the first dozen steps are fair and equitable. Try to imagine whether they will still seem fair and equitable in a year, or three years. If everyone in the founding team is not absolutely in agreement, stop and try to work it out; Write a letter of agreement outlining all these points. It will not be legally binding, but gets down in writing what has been agreed and makes people really think about what they are agreeing to; 13. Make sure your documents define the legal & corporate jurisdiction (choose which State if you are in the US). 14. Confirm the previous eight steps by signing: Employment agreements; IP assignment agreements; Share options letters; Non-disclosure agreements; 15. Agree on the company articles (the constitution of the business). Change the standard articles so a 51 per cent vote is required to sell the company; Provide for electronic communications for statutory shareholder requirements (one company I started had over 20 angel investors -- chasing signed paperwork by post is a nightmare); 16. Check alignment among the founders for points 1-16. If alignment is not perfect, it may now be time for the first offsite strategic planning retreat with an excellent facilitator (perhaps your mentor -- see below); 17. Find a least one very experienced advisor, mentor and/or coach who can review and confirm the previous five steps and can help to be a sounding board. If you are going to offer them equity, what remuneration, if any, they will have; Choose someone