CohnReznick's Beth Mullen looks at several important points in a deal term sheet. Credit delivery amount and timing. Guarantees. Reserves. Year 15 exit options. Implied costs for third-party reports.
The LOI is also typically used in larger, complex transactions by sophisticated parties. Similar to the Term Sheet, the LOI will specify the terms of the transaction, but in greater detail. Unlike the Term Sheet, portions of the LOI, such as Confidentiality and Exclusivity, may be legally binding.
A "bad" term sheet could leave an entrepreneur without control of their company at the earliest stages of starting up, forcing them into losing major chunks of their equity, and even blowing up future deals with new investors.
Term sheets evidence serious intent but are generally not legally binding.
How to Prepare a Term Sheet Identify the Purpose of the Term Sheet Agreements. Briefly Summarize the Terms and Conditions. List the Offering Terms. Include Dividends, Liquidation Preference, and Provisions. Identify the Participation Rights. Create a Board of Directors. End with the Voting Agreement and Other Matters.
“Term sheets”, “letters of intent”, “memoranda of understanding” and “agreements in principle” may constitute an enforceable agreement if the writing includes all the essential terms of an agreement. This is so even if “the parties intended to negotiate a 'fuller agreement'”.
Although the term sheet itself is not typically legally binding, some term sheets contain certain legally binding provisions (for example, confidentiality or exclusivity).
Exclusivity - This is a standard condition that requires that you don't talk to other investors for a specific period after you sign the term sheet and while the investor is doing their due diligence. But be sure the time period isn't too long - 30-45 days is about right.