Equity decisions shape ownership, control, incentives, dilution, governance, and future financing. Fauri Law helps founders, startups, growth companies, and private companies structure equity with legal clarity before ownership issues become harder to fix.
This practice supports both bespoke advisory work and structured legal pathways, including the Equity Structuring Kit, ESOP Plan Setup Kit, Option Grant Implementation, Startup Kit, and Advisory & Transactional Work where complexity requires custom legal judgment
What This Practice Covers
- founder ownership structure;
- founder share issuance;
- restricted shares;
- vesting arrangements;
- repurchase rights;
- early contributor equity;
- advisor equity;
- employee and contractor equity considerations;
- option plans, grants, and incentives;
- share structure and classes;
- cap table readiness;
- equity documentation for financing readiness;
- corporate approvals for equity arrangements.
Why Ownership Structure Matters
- a founder leaves;
- a contributor expects equity;
- an investor reviews the cap table;
- an option plan is needed;
- shares were promised but not documented;
- vesting was discussed but not legally implemented;
- IP ownership does not match equity ownership;
- the company prepares for financing or diligence;
- shareholders disagree about rights, roles, or control.
Common Ownership & Equity Matters
Founder Equity
Restricted Shares and Vesting
Early Contributor Equity
Option Plans and Option Grants
Cap Table and Financing Readiness
View Equity Structuring Kit
View ESOP Plan Setup Kit
View Startup Kit
View Advisory & Transactional Work
Structure ownership before it becomes a financing, governance, or diligence problem.
Fauri Law helps founders and companies document ownership, vesting, restricted shares, options, and incentive equity with the right legal structure and scope.
Start with intake. Fauri Law will confirm whether your matter fits a structured equity workflow, ESOP setup, option grant implementation, ongoing support, or advisory work.
Start Your Matter
Is ownership structuring the same as a shareholders agreement?
No. Ownership structuring focuses on how shares, options, vesting, and equity rights are created and documented. A shareholders agreement governs shareholder rights, decision-making, transfers, exits, and other governance rules. Many companies need both.
Does this include founder vesting?
Founder vesting may be handled through Equity Structuring if the matter fits scope. If the vesting arrangement involves tax, valuation, securities, non-resident founders, disputes, investor rights, or complex terms, advisory review may be required.
Does this include restricted shares?
Restricted shares may be included where scoped. The structure depends on the recipient, share terms, vesting or repurchase mechanics, tax considerations, corporate approvals, and company records.
Does this include option plans?
Option plan setup may be handled through the ESOP Plan Setup Kit where suitable. Option grants under an existing approved plan may be handled through the Option Grant Implementation Add-on.
Does Fauri Law provide tax or valuation advice?
No. Tax, accounting, valuation, FMV, and rollover advice are not included unless expressly stated. Fauri Law may coordinate with tax or accounting advisors where separately scoped.
Can this help prepare for fundraising?
Yes. Clear ownership, vesting, option, and cap table records can support financing readiness. Financing documents, investor negotiation, securities filings, or priced rounds are handled separately.
What if our cap table is unclear?
Cap table uncertainty may require corporate cleanup or advisory review before equity structuring can proceed. Prior undocumented issuances, missing records, or inconsistent ownership history should be reviewed before new equity is issued.
What if a founder or contributor disagrees about equity?
Disagreement or unresolved ownership issues usually require Advisory & Transactional Work. Standard structured scope is designed for aligned parties.