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Seed-Stage Legal Checklist
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Essential items every early-stage company should have in place | acevedoventurelaw.com
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CategoryItemStatusPriorityNotes
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Entity Formation
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Delaware C-Corp incorporationNot StartedHigh
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EIN obtained from IRSNot StartedHigh
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Bylaws adopted by boardNot StartedHigh
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Initial board consent signedNot StartedHigh
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Qualifying to do business in home stateNot StartedMedium
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Founder Agreements
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Founder stock purchase agreements executedNot StartedHigh
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83(b) elections filed (within 30 days)Not StartedHigh
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Vesting schedules in place for all foundersNot StartedHigh
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IP assignment agreements signed by all foundersNot StartedHigh
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Co-founder roles and responsibilities documentedNot StartedMedium
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IP Protection
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CIIA signed by all team members and contractorsNot StartedHigh
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Prior invention disclosures completedNot StartedHigh
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Trademark search for company nameNot StartedMedium
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Domain name securedNot StartedMedium
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Trade secret policy in placeNot StartedLow
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Corporate Governance
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Stock option plan (equity incentive plan) adoptedNot StartedHigh
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Board meeting minutes maintainedNot StartedMedium
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Officer appointments documentedNot StartedMedium
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Annual franchise tax filings currentNot StartedMedium
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Corporate minute book organizedNot StartedLow
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Employment / Contractors
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Offer letters for all employeesNot StartedHigh
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Independent contractor agreements in placeNot StartedHigh
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At-will employment disclosuresNot StartedMedium
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Employee handbook (if 5+ employees)Not StartedMedium
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State employment law compliance reviewedNot StartedMedium
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Fundraising Readiness
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Cap table accurate and currentNot StartedHigh
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Data room organized with key documentsNot StartedMedium
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SAFE or convertible note templates reviewedNot StartedMedium
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Board approval for fundraising authorizedNot StartedMedium
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Prior investor consents (if applicable)Not StartedMedium
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