Recent Answers to Startup Stock Option Law Questions

Christopher N.

Answered Jun 13, 2025

The answer to your question depends on a variety of factors, the number of partners, the amount of money involved, the underlying business, e.g., is intellectual property involved, or is it restaurant, and the combines risks associated with the business. At a minimum, you need to detail: who owns how much of the company (50/50; 30/70); how much capital is going to be invested by each party and when that money is to be invested; how is that money to be spent and who can spend that money (and what are the limits); what decisions can be made and who has to approve them (vote or unilateral decisions); who is going to manage the day-to-day operations; what are the requirements for adding capital (and where it comes from) ... and how (or when) to withdrawal capital; how are partners added (or withdrawal voluntarily or forcibly); and, much much more. However, many times forming a small company is a very simple affair, but can be complicated. We highly recommend you speak with an attorney that specializes in small businesses. A good attorney will be able to help you with formation, but also be your (non-owner) partner, "outside general counsel," and faciliator of contacts to help you grow your business. Good luck!

Dawn K.

Answered Apr 15, 2025

Congratulations on your business growth and evolution! I'll answer the question without having seen the actual agreement, so this is just based on broad contract principles. Yes, you can change an agreement after it is signed, and there are a few ways to do so. If it is just a few terms, you may be able to do a written "modification" that becomes the new terms of the agreement and the rest stays. There is also, again depending on how much you want changed, a process of "novation" where we substitute a new contract for the previous one. It has specific language in it, but it is also available. These are the two primary ways to change the agreement where there are no disputes and all parties agree to the changed or new terms. Congratulations again!