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What is Shareholder Agreement?

Definition

Shareholder Agreement

A Shareholder Agreement is a contract between the shareholders of a startup that outlines voting rights, transfer restrictions, and board seats.

Why It Matters for Startups

Governs the legal rights and ownership distribution of the entity; configuring Shareholder Agreement is critical for managing long-term cap table health and alignment during founder equity agreements and investor alignment planning.

Detailed Deep Dive

A Shareholder Agreement defines the relationship between equity owners. By outlining transfer restrictions and voting rules, it protects the startup's cap table and aligns stakeholder expectations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is included in a shareholder agreement?

Right of first refusal (ROFR), drag-along and tag-along rights, and board representation rules.

Q:When is a shareholder agreement executed?

It is signed by founders at incorporation and updated during priced funding rounds.

Quick Facts

  • CategoryLegal
  • Key ApplicationFounder equity agreements and investor alignment planning

Coverage Trend12 Weeks

12w agoToday

Cite This Term

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[Shareholder Agreement | SPIDITS Glossary](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/shareholder-agreement)

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