Start-up consulting: Interdisciplinary
from a single source

We lay the foundations of your start-up together:

• Selecting the right legal form for your startup.
• Drafting of company law contracts, including articles of association and shareholders’ agreements, rules of procedure for the management or an optional advisory board.
• Support with registration in the transparency register and other statutory reporting and registration obligations.

We clear the way for your financing:

• Preparation and negotiation of term sheets/LOI and non-disclosure agreements (NDA).
• Support with participation and shareholder agreements in the context of financing rounds
• Advice on, drafting and review of convertible loan agreements and other mezzanine financing.
• Advice on crowd/group financing (crowd investing/crowd funding).

Utilise the full potential of funding opportunities:

• Advice on state and private funding programmes for start-ups.
• Support with applications for KfW programmes, EXIST, programmes from development banks (NBank in Lower Saxony), etc.
• Advice on European state aid law (subsidies), special funding frameworks, de minimis subsidies, etc.

Secure contract terms are our speciality:

• Drafting general terms and conditions.
• Service/works contracts.
• Licence agreements (software).
• Distribution agreements.
• Project and development contracts.
• Advice on contractual liability limitation and protection as well as product liability.
• Advice on risks and structuring options for international contractual relationships / supply relationships.

We protect your creative ideas:

• Support with national, European and international trade mark applications.
• Preparation of licence agreements.
• Advice on the transfer and contribution of copyrighted works and industrial property rights.

We ensure that your team is legally compliant:

• Drafting employment contracts for managing directors, employees and freelancers.
• Advice on social security law and support in any status determination procedures with the DRV.
• Advice on and structuring of employee participation models (VSOP, ESOP, other options, genuine shareholdings).

We accompany you on the way to your successful sale:

• Support / advice (legal, tax) for start-ups in developing an exit scenario.
• Preparation of documents (term sheet, non-disclosure agreement, etc.) for the preparation and structuring of an exit.
• Supporting start-ups in carrying out a buyer/investor due diligence.
• Drafting, review and negotiation of contractual documents (purchase agreements (share deal or asset deal), contribution agreements, participation agreements, etc.) in connection with the implementation of the exit scenario.

A startup management consultancy offers numerous advantages. Start-up consultants support founders in the initial phase with comprehensive expertise and customised solutions. Start-up counselling covers important aspects such as business planning, choice of legal form, financing and tax law. Consultants also provide information on how to apply for subsidies, such as the start-up grant, which creates financial security in the initial phase.

According to a study, around 80-90% of start-ups in Germany fail within the first five years. However, this figure can vary depending on the industry and the definition of “failure”.

The amount of equity required to launch a startup can vary greatly depending on the type and size of the planned business. It is important to create a solid business and financial plan to answer this question for your specific venture.

Technology-driven start-ups, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, healthcare technology, sustainable technologies and FinTech, often show great potential for future growth in their business model. Nevertheless, the success of a startup depends on many factors, including company management, the market, timing and financing.

Start-ups can be financed by capital in various ways, including equity, loans, crowdfunding, state subsidies and investors as well as venture capital or business angels. Which method is best depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the company.

The time required to set up a company can vary greatly and depends on many factors, e.g. the complexity of the business model, preparation time, legal aspects and financing. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even years.

There are several exit strategies for startups, including sale to another company (also known as mergers & acquisitions), initial public offering (IPO), management buyout (MBO) or simply dissolving the company. Choosing the right exit strategy depends on a variety of factors, including the goals of the founders and investors, the market situation and the financial health of the company.

The cost of legal advice varies greatly depending on the service and scope of the advice required and the complexity of the company. At LW-P Lüders Warneboldt, startups benefit from our extensive network in the startup scene, which allows us to offer customised solutions. For a precise cost estimate, we recommend arranging a free initial consultation.

A startup is no longer a startup when it has achieved sustainable growth, financial stability, developed a more formal organisational structure and gained a significant market position.