Investor Agreement Template: A Guide to Structuring Solid Agreements

Jessica B.

Seasoned technical writer giving you top Salesforce Tips.

Updated: Jan 13th, 2025

Investor agreements are legal documents that outline the terms and conditions of any investment between a company seeking capital and the investor. These legal agreements are vital to establish the responsibilities and expectations of both parties involved in the investment. 

Some common types of investor agreements are: 

A Term Sheet is often the first document drafted during negotiations. The basic terms and conditions of the investment agreement are outlined. This document is non-binding and serves as a guide for drafting final agreements. 

Share Subscription Agreements are used when an investor subscribes to and purchases shares in a company. This agreement will detail the number of shares, the price per share, and conditions of share issuance. 

Shareholder Agreements govern the relationship between a company and its shareholders. Management structure, voting rights, and rights of minority shareholders are addressed and outlined—provisions for resolving disputes, transferring of shares, and vital governance issues. 

Investment Agreements are comprehensive documents that will detail the specifics of an investment. Any rights and obligations of both parties are defined. Investment agreement templates will include the investment amount, valuation, and conditions for closing the deal. 

Seed Investment Agreements are used for early-stage funding. Investors provide capital to a startup venture to assist with growth and development. Your seed investor agreement templates are drawn up after the concept for the venture has been formulated. These investments are crucial to cover initial expenses so the company can grow. 

Any agreement must be carefully reviewed and negotiated by both the investor and the company. Legal professionals must be consulted to ensure the interests of both parties are protected. 

If you are looking to get started with your investor agreements, we’ve listed a few templates for you to get started with further down in this article. 

Investment Agreement Template

Investment agreements require careful consideration from both the investor and the recipient of the investment. Any terms and conditions must be stipulated, so each party fully understands the agreement. 

Crucial Parts of Investors Contract Agreement Template

When drawing up your investor contract template, there are vital components you will need to include no matter the contract type. Creating investor contact templates can maintain consistency, increase efficiency, and make for easy collaboration by providing a common starting point. 

Investment Agreement Between Two Parties

You’ll need to list the two parties entering into the agreement. Include the contact and address details of each party. 

Investment Terms and Conditions

One of the most critical elements of your agreements is the terms and conditions. All specifics relating to the arrangement must be clearly outlined including the expectations of each party. Some elements to include in your terms and conditions are investment amount, valuation, form of investment, use of funds, and a closing date. 

Rights and Obligations of the Parties

Establishing rights and obligations for both parties ensures a balanced and clear relationship. Some common components are; the use of funds, termination rights, and confidentiality. 

Investment Amount and Payment Terms

When outlining these terms, you must be as specific as possible to avoid confusion, potential misunderstandings, and disputes. Key considerations are the total investment, payment schedule, closing date, currency and payment method, failure to pay, currency fluctuations, and amendments to payment terms. 

Governance and Decision-Making Process

These rules and processes will determine how a company is managed and how decisions are reached. Clear guidelines to protect both parties must be established. 

Reporting and Accountability Requirements

Reporting and accountability requirements will ensure transparency and hold both parties accountable for their actions. 

Termination and Exit Provisions

These provisions outline the circumstances in which the agreement can be terminated and the rights of each party upon termination. 

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements

These legal agreements are designed to protect sensitive information and the intellectual property rights of both parties. 

Investor Agreements Templates

Your investor contract agreements should be customized to suit your specific needs and the use case, templates can serve as a useful starting point. Ensure you consult with legal professionals to ensure your agreement is compliant with laws and regulations. 

Startup Investor Agreement Template

Below is a basic outline for a Startup Investor Agreement template. This template serves as a general guideline and should be customized to suit your specific needs. 

1. Introduction: Identify each party and the date of execution. 
2. Recital: Brief background for the investment in the startup. 
3. Definition: Key terms in the agreement. 
4. Investment Terms: Investment amount, payment terms, and valuation. 
5. Equity and Ownership: Voting rights and percentage ownership. 
6. Rights and Protections: Board representation and information rights. 
7. Governance and Decision-Making: Board structure and approval requirements. 
8. Dividends and Distributions: Distribution of profits. 
9. Use of Funds – Restrictions: How funds can be used. 
10. Exist Strategies: IPO considerations and acquisition scenarios. 
11. Protective Provisions: Consent requirements for transactions. 
12. Warranties and Representatives: Startup’s financial health and legal standing. 
13. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: Protection of intellectual property and sensitive information. 
14. Termination and Exit Provisions: Termination events and consequences of termination. 
15. Miscellaneous Provisions: Amendment procedures. 

16. Execution: Signatures of parties and date of execution. 

17. Schedules and Attachments: Attach additional supporting documents. 

Contract for Investors in a Small Business

Below is a basic outline for an Investor Contract for a Small Business template. This template serves as a general guideline and should be customized to suit your specific needs. 

1. Introduction: Identify each party and the date of execution. 
2. Recital: Content for the investment in the small business. 
3. Definition: Key terms in the agreement. 
4. Investment Terms: Investment amount, payment terms, and valuation. 
5. Equity and Ownership: Voting rights and percentage ownership. 
6. Rights and Protections: Board representation and information rights. 
7. Governance and Decision-Making: Board structure and approval requirements. 
8. Dividends and Distributions: Distribution of profits. 
9. Use of Funds – Restrictions: How funds can be used. 
10. Exist Strategies: IPO considerations and acquisition scenarios. 
11. Protective Provisions: Consent requirements for transactions. 
12. Warranties and Representatives: Small business’s financial health and legal standing. 
13. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: Protection of intellectual property and sensitive information. 
14. Termination and Exit Provisions: Termination events and consequences of termination. 
15. Miscellaneous Provisions: Amendment procedures. 
16. Execution: Signatures of parties and date of execution. 
17. Schedules and Attachments: Attach additional supporting documents. 

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