… roles

While early-stage founders need to know everything about everything, responsibilities can be shared as a startup grows and welcomes new people.

Here are what we consider to be the most important topics for each category of people.

… Founders

By founders, we mean early-stage founders who are juggling multiple hats. Given the multitude of issues that need to be addressed in a short period of time (and not necessarily from a legal perspective), it is critical for founders to focus on the essential issues that need to be addressed early in a company’s journey. This includes:

• LEXR Standard Master Checklist

• Founder Collaboration Agreement

• Incorporation

• Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA)

• Share transfer

• Privacy and cookies policies

• If active in financial services: Swiss anti-money laundering act (AMLA) & Swiss securities legislation

• IP ownership & IP assignment

• Trademark & branding

• Patents

• Contracts Basics

• Types of contracts

• Hiring

• Firing

• Distinction between employees and freelancers

As the company develops, the CEO / CFO / COO / CTO guidelines listed below become applicable.

… CEO / CFO / COO / CTO

C-level executives need to have a complete view of the company’s legal landscape. While we recommend that all C-level executives become familiar with the LEXR Standard Master Checklist, we suggest that all other elements of this guide be divided among them based on the internal organization of responsibilities within the company. For example, if the CTO is the inventor of the technology, they should be familiar with Patents; if the COO is handling HR topics, they should read the  HR chapter, etc.

… Investors

As an investor, you can use our LEXR Standard Master Checklist to findout what to look for in your due diligence. In addition, the most important topics are those that affect the cap table, such as:

• Share transfer

• CLA & SAFE

• Financing round (Switzerland)

• Term sheet

• Investment Agreement

• Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA)

• Capital increase

• M&A

• ESOP/PSOP

… Board members

As a board member, you should have a clear understanding of the issues and be familiar with the areas where your assistance is needed and where you may be personally liable. This includes:

• LEXR Standard Master Checklist

• Corporate housekeeping

• Data Protection Basics

• Distinction between employees and freelancers

… HR

As HR lead, you need to understand all HR-related topics, which are the following:

• Employees & privacy

• Employment Agreement

• Freelancer Agreement

• Distinction between employees and freelancers

• Terminate an employment agreement

• Terminate a freelancer agreement

• Compensation: Salary, bonus, expenses, equity participation

• ESOP/PSOP

• Work permits for employees

• Work permits for students

• Remote work

Sales & marketing

As a sales or marketing lead, you need to understand what contracts are required and how to utilise them effectively. It is also important to understand how your assets are protected and how they can be utilised. These are important topics:

• Contracts Basics

• Types of contracts

• Contract review & negotiation

• Contract drafting

• Copyright & licensing

• Trademark & branding