Essential Legal Documents Every Startup Business Needs

Starting a business is exciting – but it is also full of unknowns. Whether you are building a tech platform, launching a creative agency, or opening a café, having the right legal documents in place from day one can protect your startup and give you the foundations to grow with confidence.

At Moore & Tibbits, we help businesses get set up the right way. Here is a quick look at some of the key documents every startup should consider early on.

1. Shareholders’ Agreement: If your business has more than one shareholder (including friends or family), a shareholders’ agreement is crucial. It sets out how decisions will be made, what happens if someone wants to leave, and how shares can be bought or sold. It is about preventing disputes before they start – and protecting everyone’s interests from day one.

2. Founders’ Agreements: Not every startup has multiple shareholders at first – but many have multiple founders. A founders’ agreement can clarify roles, responsibilities, ownership stakes, and what happens if someone steps away from the business. Getting this in writing early can save relationships and your business later down the line.

3. Terms and Conditions (T&Cs): Whether you are offering services or selling products, clear terms and conditions are vital. They help define the relationship between your business and its customers or clients, setting out payment terms, responsibilities, liabilities, and what happens if things go wrong. Poorly drafted or missing T&Cs can leave you exposed.

4. Employment Contracts: Hiring your first employee is a big milestone – and a legal responsibility. Under English law employers must provide a written statement of terms. A well-drafted employment contract not only complies with the law but also protects your startup with the right clauses on confidentiality, termination, and IP.

5. Privacy Policy & Data Protection Notices: If your business collects personal data – whether through a website, app, or client onboarding – you must comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Having a clear privacy policy and internal procedures in place is more than just good practice – it is a legal requirement in many cases.

6. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection: From your logo to your software, your ideas and creations are your business’s lifeblood. Ensuring IP ownership is properly documented is essential, especially if it was created by freelancers or partners. Registering key rights where appropriate can also give you a competitive edge.

7. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): NDAs can be useful when discussing sensitive ideas with investors, suppliers, or potential collaborators. While not always necessary, they can provide reassurance and a layer of protection in the early stages of negotiation.

Start Smart, Stay Protected

Every startup is different – and so are the documents it needs. What is important is that your legal foundations match your business model, your team, and your goals. Getting legal support early on is not just about ticking boxes; it is about making smarter decisions that can save time, money, and stress down the line.

At Moore & Tibbits, we specialise in helping startups and growing businesses put the right legal protections in place from the outset. Whether you need a single contract or a full legal startup package, we can guide you through every step.

Ready to protect your business?
Get in touch with our Commercial Team today.

If you need help drafting or reviewing essential legal documents for your startup, please email Monika on monikaj@moore-tibbits.co.uk or speak to our Commercial Team on 01926 491181.

Monika Jirec | Paralegal