Every founder dreams of building something big 🌱
But one overlooked legal detail can quietly turn that dream into a deadlock, a dispute, or even the end of the company before it really begins ⚠️

That’s exactly the kind of real risk this Legal Essentials for Startups session is designed to expose and help founders avoid from day one.

Why this evening matters

In 2011, two Stanford undergrads shook hands over a disappearing photo app idea that later became Snapchat, worth billions today 📱
There were no written agreements on roles, equity, or IP.
When success arrived, one co founder was locked out and a long, costly legal battle followed ⚖️

Handshake deals between friends feel solid until growth, money, and pressure enter the picture 🤝
That’s why Startup Grind is hosting Legal Essentials for Startups
A practical, in depth workshop for founders who want to build not just fast, but safely.

🧠 What will be covered

📌 How to choose and set up the right legal entity in the Netherlands without scaring off investors
📌 What needs to be in place beyond incorporation including shareholder agreements, IP, contracts, and compliance
📌 How early stage disputes actually start inside startups and how to prevent them before they escalate

👤 Meet the person in your corner

The workshop is led by Gayk Ayvazyan LL.M, a corporate lawyer and mediator with more than ten years of experience helping founders and investors across Europe.
Gayk combines legal expertise with hands on conflict prevention, focusing not just on the law but on how people behave when things get tense.

✅ A checklist you will actually use

Towards the end of the session, Gayk will walk you through a clear, founder friendly checklist you can use the very next day.

🧩 Structure
Is your legal form, share split, and governance setup future proof for investors

🛡️ Protection
Are your brand, IP, contracts, and NDAs actually enforceable

📑 Compliance
Are you overlooking GDPR or upcoming AI rules that could block future deals

🧠 Prevention
Do you have clear rules for exits, deadlocks, and dispute resolution

📍 Microlab Rotterdam
📅 Thursday 22 January
⏱️ 17:00 – 19:30

⚡ Limited spots available
🥂 Networking drinks after the session