Introduction to Startup Law

Introduction to Startup Law: The Essential Legal Guide for UK Founders

Starting a UK startup is exciting. Getting the legal foundations right in year one is what protects everything you build afterwards.
This free live webinar is designed for UK founders who have recently incorporated (or are about to) and want a clear, practical overview of the legal essentials: company structure, share classes, IP ownership, SEIS and EIS eligibility, founder vesting and the core contracts every startup must have.
In 60 minutes, Michael Buckworth, founder of Buckworths, will walk you through the exact legal foundations his team sets up for scaling startups every day. You will leave with a checklist you can act on the same evening.

Why UK founders need to get startup law right in year one
The UK is one of the best jurisdictions in the world to start a business. Incorporation is quick, SEIS and EIS tax reliefs give strong incentives for angel investors, and the Legal 500 recognises the depth of UK startup legal talent. But those advantages only work if founders take them seriously in year one.

Buckworths sees the same patterns every year. Founders skip the shareholders’ agreement thinking they will fix it later. Contractors build core IP without signing an assignment. Co-founders skip vesting because the relationship is strong. Six months later, when a lead investor asks to see the paperwork, the founder scrambles to fix problems that were preventable. This webinar gives you the essential foundations so you never have to be that founder.

What you will learn
Michael will walk through six themes over 60 minutes. Company structure and share classes, including UK Ltd vs holding company and when to add complexity. IP ownership, including the founder IP assignment every startup needs and the two most common IP mistakes at pre-seed. SEIS and EIS explained, including eligibility criteria and advance assurance. The essential contracts every startup needs, including shareholders’ agreements, founder service agreements, IP assignments and articles of association. Founder vesting with a 4-year vest and 1-year cliff. And six early mistakes that cost founders time, money and future funding rounds.

This session is designed for UK founders and early-stage teams. Whether you are pre-revenue, pre-seed or scaling toward Series A, you will find practical guidance on the legal issues that matter most.

About the speaker

Michael Buckworth is a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and one of the UK’s most experienced lawyers working with founders. Over 20+ years he has advised hundreds of UK start-ups and scale-ups on the legal decisions that shape their growth, from first incorporation through to exit.

He is the author of Built on Rock: The busy entrepreneur’s legal guide to start-up success, an Amazon Best Seller written for UK founders. Michael has served as “entrepreneur in residence” at London South Bank University and University College London, is a regular speaker at UK start-up and scale-up events, and has been quoted on start-up law in The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Independent and City AM.

About the host

Buckworths is the UK’s only law firm working exclusively with start-ups and scale-ups. From incorporation and SEIS/EIS advance assurance to seed and Series A rounds, EMI share option schemes, commercial contracts, employment law and successful exits, we support UK founders at every stage of the start-up and scale-up journey.

In the heart of London’s tech quarter, we work with UK founders across every sector, from AI and deep-tech to SaaS, consumer, healthtech and fintech. Book a free consultation with our start-up lawyers at buckworths.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer if I have already incorporated my UK startup?
Incorporation is only the first legal step. UK founders typically need a shareholders’ agreement, founder service agreements, IP assignments, employment contracts, customer terms and (if raising investment) SEIS/EIS advance assurance.

What is SEIS and EIS?
The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) are UK tax reliefs that give angel investors income tax and capital gains benefits when they invest in eligible early-stage companies. UK angels expect founders to secure SEIS or EIS advance assurance before serious fundraising conversations.

What is founder vesting and why do UK founders need it?
Founder vesting means that a founder’s shares are earned over time (typically 4 years with a 1-year cliff) rather than granted outright at incorporation. If a founder leaves before their shares fully vest, unvested shares return to the company. This protects the remaining founders and future investors.

Who owns the IP in my startup?
By default, IP created by employees in the course of employment belongs to the company. IP created by founders, contractors and freelancers belongs to the individuals unless they sign a written IP assignment. This is one of the most common issues investors flag in due diligence.

Do I need a shareholders’ agreement if my co-founder and I have a strong personal relationship?
Yes. Shareholders’ agreements are designed for the moment relationships change: illness, disagreement, one founder leaving. Signing when everyone is aligned is the cheapest and most straightforward time to do it.

Is this webinar suitable for pre-incorporation founders?
Yes. If you have not yet incorporated, this webinar will help you understand the decisions you will need to make when you do, including choice of company structure, share classes and founder equity split.

For legal support setting up your startup, get in touch with the Buckworths team.