The "Pre-Nup" for Co-Founders.
Download the 2026 Founder Collaboration Agreement.
Protect Your IP Before You Incorporate. Test the Relationship Safely.
You have an idea. You have a partner. But you don't have a company yet.
This is the most dangerous phase of a startup: The Dating Phase.
You are working nights and weekends. You are writing code. You are buying domains. But you haven't filed for a Corporation yet because you aren't sure if the idea (or the partnership) will work.
The Nightmare Scenario:
You work for 6 months.
You decide to break up before incorporating.
Your partner says: "I wrote the backend code, so I own it. You can't launch without paying me."
Result: Your startup is dead before it even launched.
The Solution: The Collaboration Agreement.
This contract governs the relationship before the entity exists. It defines who owns what, how expenses are split, and most importantly, how to break up without killing the project.
What You Get Inside the Kit:
1. The "Pre-Incorporation" Master Contract (Word)
A comprehensive legal framework designed for 2-5 founders who are in the exploratory phase.
IP Lockbox: Defines all code, designs, and ideas as "Joint Property" intended for a future company, preventing one person from stealing the idea.
Moonlighting Protection: Specific clauses protecting founders who still have day jobs, ensuring they don't accidentally give their employer rights to the startup.
Expense Tracking: A clear legal structure for reimbursing founders who pay for servers or domains on their personal credit cards.
2. The "Clean Break" Protocol
This is the killer feature.
If a founder quits before incorporation, they don't keep equity.
Instead, they get reimbursed for their expenses + a nominal buyout fee.
They legally assign all IP rights to the remaining founders, ensuring the project can continue without "dead weight" on the cap table.
3. The Digital Asset Trust Clause
Prevents the "Hostage Domain" problem.
If your co-founder buys the domain name on their personal account, this contract makes them a legal "Trustee."
They cannot sell the domain or refuse to transfer it if they leave the project.
4. The Execution Guide (PDF)
A step-by-step manual explaining how to define the "Project Scope" so you don't accidentally sign away rights to your other side hustles.
Why Founders Need This Specific Template:
1. Incorporation Costs Money
Forming a Delaware C-Corp costs $500+. Using this agreement allows you to test the waters for 6 months for free while still having legal protection.
2. It Prevents the "Winklevoss" Problem
Facebook was sued because the ownership of the idea wasn't clear before the company started. This document clarifies that the "Project" belongs to the collective, not the individual.
3. It sets the stage for Vesting
It explicitly states that if you do incorporate, everyone agrees to sign a 4-year vesting schedule. This sets expectations early so there are no fights about equity later.
Test the Waters. Keep the IP.
Today's Price: $99 | Save over 30% off the $145 retail price.
(One-time payment. Instant Download. Fully Editable.)
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I file this with the government?
No. This is a private contract between humans. You keep it in your drawer. It proves who owns the IP if there is ever a dispute.
2. What happens when we incorporate?
This agreement "self-destructs." It is replaced by the formal Corporate Bylaws and Stock Purchase Agreements. We include a clause that automatically transitions all rights to the new company.
3. Can I use this if I am paying my co-founder?
No. If you are paying them a salary, they are an employee. You need an Employment Agreement. This is for partners who are sharing risk and working for future equity.
