Startup & Emerging Company Lawyers

We Speak Startup

Most law firms treat startups as small businesses. We understand that startups are a different beast — fast-moving, equity-driven and often raising capital before they have revenue. We have advised founders at every stage from idea to Series A.

At Envision Legal we help founders across South-West Sydney and beyond get the legal foundations right from day one — so that when you attract investors or acquirers, your structure is clean and your documents are in order.

What We Cover

• Co-founder agreements — equity splits, roles, vesting and founder exit mechanisms
• Company structuring — choosing the right entity and shareholding structure
• Vesting schedules — time-based and milestone-based vesting for founders and key employees
• SAFE and KISS notes — simple agreements for early-stage convertible investment
• Seed investment documents — term sheets, subscription agreements and shareholder deeds
• Employee share option plans (ESOPs) — attract and retain talent with equity incentives
• IP assignment from founders — ensuring the company owns its technology and brand
• Early-stage employment contracts — competitive, compliant and startup-friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I get legal advice as a founder?

Before you take on a co-founder, before you bring in your first employee, and before you accept any investment. These are the three moments where a poorly structured deal creates problems that are expensive to fix later.

What is a SAFE note and do I need one?

A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is a short-form investment instrument where an investor puts in money now in exchange for the right to receive equity at a future valuation event. It is commonly used for pre-seed rounds because it is faster and cheaper than a priced round. We draft and review SAFEs and advise on their terms.

How does founder vesting work?

Founder vesting means that equity is earned over time rather than granted upfront. A typical structure is a 4-year vest with a 1-year cliff — meaning if a founder leaves in year one, they receive nothing; after that, equity vests monthly. This protects the remaining founders and the company.

Do you work with pre-revenue startups?

Yes. We offer fixed-fee packages for early-stage founders and can work with you on a staged basis as you grow. We would rather help you get it right early than fix a structural problem during a funding round.