Startup Solicitors

Our Legal Services for Start-Ups

Company Formation and Business Structure

Getting your legal structure right at the outset saves significant time, cost, and complexity later. Our startup solicitors advise on the most appropriate vehicle for your business, whether that is a limited company, LLP, or partnership, and handle all formation and registration requirements. We work with founders across a wide range of sectors through our LLPs and company formations service.

• Choice of business structure and tax considerations
• Company incorporation and Companies House filings
• Articles of association and company constitution
• LLP formation and member agreements
• Company secretarial and registered office services

Shareholders Agreements and Co-Founder Arrangements

A well-drafted shareholders agreement protects every founder and sets clear rules for how the business is run. It covers decision-making, share transfers, dilution, and what happens if a co-founder leaves. Our shareholders agreements service is designed to prevent disputes before they arise and keep founders aligned as the business grows.

• Co-founder and shareholders agreements
• Vesting schedules and good leaver/bad leaver provisions
• Drag-along and tag-along rights
• Pre-emption rights and share transfer restrictions
• Director service agreements

Fundraising and Investment

We advise on equity fundraising across all early-stage rounds, from angel investment through to seed and Series A. Our startup investment lawyers act for founders seeking to raise capital and for investors reviewing or leading a round. Visit our startup investments page for further detail on how we can support your fundraise.

• Term sheet review and negotiation
• Subscription and investment agreements
• SEIS and EIS structuring
• Convertible loan notes and advance subscription agreements
• Due diligence support and data room management

Commercial Contracts and Terms of Business

Every start-up needs contracts that protect its position with clients, suppliers, and partners. Poorly drafted commercial agreements are one of the most common sources of dispute for early-stage businesses. Our commercial contracts team drafts and reviews the agreements your business relies on, in plain language that reflects how you actually operate.

• Client and supplier agreements
• SaaS and software licence terms
• Website terms and conditions
• Non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements
• Reseller, distributor, and agency agreements

Employment Law for Growing Teams

Taking on your first employees is a significant step for any start-up. Getting employment documentation right from the start reduces your exposure and gives you a sound basis for managing your team as it grows. We advise founders and businesses on the full range of employment matters, from first hire to HR policies and dispute resolution through our employment contracts and policies service.

• Employment contracts and contractor agreements
• Employee handbooks and workplace policies
• Share option and equity incentive schemes
• Settlement agreements and termination
• Employment disputes and tribunal representation

Intellectual Property Protection

Your brand, technology, and creative output are often your most valuable assets. Protecting them early prevents costly disputes later and makes your business more attractive to investors. Our intellectual property team advises start-ups on registering and enforcing their rights across all key IP categories.

• Trademark registration and protection
• Copyright advice and IP assignments
• Patent strategy and filing
• IP licensing and transfer agreements
• Trade secrets and confidentiality frameworks

GDPR and Data Protection

All businesses that collect or process personal data must comply with UK GDPR. For start-ups handling customer data or building data-driven products, getting data protection right early is essential. We provide practical, proportionate advice that keeps your business compliant without creating unnecessary overhead.

• Privacy policies and cookie notices
• Data processing agreements
• GDPR compliance reviews
• Data breach response and reporting
• Data subject access request handling