Startup Documentation Examples: Templates and Best Practices

Proper documentation is what separates funded startups from failed ones. Investors conduct rigorous due diligence, and missing or poorly drafted documents can derail a funding round.

Essential Startup Documents by Stage

Pre-Incorporation

• Business plan with financial projections
• Market research and competitive analysis
• Co-founder discussions and preliminary agreements

Incorporation

• Articles of Association / Certificate of Incorporation
• Founders' Agreement with vesting schedules
• IP Assignment Agreements

Early Operations

• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
• Employment and Contractor Agreements
• Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
• Staff Handbook

Fundraising

• Pitch deck
• Financial model and projections
• Cap table
• SAFE or Convertible Note agreements
• Term sheet and investment agreements
• Data room with due diligence documents

Growth and Governance

• Board resolutions and meeting minutes
• Shareholder resolutions
• Share transfer documentation
• S/EIS compliance certificates (UK)
• R&D tax credit claims

Document Examples

NDA Example Structure

• Parties and effective date
• Definition of confidential information
• Obligations of receiving party
• Exclusions from confidentiality
• Term and termination
• Remedies for breach

SAFE Example Structure

• Purchase amount (investment amount)
• Valuation cap and/or discount rate
• Triggering events (priced round, dissolution, IPO)
• Conversion mechanics
• Pro rata rights

Employment Agreement Example Structure

• Job title and responsibilities
• Compensation and benefits
• Equity/option grant with vesting schedule
• Confidentiality and IP assignment
• Non-compete and non-solicitation
• Termination provisions

Where to Find Startup Templates

eSignHub provides 150+ lawyer-reviewed templates covering every stage of a startup's lifecycle — from incorporation through to fundraising and governance. Templates include NDAs, SAFEs, employment contracts, shareholder agreements, board resolutions, and policies. Each template can be customised and signed directly within the platform.