Smart Equity Agreements for Founders, Startups & Key Hires

At Isaboke Law Firm, we draft and negotiate equity compensation agreements that help startups attract talent, reward advisors, and structure founder relationships, all while protecting the integrity and future of the business.

Whether you're issuing stock options to employees, equity stakes to co-founders, or profit interests to advisors, we ensure every term is aligned with your cap table, business goals, and exit strategy.

What’s Included in Our Equity Compensation Services:

  • Founder & Co-Founder Agreements: Clarifying ownership, roles, vesting schedules, and IP assignment at formation or restructuring stages.

  • Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs): Structuring option pools, creating option agreements, and ensuring IRS and 409A compliance.

  • Restricted Stock Agreements: Drafting stock grants with vesting milestones, repurchase rights, and tax considerations.

  • Advisory Equity Packages: Standardizing equity offers for board members, advisors, and consultants based on contribution tiers.

  • SAFE & Convertible Notes Guidance: Reviewing how early-stage investments impact equity dilution and ownership.

  • Exit-Ready Contracts: Making sure your equity agreements won’t create issues during due diligence, mergers, or acquisitions.

Built for Growth-Stage Startups & Small Businesses

Equity compensation is more than just a way to save on salary—done right, it's a powerful incentive. Done wrong, it’s a legal and financial liability.

We help founders strike the right balance between rewarding contributors and protecting control.

Our approach ensures:

  • Clear vesting terms and cliff periods

  • Proper classification of service providers (W-2 vs. 1099)

  • Early IRS filings (like 83(b) elections) are handled on time

  • Rights of first refusal (ROFR), drag-along, and repurchase terms are enforceable and founder-friendly

Who We Work With:

  • Founders structuring equity splits

  • Startups hiring early employees or tech talent

  • Businesses offering sweat equity to advisors

  • Growing teams with option pools or phantom equity

  • Companies preparing for funding or acquisition

Why Choose Isaboke Law for Equity Agreements?

  • ⚖️ Tailored legal strategy—not cookie-cutter templates

  • 🧠 Deep startup and cap table experience

  • 📑 Investor-ready contracts that stand up in due diligence

  • 💼 Charlotte-based law firm with national reach

Lock in Talent Without Giving Away the House

Ready to issue equity the right way? Our attorneys will help you understand the tax, compliance, and structural implications before you sign.

Book your equity strategy session today.
Let’s make your equity work for you and not against your growth.