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What Is a Terms Sheet?
A terms sheet is a nonbinding agreement between yourself as the company owner or representative and an investor that outlines the broader terms and conditions of an investment deal. Parties frequently use it as a template and starting point for the more detailed and legally binding documents that'll come in the future. Once the involved parties agree on the term sheet details, they'll move into the next step of forming the legal documents that facilitate the investment in the company.
Terms sheets are typically associated with startups because it's these companies that most often need more investment dollars to start the business or expand operations, but many companies planning on a merger or acquisition use it too. Having a term sheet actually attracts investors and venture capitalists to your company with the means to contribute financially to assist with growing your business.
It's obvious that investors find it appealing to be a part of a company that they believe will bring them a solid return on their investment for years to come. What's even more enticing is when that company has everything in order and the terms of a potential agreement laid out in a way that's clear and doesn't leave much room for misinterpretation or confusion.
While the term sheet doesn't have to go into every single detail or contingency of a deal, it should include the more important parts so investors can read through it and know exactly what they are getting into. Venture capitalists may have many deals in front of them, so as a business owner, you may find it easier to attract the funds you need when you make the process easy on your investor.
What to Include on a Terms Sheet
If it's time to draw up a terms sheet, it means you're at a place in your company when you could use extra funds. This is usually when you're doing really well and just need some investment dollars to expand operations or keep them going at the level and pace you're used to. Here is what most term sheets should include:
- Identification information: You should share your information as the business owner and the investor's information. This will show exactly who is a part of the terms sheet.
- Valuation: This is how much the company is worth, and something that investors will definitely want to know before investing their money to fund your enterprise. The valuation calculation can also include how many shares of the company have already been distributed and at what cost.
- Investment amount: The investment amount should be laid out clearly, so there is no confusion as to how much you're expecting as an investment.
- Percentage stake: The percentage stake is the percentage the investor will own of the company if the deal goes through. For example, if the percentage stake is 20%, then the investor will own 20% of the company, which could make them a majority shareholder depending on how the other 80% is broken up.
- Time frame: It's standard practice to allow for a certain period of time where the investor can go over the terms sheet and make a formal decision.
- Voting rights: Venture capitalists want to maximize their return on investment potential, so they may ask you as the business owner to give up some part of the voting rights in the company. While this can go any which way depending on the agreement, you may want to outline exactly how much voting rights the investor will have if they provide much-needed funding.
- Other provisions: It's typical to include additional provisions for items such as who is responsible for legal fees, an investor's right to company information and future investments, nondisclosure details, and founders' obligations.
A terms sheet should also clearly state that it is a nonbinding agreement, giving both the entrepreneur and the investor the ability to withdraw before legal paperwork is completed. If you want some additional tips on how to understand your term sheet, head to this article .
What to Be Wary of in a Term Sheet
While it would be ideal to have an uncomplicated investment process, you may come upon an investor who tries to institute a variety of provisions in the term sheet that don't benefit you as the company founder. Here are some things to be on the lookout for:
- Unfair financing: If part of your investor's dollars will serve as a loan for your business expenditures, make sure that the note details aren't so harsh that your company could become bankrupt in an attempt to repay it.
- Large controlling stake: Investors want to have some stake in the company, but some investors may ask for a large stake that would give them the biggest share and, therefore, the controlling portion of your company.
- Limiting terms: There are certain things that an investor may ask of you, but they may also want to limit how much fundraising you can go after in the future. Consider if this is beneficial for your business before agreeing to it in the terms sheet.
Image via Unsplash by officestock
Common Terms Found on a Term Sheet
Term sheets can include a lot of jargon that you may not be familiar with when you're just starting out as a business owner. Here are some common terms and their definitions:
- Valuation: You likely already know what the valuation of your company is, especially if you're at the point of needing investors, but you may see the terms pre-money valuation and post-money valuation listed. The pre-money valuation is the value of the company before you've received the new investment, while the post-money valuation refers to the value of the company that includes investment dollars.
- Drag along clause: This clause allows a major shareholder to require a minority shareholder to follow their lead in business decisions, particularly in the sale of a company.
- Dividends: Dividends are what is paid out to shareholders on a regular basis, usually quarterly, based on the company's profits.
- Pro-rata rights: These rights are given to an investor so they can also be a part of additional funding rounds later on. You may even see pay-to-play provisions that require investors to participate in future investment rounds or pay penalties if they don't.
- No-shop agreement: This agreement limits your relationship with other investors after you sign the term sheet. It's normal to have to wait a certain amount of time after signing the term sheet before starting another fundraising round, but the term sheet should outline an expiration date after which it's okay to seek additional investments.
Here is an article that shares additional term sheet terms to become familiar with.
Although a term sheet is not a binding contract , it's still important to know how they work and why they are beneficial for your business. Remember that without one, or even with one that's limiting and confusing, you'll spend more time, effort, and money in coming to an agreement with your investors.
Meet some of our Terms Sheet Lawyers
Morgan S.
Corporate Attorney that represents startups, businesses, investors, VC/PE doing business throughout the country. Representing in a range of matters from formation to regulatory compliance to financings to exit. Have a practice that represents both domestic and foreign startups, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Along with VC, Private Equity, and investors.
Terence B.
Terry Brennan is an experienced corporate, intellectual property and emerging company transactions attorney who has been a partner at two national Wall Street law firms and a trusted corporate counsel. He focuses on providing practical, cost-efficient and creative legal advice to entrepreneurs, established enterprises and investors for business, corporate finance, intellectual property and technology transactions. As a partner at prominent law firms, Terry's work centered around financing, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, securities transactions, outsourcing and structuring of business entities to protect, license, finance and commercialize technology, manufacturing, digital media, intellectual property, entertainment and financial assets. As the General Counsel of IBAX Healthcare Systems, Terry was responsible for all legal and related business matters including health information systems licensing agreements, merger and acquisitions, product development and regulatory issues, contract administration, and litigation. Terry is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center, where he was an Editor of the law review. He is active in a number of economic development, entrepreneurial accelerators, veterans and civic organizations in Florida and New York.
Michael O.
A corporate and commercial attorney with experience in transactional legal services including corporate and finance transactions, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, commercial contracts, bankruptcy, restructuring, international business transactions and general counsel services. Additional background skills and experience include investment banking, financial analysis, and commercial litigation. Sectors covered include technology, media, franchises, and business services providers, from start-ups to medium and large enterprises.
July 24, 2023
Andrew T.
I am a lawyer with over 10 years of experience drafting and negotiating complex capital agreements, service agreements, SaaS agreements, waivers and warranties.
July 24, 2023
John A.
John Arthur-Mensah is a highly skilled attorney with extensive expertise in drafting contracts, information law, international law, insurance defense, and complex civil litigation. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a keen eye for detail and a strong ability to craft well-structured, comprehensive legal agreements. John's track record includes successfully managing the entire contract drafting process, from initial negotiation to final execution. His proficiency in legal research and documentation enables him to ensure that contracts comply with applicable laws and regulations. With a strategic approach and persuasive communication skills, John excels in negotiating contract terms and providing valuable counsel on contractual matters. Admitted to the Maryland Bar and the United States District Court in Maryland, he is well-equipped to handle a diverse range of legal challenges, making him a valuable asset in contract drafting and beyond.
July 25, 2023
Albert I.
Construction lawyer practicing in Southern California since 1988. Have extensive experience in construction contracts and forms drafting, negotiating. I also serve as counsel for large material suppliers and have extensive experience in commercial transactions, drafting and negotiation of commercial documents including dealerships, NDAs, etc.
July 28, 2023
Brad B.
Business attorney with over 15 years of experience serving companies big and small with contracting including business, real estate and employment.
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Terms Sheet
California
What are the most important things to look at in a term sheet?
I am expecting to get a few term sheets from investors in the next month. I want to know what I should be looking for.
Ramsey T.
Every term in a term sheet, by definition is important. A term sheet is a summary of the most important parts of a "deal" - a way of getting to and negotiating the hear of the deal before filling in the gaps with boilerplate. Therefore, you should make sure that you understand all of what has been proposed and negotiated in the term sheet - even the provision that don't seem that important - because they wouldn't be in the term sheet if they weren't a key term to one side or the other.
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Investment Contract
Location: New York
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Drafting
Doc Type: Term Sheet
Number of Bids: 4
Bid Range: $775 - $1,500
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Review Funding Contract
Location: Delaware
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Drafting
Doc Type: Term Sheet
Number of Bids: 2
Bid Range: $500 - $500
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