Share Classes
Define share types, rights, preferences, voting power, dividend entitlements, and conversion mechanics so each security's economics and control are clear.
A Shareholders' Agreement clarifies ownership rights, prevents unintended transfers, and establishes procedures for key events such as exit, deadlock, or capital raises. It reduces litigation risk by creating predictable remedies and dispute‑resolution steps and complements statutory corporate governance frameworks including state corporate law, ESIGN/UETA for e‑signatures, and contract law for enforceability.
This agreement is used by parties who hold equity or expect to acquire equity in a corporation; multiple internal and external stakeholders are commonly involved.
The signed agreement should be retained in corporate records and shared with counsel, accountants, and any institutional investors who require visibility into shareholder governance.
Define share types, rights, preferences, voting power, dividend entitlements, and conversion mechanics so each security's economics and control are clear.
State restrictions on transfers, right of first refusal, tag‑along and drag‑along rights, and approval thresholds to control who may hold shares.
Describe board composition, appointment rights, quorum and supermajority voting rules for material corporate actions and reserved matters.
Include valuation method, triggering events, payment terms, and timelines for mandatory purchases, forced sales, and shareholder exits.
Protect company information and ensure assignment of relevant intellectual property created by founders or employees subject to the agreement.
Set mediation, arbitration, governing law, and venue to expedite disputes and reduce the cost and uncertainty of litigation.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signing Order | Sequential signing to ensure board approval prior to shareholder signatures |
| Authentication | Email links with optional SMS code or advanced authentication for investor signers |
| Template Use | Create a reusable template for standard clauses and share schedules to avoid rekeying errors |
| Retention Location | Store final PDF with audit trail in the corporate records repository |
Choose a platform that supports secure audit trails, advanced authentication, and the integrations your corporate systems require.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100/env/yr | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Set effective date clearly; governs when rights and obligations commence
Obtain any required board approval before execution to validate corporate authority
Specify notice periods and response windows for ROFR and consent
Tie execution to closing conditions in investment agreements where applicable
Complete relevant tax forms and schedules for transfers within IRS deadlines
Finalize negotiated language and share schedules before seeking approvals
Secure board or shareholder resolutions authorizing the agreement
Collect signatures, witnesses, and notary services if required
File executed agreement in the corporate minute book and distribute copies
Tech Data standardized signature workflows to centralize approvals and reduce turnaround times.
Optica Ventures adopted online signing to make the process easier for remote investors.