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How We Partner
A phase-by-phase guide to equity partnerships with Takeeda: documents, timelines, and expectations from first contact to co-founding.
Partnership Journey Overview
From first contact to co-founding: What to expect at each stage
1. Pre-Engagement
Days 1-7
Documents
No documents required
- →Submit questionnaire
- →Initial call
- →Fit assessment
2. Evaluation Phase
Weeks 1-2
Documents
Mutual NDA
- →Deep-dive discussions
- →Technical validation
- →Partnership terms exploration
3. Partnership Formation
Weeks 3-6
Documents
LOI, Prior Inventions Schedule, Term Sheet
- →Draft equity terms
- →Document existing IP
- →Finalize structure
4. Legal Execution
Weeks 7-8
Documents
Operating Agreement, IP Assignment, Board docs
- →Sign formal agreements
- →Entity setup (if needed)
- →Kickoff planning
5. Active Partnership
Ongoing
Documents
Invention Disclosures (as needed)
- →Sprint execution
- →Milestone tracking
- →Board meetings
Total Timeline: 6-8 weeks from first contact to active partnership
Pre-Engagement
Initial exploration with no commitments or formal documents
This is the exploratory phase where we determine if there's a mutual fit. It includes:
- Questionnaire submission via our contact page (optional but recommended)
- Initial call (30-60 min) to discuss your venture, goals, and partnership expectations
- Fit assessment where we evaluate alignment with our thesis and capacity
Your information is treated as confidential even without formal NDA (see our confidentiality policy).
Evaluation Phase
Deep-dive discussions with mutual NDA protection
The mutual NDA is signed at the start of the evaluation phase, before we:
- Discuss detailed technical architecture, code, or proprietary systems
- Share sensitive business metrics, customer details, or competitive intelligence
- Review intellectual property, patents, or trade secrets
- Begin formal partnership term discussions
The NDA is mutual, protecting both Takeeda and you equally.
Partnership Formation
Formalizing terms, documenting IP, and structuring the partnership
The LOI is a non-binding document that outlines the partnership in broad strokes:
- Proposed equity split range (e.g., "15-25% to Takeeda")
- Roles and responsibilities (e.g., "Takeeda: Technical + Strategic Co-Founder")
- Timeline and milestones (e.g., "MVP in 12 weeks")
- Board structure intent (e.g., "Board seat for Takeeda founder")
- Exclusivity period (e.g., "45 days to finalize terms")
Why non-binding? It allows both parties to test the waters and refine terms before committing legally.
Legal Execution
Signing formal agreements and finalizing structure
This is the binding legal document that governs the partnership. It includes everything from the Term Sheet plus:
- Governance: How decisions are made, board structure, voting rights
- Roles and duties: Responsibilities of each co-founder
- Capital contributions: What each party is contributing (equity, cash, sweat equity, IP)
- Distributions: How profits are distributed (if applicable)
- Transfer restrictions: Can you sell your shares? Under what conditions?
- Dispute resolution: Mediation, arbitration, buyout provisions
- Dissolution: What happens if the venture needs to wind down
During Active Partnership
Ongoing processes and documentation requirements
- Invention Disclosures: As significant IP is created (quarterly or as-needed)
- Board meeting minutes: If a board is established (typically quarterly)
- Milestone tracking: Progress against vesting milestones or OKRs
- Financial reports: If equity vesting is tied to financial milestones
Partnership Transitions & Exits
What happens when the partnership ends or transitions
The Operating Agreement will outline exit provisions. Typical scenarios:
- Voluntary departure: Unvested equity is forfeited; vested equity may be subject to buyback rights
- For cause termination: All equity (vested and unvested) may be forfeited per the agreement
- Mutual separation: Negotiated exit with potential equity retention
Key question: Does the departing party retain board seat, IP access, or consulting rights? This is negotiated case-by-case.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to discuss any aspect of the partnership process before you commit. Reach out via our contact page or email us directly.