Startup Lawyers Sydney

Your startup’s legal foundation is not paperwork. It is what investors check before they write a cheque. Our Sydney startup lawyers build the founder agreements, shareholder structures, IP assignments, and SAFE note documentation that serious investors expect to see.

Same-day response, and 100% online service across NSW. No Sydney office visit required.

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5.0 ★★★★★ | 600+ Reviews

CMI Legal - Est. 2014

Law Society NSW Member

Chatswood Office

Australia-wide & International

The Legal Foundations Every Sydney Startup Needs Before Investors Come Looking

Company Incorporation & Founder Agreements

Incorporating your Sydney startup correctly means more than registering a company with ASIC. We set up your legal structure, draft founder agreements covering roles and equity splits, document vesting schedules, and ensure your cap table is clean and fundable before you approach any investor.

SAFE Notes, Term Sheets & Investor Agreements

SAFE notes are the preferred investment instrument for most Sydney angel investors. We draft and review SAFE notes, convertible notes, and term sheets, advising on valuation caps, discount rates, pro-rata rights, and information covenants that protect your cap table and your founder control at every round.

Shareholder Agreements & Equity Structures

A handshake equity deal between co-founders never survives the first serious disagreement. Our Sydney startup lawyers draft shareholder agreements covering decision-making rights, transfer restrictions, deadlock mechanisms, and buyout provisions so your co-founder relationship is protected by a binding legal framework, not goodwill.

IP Assignment & Startup IP Protection

If your founders built the product before incorporating, that IP belongs to them personally, not your startup. We draft IP assignment deeds, implement IP ownership agreements, and register trade marks so investors are paying for intellectual property your Sydney company actually owns and controls outright.

Employment & Contractor Agreements

Your first ten hires define your Sydney startup’s culture and legal exposure. We draft employment agreements, contractor arrangements, and NDAs covering IP ownership by employees, equity option terms, non-solicitation clauses, and confidentiality obligations that protect your startup as your team grows and scales

Startup Legal Audit & Investor Readiness

Investors conduct legal due diligence before every funding round. Our Sydney startup lawyers conduct a structured startup legal audit reviewing your company structure, IP ownership, shareholder agreements, employment arrangements, and contracts, then deliver a clear report of issues to resolve before your next pitch or term sheet.

We Build Startup Legal Frameworks Investors Actually Expect to See

At PromptLaw, our Sydney startup lawyers understand what investors look for because we have spent eleven years building legal foundations for founders. From incorporation and shareholder agreements through to SAFE notes, IP assignments, and pre-raise legal audits, we prepare the documents investors expect to see before committing capital to any Sydney startup.

Based in Chatswood and serving Sydney founders and startups across NSW since 2014, our startup legal team provides fixed-fee services, so founders know their exact costs before any work begins. You receive a same-day response, plain-language advice from a startup lawyer who understands that founders need clarity and speed at every stage of building. No Chatswood office visit required.

Fixed fees confirmed before any startup legal work begins.

Same-day response to all startup enquiries across Sydney.

100% online service, no Chatswood office visit required.

Plain-language advice Sydney founders can act on immediately.

The Startup Stages Where Getting Legal Right Matters Most in Sydney

First-Time Founders at Incorporation

You have the idea and the co-founder. We build the legal structure, founder agreements, and IP assignments correctly before anything is built or launched, so investors find nothing to worry about in your Sydney startup.

Co-Founded Startups Structuring Equity

Two or more founders means equity, decision rights, and exit scenarios need clear legal documentation. We draft co-founder agreements for Sydney startups that prevent the disputes and funding roadblocks that destroy co-founder relationships.

Tech and SaaS Startups Protecting IP

Your code, your product, and your brand are the assets investors are paying for. We protect Sydney tech and SaaS startup IP through assignments, trade mark registration, licensing, and employment IP clauses.

Startups Raising Capital or Preparing for Investors

Your first investor meeting leads to a due diligence request. We prepare Sydney startups for capital raises with investor-ready documentation, SAFE note drafting, and a complete startup legal audit before the pitch.

The Startup Legal Issues Sydney Founders Cannot Afford to Get Wrong

Founder Equity Disputes

Undocumented equity splits between Sydney co-founders create disputes that collapse startups before any investor gets involved.

Unprotected Intellectual Property

IP built before incorporation belongs to the founder personally. Investors find this in due diligence, and it can end the funding round.

Missing Vesting Schedules

A co-founder who leaves after six months retains full equity with no vesting schedule. This is entirely preventable with proper legal documentation.

Undocumented Employment Agreements

Employees who create IP without a properly drafted agreement may own that IP themselves. Our Sydney startup lawyers document every hire correctly from day one.

How Our Startup Lawyers Support Your Sydney Business From Launch to Scale

Why Getting Legal Advice Early Is the Best Investment Your Sydney Startup Will Make

The most expensive legal problem a Sydney startup faces is the one that surfaces in an investor’s due diligence report. Undocumented founder equity, IP that belongs to a founder personally rather than the company, employment agreements that do not assign employee-created IP to the startup, or a cap table with no vesting schedules are the four issues that most commonly end funding conversations before they begin. None of them cost much to fix before they are discovered. All of them cost significantly more to fix after an investor has found them.

PromptLaw’s startup lawyers in Sydney provide fixed-fee legal services so founders know exactly what getting investor-ready costs before the work begins. With 11+ years of experience working with Sydney startups at every stage from pre-incorporation conversations through to Series A preparation, we build the legal framework that keeps your startup moving forward rather than backwards through the investment process.

Incorporate your Sydney startup correctly and document founder equity splits before any dispute can arise
Draft shareholder agreements and vesting schedules that protect all co-founders and build investor confidence
Assign intellectual property from founders and employees to the company before investors check ownership
Prepare SAFE notes and term sheets that protect your cap table and your control through every funding round
Conduct a startup legal audit to identify and fix legal gaps before your next Sydney investor pitch begins

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Fixed-fee startup legal services. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices for Sydney founders.

Enquire today and receive a response from our Sydney startup lawyers the same business day. We build investor-ready legal foundations for startups across NSW from incorporation to capital raising. Book a Consultation.

Why Sydney Founders and Startups Choose Our Legal Team

Startup Law Focus

Our Sydney startup lawyers focus on founder agreements, equity structures, SAFE notes, IP protection, and investor readiness, not general commercial law. We understand the startup lifecycle and what investors actually look for at each stage.

Fixed-Fee Pricing

Startup founders do not have budget for legal surprises. Every startup legal service is quoted at a fixed fee before we begin. Sydney founders know their exact legal costs before committing to any agreement, audit, or capital raise preparation.

Responsive Service

Startups move fast, and legal delays cost real momentum. Enquire today and receive a response the same business day. Our Sydney startup lawyers operate 100% online, so you access legal advice without visiting our Chatswood office

11+ Years Experience

Since 2014, PromptLaw powered by CMI Legal has advised Sydney founders, startups, and early-stage companies on incorporation, equity structuring, IP protection, SAFE notes, investor agreements, and capital raising across every sector in NSW.

Client Testimonials and Reviews

    
 
 
         
   Ying Wan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an excellent experience with CMI Legal during our property purchase. The team was highly professional, detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire process. They carefully reviewed all contracts, clearly explained potential risks, and provided practical advice at every stage, which gave us great peace of mind. Communication was prompt and clear, and they were always patient in answering our questions. Their efficiency and attention to detail made what could have been a stressful process smooth and well-managed. We would confidently recommend CMI Legal to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy conveyancing and legal services, with special thanks to Tina for her professionalism, patience, and exceptional support throughout the process.
  
 
        
   郭小姐 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Tina was professional and patient; I am very grateful for her legal assistance during my home sale process.
  
 
        
   Solutions NovaBuild 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John and Tina are the best! I just had another settlement through them. Everything was so smooth and they are reminding you every step for the key points.
  
 
        
   P W 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently used CMI and worked with Tina for my property settlement. Tina was extremely helpful, patient and very professional throughout the entire process. She explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every step and made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. Highly recommend Tina and the CMI team!
  
 
        
   Andy Hsieh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have Tina as my solicitor. She has been outstanding throughout the entire contract exchange and settlement process. She is always the first to respond, timely, and extremely efficient. Her attention to detail is exceptional, and she consistently makes sure everything is in the buyer’s best interest. Super attentive, helpful, and genuinely caring. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tina to anyone looking for reliable and professional legal services.
  
 
        
   David Lin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Many thanks to Senior Lawyer Tina Tang for helping me handle the sale of my property in Sydney. She liaised with the real estate, banks and buyers broker and explained everything well and handled the sale meticulously.Her professional ability, experience and sense of responsibility are trustworthy. I recommend Tina and CMI for anyone looking for support in real estate sales.
David Lin
  
 
        
   Denis Lebrun 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John Zhang has been absolutely great in helping me with my EOI and application for a skilled visa in Australia. On both calls I've had with John, I have had a multitude of questions for him which he answered in depth and gave me all the information I required. He really has a great amount of knowledge and I would highly recommend him and the CMI legal team for their efficiency and professionalism.
  
 
        
   Joe Shi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tina Tang is doing excellent service job as a profesional lawer and provide valued information about property purchase issue.Thank you so much,we are appreciated to your skilled help and hope to cooperate with your esteemed company,current residential living apartment 506/2-4 Culworth Ave Killara should be put in market,we hope Tina Tang will provide support as well.thank you so much.
Joe Shi
  
 
        
   Jing LI 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was very fortunate to have Tina TANG from CMI as my conveyancing solicitor for the recent sale of my property. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication throughout the entire process — from preparing the contract, exchanging contracts, right through to settlement. What impressed me the most is that even after settlement, she continued to go above and beyond to assist me as the vendor, making sure everything was properly taken care of.

Her diligence, patience, and attention to detail gave me great peace of mind and took away a lot of the stress of selling a property. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable, professional, and truly supportive conveyancing solicitor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  
 
        
   Sabrina Ng 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding service from start to finish.  Tina Tang handled my unit's sales contract with exceptional professionalism.  Communication was always clear and prompt, making the whole process smooth and stree free.  I highly recommand Tina to anyone seeking a reliable and knowledgeable solicitor.

Meet Our Team of Lawyers

Our team of experienced lawyers, solicitors, and migration agents brings decade of combined expertise across migration, property, business, and commercial law.

Startup Law FAQs Answered by Our Sydney Lawyers

Do I need a lawyer to set up my startup in Sydney?

Yes. Getting your structure, founder agreement, equity, and IP assignment right at incorporation is far cheaper than fixing problems investors find in due diligence. Our Sydney startup lawyers ensure your legal foundation is investor-ready from the first day of trading.

What is a founder agreement and why does my startup need one?

A founder agreement documents co-founder equity, roles, vesting schedules, decision rights, and exit scenarios. Without one, a Sydney co-founder dispute becomes a legal and funding crisis. It is the single most important document your startup will ever sign before launching.

What is a SAFE note and how does it work in Australia?

A SAFE converts an investor’s money into equity at your next priced funding round. It is the most common early-stage investment instrument used by Sydney angel investors and avoids the cost and complexity of a full priced equity round at seed stage.

How do I protect my startup's intellectual property in NSW?

Assign any pre-incorporation IP from founders to the company immediately. Register your trade mark with IP Australia. Include IP ownership clauses in all employment and contractor agreements. Our Sydney startup lawyers implement all three as part of your standard legal foundation.

What is a vesting schedule and why does it matter for startup equity?

A vesting schedule means equity is earned over time, typically four years with a one-year cliff. It prevents a departing co-founder from keeping full equity after only a few months. Most Sydney investors require founder vesting before they will commit to investing.

When should a Sydney startup hire its first employee?

Before the first day. Every hire needs a compliant employment agreement with an IP assignment clause, confidentiality obligations, and correct superannuation setup in place. Undocumented early employees are one of the most common issues investors find in Sydney startup due diligence reviews.

How much does startup legal advice cost in Sydney?

PromptLaw charges a fixed fee for all startup legal services, confirmed before any work begins. A standard incorporation and founder agreement package is quoted upfront at a flat fee. Contact our Sydney startup lawyers today for a transparent quote with no hourly billing.

What is a startup legal audit and when should my company get one?

A startup legal audit reviews your structure, IP ownership, shareholder agreements, employment contracts, and compliance, then delivers a clear report. Sydney startups should complete one before every funding round so investors find nothing concerning in their legal due diligence review.

Get Your Startup Legal Foundation Reviewed Before Your Next Pitch

Speak with our Sydney startup lawyers today. Book a 15-minute quick advice call or a full 45-minute in-depth review. Same-day response, fixed fees, 100% online. No office visit required.

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Need a Startup Lawyer in Sydney? Let’s Talk.

Talk to our Sydney startup lawyers today. Fixed fees, same-day response, 100% online. We build investor-ready legal foundations for startups and founders across NSW from the first idea to your first funding round and beyond.