What is a deadlock clause?

A deadlock occurs when partners cannot reach an agreement. The clause defines the resolution process (e.g. alternating decision-making, mediation or a forced buyout).

Do I need a notary for a partnership agreement?

A shareholders' agreement itself does not require a notary. However, changes to the company's articles of association do.

What is a drag-along clause?

A majority owner can force minority owners to sell their shares on the same terms when selling the company. This protects a buyer who wants 100 % of the business.

How should a partner exit be handled?

The agreement should include a right of first refusal and a valuation mechanism (e.g. an agreed formula or an independent appraiser).

Corporate

Partnership / shareholders' agreement

Partnership agreement for co-founders

Who puts in what, who decides what, how you part ways.

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57 % of startups cite co-founder disagreements as the main reason for failure

Companies with a formal partnership agreement last 3× longer

Vesting clauses prevent key founder departures in 78 % of cases

A partnership agreement covers ownership shares, decision-making authority, founder vesting and an exit mechanism. AI generates a version for a limited company or an informal partnership.

Legal context

A limited-company articles of association are governed by the Commercial Code (§§ 57–75 in Slovakia). A shareholders' agreement is an unnamed contract. Changes to the articles require a notarial deed.

Commercial Code §§ 57–75 (s.r.o. articles); amendments require a notarial deed

Legal basis & glossary

When to use a Partnership / shareholders' agreement

When founding a company with multiple partners
When a new investor or co-founder joins
When you need to cover the exit of one partner
When setting governance rules for a growing company

What you get

Ownership shares and voting
Founder vesting
Deadlock mechanism
Drag-along and tag-along clauses

How it works

From idea to signature

Ownership shares and voting

Founder vesting

Deadlock mechanism

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Partnership / shareholders' agreement

Vesting is a mechanism whereby a founder earns their shares gradually over a set period (e.g. 4 years). If they leave earlier, they forfeit unvested shares — incentivising commitment.