investor-Heavy	2x participating, cumulative dividends	Investor gets 2x PLUS pro-rata share

Example: Anti-Dilution Clause¶

Version	Terms	Impact
🟢 Founder-Friendly	Weighted average, broad-based, pay-to-play	Minimal founder dilution in down round
🟡 Balanced	Weighted average, broad-based	Moderate protection, fair adjustment
🔴 Investor-Heavy	Full ratchet, no pay-to-play	Maximum founder dilution possible

Quick Links by Use Case¶

"I'm preparing for my first fundraise"¶

"I received a term sheet"¶

"I'm setting up an ESOP"¶

"I'm going through due diligence"¶

Disclaimer¶

These templates are provided for educational purposes only. They are not legal documents and should not be used without review by qualified legal counsel.

Before using any template:

Consult a startup lawyer familiar with your jurisdiction
Adapt to your specific situation
Verify compliance with local regulations (especially for Indian companies)
Never sign documents you don't fully understand