The Minnesota Founders Agreement is a legal contract commonly used among entrepreneurs and business partners in the state of Minnesota, United States. It serves as a foundational document that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of each founder involved in a startup or small business venture. Founders agreements are crucial in establishing a framework for collaboration, addressing potential conflicts, and protecting the interests of all parties involved. In Minnesota, there are several types of Founders Agreements one can consider, each catering to the specific needs and circumstances of the founders. These may include: 1. Equity Distribution Agreement: This type of agreement establishes how the ownership or equity of the company will be distributed among the founders. It explicitly states the percentage or shares of equity that each founder will hold and outlines the conditions for any future changes in ownership. 2. Vesting Agreement: A vesting agreement determines the timeline or conditions under which founders' equity will become fully owned by them. It aims to prevent founders from leaving the company while still retaining a large portion of ownership. Vesting agreements typically include a vesting schedule and a cliff period, ensuring long-term commitment to the venture. 3. Intellectual Property Agreement: This agreement addresses the intellectual property (IP) rights related to the business. It clarifies that any IP developed, or contributed by the founders, will be owned by the company rather than individually. It may also include confidentiality clauses to protect sensitive information. 4. Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Founders may consider including non-compete and non-disclosure clauses to restrict founders from competing with the company during and after their involvement. NDAs help to protect the company's proprietary information, trade secrets, and prevent misuse or unauthorized disclosure. 5. Roles and Responsibilities Agreement: This agreement details the specific roles and responsibilities assigned to each founder within the company. It ensures clarity in decision-making, division of labor, and avoids potential conflicts arising from ambiguity or overlapping duties. 6. Dispute Resolution Agreement: A dispute resolution agreement outlines the process and mechanisms to resolve any conflicts or disagreements between the founders. It may include procedures for mediation, arbitration, or other alternate dispute resolution methods, thereby avoiding costly litigation. It is crucial for Minnesota founders to consult with a lawyer experienced in business law to draft customized Founders Agreements tailored to their specific needs. These agreements provide a solid foundation for building successful startups while safeguarding the interests and contributions of all founders involved.