Term Sheets & Negotiation
Terms, rights, notes/SAFEs, and what to do when diligence or closing gets awkward.
53 questions
- What Term Sheet Templates Protect Founder InterestsMost founders sign standard term sheets that quietly remove control. These founder-friendly templates and clauses protect your interests.
- What to Do When an Investor Finds Inconsistency in Pitch Materials?Investors catch pitch inconsistencies fast and most founders freeze. Here is the exact response that saves your deal
- What to Do If an Investor Wants a Personal Guarantee From Founders?When an investor asks for a personal guarantee from you, most founders do not know all their options.
- What to Do When an Existing Investor Doesn't Participate in a New Round?When your existing investor passes on your next round, here's exactly what founders must do next.
- What to Do When an Investor Asks for Customer Introductions?When an investor asks to speak with your customers, it is a strong buying signal most founders misread.
- Should I Accept Terms That Feel Slightly Unfavorable to Close My Round?Slightly unfavorable terms can be worth accepting to close your round. Here is what founders should check first.
- Should I Accept Investment from a Competitor of an Existing Partner?Here is what most founders miss before taking money from an investor who competes with a current partner.
- What Is the Valuation Cap Standard for SAFE Notes in 2026?Discover exactly what valuation cap to set on your SAFE note in 2026 by stage, sector, and location.
- How Do I Politely Decline an Investor Who Wants to Invest?Saying no to an investor is harder than it sounds. Here's how to do it without burning bridges.
- What to Do When an Investor Bypasses You to Contact Customers Directly?An investor who contacts your customers directly without warning isn't always a red flag. Here's how to respond.
- What to Do When an Investor Wants Board Control at the Seed Stage?When a seed-stage investor wants board control, it changes everything. Here is what founders must do to protect themselves.
- What to Do When a Co-Investor Backs Out Before Closing?When a co-investor backs out before closing, act in 48 hours. Here are the five moves that matter.
- How Do I Handle an Investor Who Seems Interested But Is Dragging Their Feet?When investors show interest but go quiet, these five tactics protect your round and force a real decision.
- Should I Accept a Smaller Check to Get the Round Moving?A smaller investor check can unlock your stalled round or derail it. Here is when to say yes.
- What Percentage Dilution Is Acceptable in a Seed Round?Most founders give away too much at seed. Find out what dilution percentage actually protects your cap table.
- Is It Concerning If an Investor Wants a Board Seat at Seed Stage?A seed-stage board seat request is not always a red flag. Here is when to accept and when to push back.
- What to Do If an Investor Finds Negative Information During a Background Check?An investor found something negative in your background check. Here's exactly what to do before they walk away.
- What to Do When an Investor Checks References Without Asking Permission?When investors check your references without permission, it is a strong signal. Here is what founders should do.
- What to Do When an Investor Introduces a Competitor as a Co-Investor?When an investor brings in a competitor as a co-investor, your data, strategy, and competitive advantage face real risks.
- What to Do When an Investor Requests Exclusivity During Diligence?An investor just asked for exclusivity. Here is exactly what to do, negotiate, and never agree to.
- Should I Take Investment From a Less Reputable VC to Close My Round?A less reputable VC can close your round; but discover what you're actually giving up before signing.
- What to Do When an Investor Wants You to Fire Your Co-FounderAn investor wants you to fire your co-founder. Here is exactly what to do before you decide.
- How Do I Handle an Investor Who Keeps Delaying a Decision?Most investors who keep delaying have probably already decided. Learn how to force clarity and protect your round.
- Is It Normal to Do 5+ Meetings With the Same VC Before a Term Sheet?Doing 5 or more VC meetings before a term sheet is normal. Here is what each one decides.