SAFE agreements streamline startup funding but risk for angels, needing legal expertise to handle complexities
All posts in Startup Issues
8 common questions before establishing a startup in Malaysia: A startup lawyer’s perspective
As a founder, establishing a startup in a new jurisdiction may appear daunting and overwhelming, irrespective of how experienced you are
Navigating shareholder disputes in startups: Different exit strategies and mechanisms explained
As the business evolves, disputes may arise due to diverging interests or expectations among team members. Growth may bring shareholder disputes usually among founders, investors, or employees as they grapple with differences in vision or priorities among the stakeholders. This post looks at the common legal tools and instruments that can be agreed among the…
Sweat equity checklist for startups in Malaysia
As a startup lawyer, I get asked a lot on how to structure sweat equity where the company issues new shares to someone (usually with certain skills or expertise) in exchange for his or her contribution to the company. Whether you’re planning to give out sweat equity shares to an experienced adviser or mentor or…
Non-accredited angel investor for your startup: Yay or nay?
“Should you accept an investment offer from a non-accredited angel investor in Malaysia?” “Do you need to get accredited as an angel investor?” “What if the angel who invested in my startup wasn’t an accredited investor? Will I get into trouble?” No, there is no law requiring an investor to get accredited before he or…
Dealing with investor’s veto rights for startups
What are investor’s veto rights and how should you navigate such a request from a potential investor for your company?
A guide to secondary market for startups in Malaysia
What is a secondary market? How does it work when buying and selling crowdfunding shares? What are the risks involved and why is it such an important feature especially for investors?
My startup cofounder ghosted on me. What can I do?
After months of searching for a CTO for your startup, you’ve finally found your luck when you found a CTO candidate that has agreed to join your startup. He loves what you’re trying to solve and agreed to build the MVP needed and help you fundraise too. After back and forth of meetups, you agreed…
How to issue sweat equity for your start-ups in Malaysia
Getting a start-up off the ground isn’t easy. It is also hard to keep a good team around and secure new talents especially when you’re bootstrapped with limited cash. Sweat equity shares are a powerful tool for helping you retain talents, and even get others like advisors and mentors in the ecosystem or industry that…
What Malaysian startups need to know about reverse vesting
Last month, I discussed vesting schedules structures for startups. This post will discuss reverse vesting and how it can save your startup from being destroyed by your co-founders.