Starting a business is exciting, but it’s also legally risky if you don’t have the right protections in place.

Whether you’re a solo founder, setting up with a co-founder, or building out a team of developers, contractors or other workers, these seven legal documents will lay the foundations for a sustainable and compliant business.

1.     Founders Agreement or Shareholders Agreement

If there’s more than one founder involved, this is your must-have.

These documents set out:

   –   Who owns what (equity split)

   –   Roles and responsibilities

   –   How decisions are made

   –   What happens if someone leaves

   –   IP ownership and vesting

   –   Dispute resolution

For companies taking on investment or issuing shares, a Shareholders’ Agreement is essential to set out the rules around equity, dilution, and governance. For early-stage collaborations before incorporation, a Founders’ Agreement sets out the roles and responsibilities of the founders in the early stages of the business.

2.     Confidentiality and IP Assignment Agreements

Before you pitch to investors, speak to contractors, or collaborate with a designer or developer, make sure your IP is protected.

A Confidentiality Agreement (or Non-Disclosure Agreement) ensures your ideas stay private. But it’s your IP Assignment Deed that makes sure your company owns the intellectual property created, not your contractors or collaborators.

This is especially critical for:

   –   App and software developers

   –   Crypto or DeFi project teams

   –   Health tech platforms

   –   AI or data-driven businesses

   –   Online course creators

3.     Business Structure Documents (Company Setup + Trust Deeds if needed)

The right business structure sets you up for growth, tax efficiency, and personal asset protection. Whether you’re launching as a:

   –   Pty Ltd company;

   –   Unit Trust or Discretionary Trust; or

   –   A combination of the above.

You’ll need properly drafted:

   –   Constitution

   –   Shareholders’ Agreement

   –   Unit/Discretionary Trust Deeds

   –   Directors’ consents and Company registers

We help startups get this right from the start, especially when ASIC, ATO and investors are watching.

4.     Employment and Contractor Agreements

Even if your early team are contractors or mates helping out, get clear agreements in place.

For employees:

   –   Full-Time or Casual Employment Agreements

   –   Include confidentiality, IP, probation, termination rights

For contractors:

   –   Independent Contractor Agreements

   –   Define deliverables, payment terms, IP, and obligations

This is vital for compliance with Fair Work, superannuation, and protecting your business against sham contracting risks.

5.     Terms & Conditions / SaaS Agreement / Website Terms

Your customer-facing legal documents are just as important.

Depending on your business model, you may need:

   –   Terms of Use for your app or platform

   –   SaaS Agreements for subscription software

   –   E-commerce Terms and Refund Policies

   –   Health disclaimers for regulated services

   –   Crypto Terms (especially for DeFi or token platforms)

These documents protect you from liability, set expectations, and comply with consumer law.

6.     Privacy Policy & Data Handling

If you’re collecting any personal information, whether emails, client files, health data, or payment info, you need a Privacy Policy that complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Startups in health, fintech and crypto also often require:

   –   Data Processing Addendums (DPAs)

   –   Cross-border data flow terms

   –   Cybersecurity or breach notification policies

Getting this right early avoids costly privacy complaints later.

7.     Seed Investment Term Sheet

Planning to raise capital? A clear Term Sheet sets out:

• Valuation and share pricing
• Investor rights
• Board seats (if any)
• Key deal terms (e.g. liquidation preferences)

This gives investors confidence and streamlines your capital raise. Later, this will roll into your Subscription Agreement and updated Shareholders Agreement.

Final Thoughts

Founders are often time-poor and idea-rich BUT legal mistakes in the early days can cost thousands (or the whole business) later. These documents are your insurance policy. They help you attract funding, protect your IP, avoid disputes, and stay compliant from day one.

At Creo Legal, we’re business lawyers who get it. We’ve built and run businesses ourselves. We work with startup founders, crypto project teams, medtech innovators and fintech entrepreneurs across Australia, from structuring and investment through to scaling and exit.