Create a Shareholder Agreement — No Lawyer Needed
Answer a few questions about your company, and our AI generates a comprehensive shareholder agreement covering governance, rights, transfers, and exit terms. Download as a Word doc. Just $59.
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How It Works
Answer Questions
Our guided form collects the details for your agreement.
AI Generates Your Doc
Custom shareholder agreement created in minutes, not weeks.
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Download as .docx. Edit freely, share with your lawyer or partners.
Comprehensive Coverage
Key sections included
Your shareholder agreement covers all the essential provisions.
Features
Built for your business
Custom Share Structure
Define share classes, allocations, par values, and investment amounts for each shareholder with full flexibility over your capital structure.
Board & Governance
Establish board composition, appointment rights, voting procedures, and quorum requirements to ensure clear decision-making authority.
Transfer Restrictions
Includes right of first refusal, tag-along and drag-along rights, lock-up periods, and permitted transfer exceptions.
Shareholder Protections
Anti-dilution provisions, pre-emptive rights, supermajority consent requirements, and financial reporting obligations.
Exit & Buyout Terms
Covers buyout triggers for death, disability, termination, and voluntary exit with customizable valuation methods and payment terms.
Dispute Resolution
Choose between mediation, arbitration, or litigation with non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality provisions.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a shareholder agreement and do I need one?
A shareholder agreement is a private contract between the shareholders of a company that defines their rights, responsibilities, and how the company is governed. While not legally required, it is strongly recommended for any company with multiple shareholders. It prevents disputes by establishing clear rules for decision-making, share transfers, and exit scenarios before conflicts arise.
How is a shareholder agreement different from articles of incorporation?
Articles of incorporation (or a certificate of incorporation) are filed with the state and establish the company as a legal entity. A shareholder agreement is a private contract between shareholders that covers governance, transfer restrictions, and exit terms in much greater detail. The articles are public; the shareholder agreement is confidential between the parties.
What are tag-along and drag-along rights?
Tag-along rights protect minority shareholders by allowing them to join a sale if a majority shareholder sells their shares, ensuring they get the same price and terms. Drag-along rights protect majority shareholders by allowing them to force minority shareholders to participate in a company sale, preventing a small holdout from blocking a deal.
What valuation method should I choose for buyouts?
Fair market value determined by an independent appraiser is the most common and balanced approach. Book value is simpler but may undervalue the company. Agreed formulas (like a multiple of revenue or EBITDA) provide certainty but may not reflect the company's true value at the time of a buyout. Consider your industry and growth stage when choosing.
Should I include a shotgun (buy-sell) clause?
A shotgun clause allows one shareholder to offer to buy another's shares at a specified price, and the receiving shareholder must either accept or buy the offering shareholder's shares at the same price. This is effective for deadlock situations in 50/50 companies but can disadvantage shareholders with less liquidity. Include it only if all parties have comparable financial resources.
What makes this different from a free template?
Free templates are generic and often miss critical provisions like anti-dilution protection, drag-along mechanics, or detailed buyout procedures. Our AI generates a fully customized shareholder agreement based on your specific ownership structure, governance needs, and exit preferences with proper legal formatting.
Resources
Shareholder Agreement guides & articles
Expert insights to help you understand and create your shareholder agreement.
How to Amend a Shareholder Agreement
Learn when and how to amend a shareholder agreement, including approval thresholds, common amendments, and procedures to follow.
Shareholder Agreements for Joint Ventures
Learn how to structure a shareholder agreement for a joint venture, covering governance, contributions, profit sharing, and exit strategies.
Information and Reporting Rights for Shareholders
Learn what information rights shareholders should have, including financial reporting, inspection rights, and access to company records.
Compulsory Transfer Events in Shareholder Agreements
Understand when and how compulsory share transfers are triggered, including termination, bankruptcy, breach, and other forced sale events.
Death and Disability Provisions in Shareholder Agreements
Learn how to structure death and disability provisions in your shareholder agreement to protect the company and surviving shareholders.
Shareholder Agreements for Investment Groups and Syndicates
Learn how to structure shareholder agreements for investment groups, angel syndicates, and investment clubs to protect all members' interests.