Startup Legal & Operations Checklist

1. Formation

☐ Choose entity type

☐ File Certificate of Incorporation or Articles of Organization

☐ Draft and sign initial bylaws or operating agreement

☐ Appoint initial directors and officers

☐ Obtain EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS

☐ File necessary foreign qualifications

2. Founder Agreements & Equity

☐ Draft and sign Founder Stock Purchase Agreements

☐ Implement stock vesting

☐ File 83(b) elections within 30 days of stock issuance

☐ Document ownership on a Cap Table

☐ Consider IP Assignment Agreements

3. Company Governance & Compliance

☐ Hold and document initial board and shareholder meetings

☐ Create a secure digital records system (minutes, resolutions, consents)

☐ Register with the state and local tax authorities (if applicable)

☐ Create a clean and accurate data room

4. Hiring & Team

☐ Draft offer letters and employment agreements

☐ Create an equity incentive plan

☐ Implement confidentiality and invention assignment agreements (CIIA)

☐ Register for payroll tax accounts

☐ Set up a basic employee handbook and policies

5. Fundraising & Securities

☐ Determine fundraising vehicle

☐ Comply with securities laws

☐ Prepare investor documents (term sheet, PPM, subscription agreement)

☐ Keep accurate records of all securities issuances

☐ Send investor updates and maintain a clean Cap Table

6. Intellectual Property & Brand

☐ File trademark applications for your brand name and logo

☐ Register domain names and secure social handles

☐ Protect any proprietary tech

☐ Set up NDAs for third-party discussions

7. Contracts & Customers

☐ Use clear, lawyer-reviewed customer contracts (B2B or B2C)

☐ Create website terms of service and privacy policy

☐ Ensure compliance with data protection laws (GDPR, CCPA if applicable)

8. Finance & Operations

☐ Open a business bank account

☐ Set up bookkeeping/accounting system

☐ Choose payroll provider

☐ Build a basic budget and financial model

☐ Get business insurance