📦 Founders’ Agreement + IP Assignment (Pre-Incorporation) Pack

Get on the same page. Own your IP from day one.
Editable Word + Excel templates for South African startups.

What’s included

• Founders’ Pact (Word):
  Clear roles, time commitment, how decisions are made, who owns what %, simple vesting with a “cliff,” rules if someone leaves, and how to fix deadlocks.
   

• IP Assignment before the company exists (Word):
  Each person assigns all project work and ideas to a temporary holder so the IP is safely kept and can move into the company later.
   

• IP Assignment  after the company exists (Word):
  The company signs this with founders, employees, and contractors so all new work belongs to the company.
   

• Cap Table Worksheet (Excel):
  Fill-in-the-blanks sheet to plan share splits, option pool, and vesting. Includes a simple checklist.
   

- File types: .docx and .xlsx
- Delivery: instant download.

Why this matters 

• When someone is employed, the company usually owns what they create at work.
   

• When someone is a contractor or freelancer, they own their work unless they sign it over in writing.
   

• Signing early keeps your ownership story clean for investors and avoids fights later.
   

• After you register the company, make sure the board approves the pre-company agreements within three months, so everything is properly moved into the company.
   

When to use this pack

• You’re working together before the company is registered.
   

• You’re using freelancers and want the company to own the code, designs, brand, and documents.
   

• You want a clean, investor-ready paper trail and cap table.
   

How to use (step-by-step)

• Sign the Founders’ Pact.
   

• Before any work starts, each person signs the pre-company IP assignment.
   

• Register the company.
   

• Within 3 months, the board approves the earlier agreements so the IP moves into the company.
   

• Everyone signs the post-company IP assignment.
   

• Use the cap table to finalise the share split and option pool, then issue shares.

FAQ

- Do we need a lawyer to use this?
No. It’s written in plain language. If your situation is unusual, a quick review helps.

- Can we change the share split later?
Yes. This pack helps you decide now; your company documents can lock it in later.

- Will this register our company for us?
No. This sets your team rules and IP ownership. Registration is a separate step.

Legal note 

These templates are starting points. They are not legal advice and do not replace speaking to a lawyer about your specific situation.

• South Africa only. The content is written with South African law in mind. If you operate elsewhere, or your deal has cross-border elements, get local advice.
   

• No attorney-client relationship. Buying or using this pack doesn’t make us your lawyers. We only act for you once we’ve signed a separate engagement letter.
   

• One size doesn’t fit all. Every startup is different. You must customise the templates before using them and make sure they match your facts, strategy, and risk appetite.
   

• Laws change. We try to keep materials current, but legislation and case law evolve. Always check you’re using the latest version and that it still suits your needs.
   

• Special rules may apply. If you’re in a regulated space (for example: financial services, health, education, alcohol, gambling, crypto, cross-border sales, or processing personal data), you’ll likely need extra clauses or separate documents.
   

• No warranties. We provide these materials “as is”, without any guarantees. To the fullest extent allowed by law, we’re not liable for loss or damages arising from their use.
   

• Your responsibility. You are responsible for how you complete, sign, and implement the documents (including any board approvals and filings your situation may require).
   

If you’d like help tailoring the pack to your company, we’re happy to assist under a separate engagement.

E-mail: hello@thestartuplegal.co.za