Cofounder Agreement Template for Startup Founders

Built for founder commitment decisions

Use this template when

Founders who are close to committing and need a structured first draft before legal review.

Template preview

The downloaded Word file includes the same sections below, so you can review the structure before saving it.

1. Parties and company context

This cofounder agreement is entered into by the founders of [Company Name] on [Date]. The founders intend to clarify how they will build, own, operate, and protect the company before equity, IP, and long-term commitments become difficult to unwind.

Each founder should list their legal name, current role, expected future role, email, and any relevant company formation details.

Founder 1: [Name, role, email]
Founder 2: [Name, role, email]
Company: [Company Name, jurisdiction, incorporation status]

2. Equity split and vesting

The founders agree that target ownership should reflect contribution, risk, time commitment, capital, expertise, and responsibility. Equity should be subject to vesting so ownership is earned over time.

Founder equity split: [Founder A]% / [Founder B]%
Vesting schedule: [4 years / custom]
Cliff: [12 months / custom]
Treatment of unvested equity if a founder leaves: [Company repurchase / forfeiture / other]

3. Roles, responsibilities, and time commitment

The founders agree to define who owns each major operating area. Role clarity should reduce duplicated work, hidden resentment, and deadlock when decisions need one accountable owner.

CEO / company leadership: [Name]
Product and customer discovery: [Name]
Technology and engineering: [Name]
Sales, fundraising, and partnerships: [Name]
Minimum weekly commitment: [Hours / full-time date]

4. Decision rights

The founders agree to separate day-to-day decisions from major company decisions. Major decisions should require a clear approval threshold and written record.

Day-to-day owner decisions: [Area owner decides after consultation]
Major decisions requiring approval: equity changes, fundraising, hiring executives, debt, sale of company, shutdown, major pivots
Approval threshold: [Unanimous / majority / board approval]
Deadlock process: [Advisor mediation / board vote / cooling-off period]

5. IP, confidentiality, exits, and disputes

All startup-related intellectual property created for the company should be assigned to the company unless a specific pre-existing asset is disclosed and excluded in writing.

The founders should define what happens if someone leaves, stops contributing, changes role, or violates core obligations.

IP assignment: [All company-related work assigned to company]
Pre-existing IP exceptions: [List assets or write none]
Departure notice period: [Number of days]
Dispute process: [Direct discussion, mediation, legal forum]

Legal disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Founders should review the final agreement with a qualified attorney in their jurisdiction before signing.

Download, adapt, then validate the partnership

A template helps you structure the conversation. CofounderFit helps you test whether the partnership can survive the conversation before equity, vesting, and commitment are final.

Download .docx Start assessment

Related founder tools

Generate a custom cofounder agreementTurn your answers into a more tailored Word agreement.Calculate the equity splitCompare contribution, risk, capital, expertise, and commitment.Test cofounder compatibilityCheck the relationship before the document makes it formal.Read the cofounder agreement checklistReview the clauses founders usually miss before signing.

Cofounder Agreement Template FAQ

Is this cofounder agreement template legally binding?

It is a drafting aid, not legal advice. Whether any agreement is enforceable depends on your jurisdiction, company structure, and final legal review.

When should founders use this template?

Use it before splitting equity, assigning IP, raising money, quitting a job, or relying on verbal founder promises.

What should happen before signing?

Discuss compatibility, roles, equity logic, vesting, decision rights, IP, and departures, then have the final document reviewed professionally.

Legal disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. Laws and enforceability vary by jurisdiction. Have any final agreement reviewed by a qualified professional before signing.