Startup Advisor Agreement Template for Germany

This document is a comprehensive advisory agreement governed by German law, designed to establish and regulate the relationship between a startup company and its business advisor. It complies with German civil and commercial law requirements while addressing key aspects such as service scope, compensation, confidentiality, and intellectual property rights. The agreement includes provisions for both equity and cash compensation, advisor responsibilities, time commitments, and termination conditions, all structured within the framework of German legal requirements and business practices.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Get template free
Upload to review

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your docs

4.6 / 5
4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

What is a Startup Advisor Agreement?

The Startup Advisor Agreement is essential for early-stage and growing companies in Germany seeking to formalize relationships with experienced business advisors. This document becomes necessary when a startup wants to engage external expertise while protecting both parties' interests under German law. It typically includes detailed provisions for advisory services, compensation structures (including potential equity arrangements), confidentiality obligations, and intellectual property rights. The agreement ensures compliance with German legal requirements while providing flexibility to accommodate various advisory arrangements, from periodic consultations to more involved strategic guidance. It's particularly important for startups seeking to establish governance structures and access industry expertise while maintaining legal compliance and protecting company interests.

What sections should be included in a Startup Advisor Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the startup company and the advisor, including full legal names, registration details, and addresses

2. Background: Context of the agreement, including the startup's business and the advisor's expertise

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Appointment and Term: Formal appointment of the advisor, duration of the agreement, and renewal terms

5. Services: Detailed description of advisory services to be provided

6. Time Commitment: Expected time commitment and availability of the advisor

7. Compensation: Fee structure, equity compensation (if any), and payment terms

8. Expenses: Policy on reimbursement of expenses incurred by the advisor

9. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information and trade secrets

10. Intellectual Property: Ownership and rights to intellectual property created during the advisory relationship

11. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation: Restrictions on competitive activities and solicitation of employees/customers

12. Termination: Conditions and procedures for ending the agreement

13. General Provisions: Standard legal provisions including governing law, notices, and amendments

What sections are optional to include in a Startup Advisor Agreement?

1. Equity Compensation Terms: Detailed terms for stock options or other equity compensation, used when equity is part of the compensation package

2. Board Observer Rights: Terms for advisor participation in board meetings, if applicable

3. Performance Metrics: Specific goals and evaluation criteria for the advisor, if performance-based compensation is included

4. Insurance and Liability: Requirements for professional liability insurance and limitation of liability provisions

5. Data Protection: Specific GDPR compliance provisions, required if personal data processing is involved

6. Remote Services: Provisions for virtual meetings and remote advisory services

7. Conflict Resolution: Specific procedures for handling disputes, including mediation or arbitration clauses

What schedules should be included in a Startup Advisor Agreement?

1. Schedule A - Services Description: Detailed outline of specific advisory services and responsibilities

2. Schedule B - Compensation Terms: Detailed breakdown of all compensation elements, including payment schedules

3. Schedule C - Equity Terms: Details of any equity compensation, including vesting schedules and conditions

4. Schedule D - Approved External Commitments: List of advisor's pre-approved external advisory roles or commitments

5. Appendix 1 - Confidential Information: Specific categories of confidential information covered by the agreement

6. Appendix 2 - Contact Details: Contact information and communication protocols for both parties

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

Germany

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Advisory Agreement

Cost

Free to use

Find the exact document you need

Board Of Advisor Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing the terms and conditions for advisory board membership, including roles, responsibilities, and compensation.

Download

Startup Advisor Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing the terms and conditions between a startup and its business advisor, including services, compensation, and mutual obligations.

Download

Business Advisor Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for professional business advisory services between an advisor and client company.

Download
See more related templates

Genie’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

2 Docs LeftAccess Now