Legal template docs for every startup

Early-stage companies shouldn’t need to spend big $$ on lawyers for basic documents.

Here are the templates every startup can use:

1. I used and will always use Stripe Atlas for company creation.
   
   For $500, they do everything, and it’s magic 💫
   
   If you prefer to do it yourself, you’ll need corporate formation docs and the founder's stock purchase agreements.
   
   Corporate Formation
   Founder's Stock Purchase
   

2. To hire your first contractor, you’ll need Consulting Agreement.
   It includes the NDA, IP protection, and invention assignment.
   
   Consulting Agreement
   

3. When you are ready to hire your first employee, give them a job offer and sign NDA and invention assignment agreement
   
   Employee Offer Letter
   Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement for Employees
   
   If you are paying with stock, use these documents.
   
   Startup Forms: Equity Compensation
   

4. When raising funds, some investors offer their own term sheets/agreements. Some might be complicated and not transparent.
   
   Here is a term sheet and SAFE agreement from YC
   
   Safe Financing Documents
   Series A Term Sheet Template
   

5. When selling smaller checks, use terms of use to regulate your relationship. Larger clients require a sales agreement.
   
   Template Sales Agreement
   
   Some require an NDA
   
   Nondisclosure Agreement (Mutual)
   

6. If you still have to use a lawyer, use Upcounsil by Xavier Helgesen and Sieva Kozinsky. You’ll get qualified help and won't end up paying $500/h for them just to consider your work.