Corporate Governance, Incorporation & Board Structuring Services

Efficient and comprehensive corporate legal services for your business growth.

Ensure your corporate foundation is built for scale. We provide end-to-end legal support in incorporation, post-incorporation, governance structuring, shareholder relations, and document compliance.

Why Corporate Governance Matters

Legally solid foundation for growth

Prevents internal conflicts and future disputes

Ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance

Crucial for attracting investors and board members

Required for equity deals and international expansion

What is Corporate Governance & What Does Corporate Governance Cover

Incorporation & Post-Incorporation Filings (COI, FinCEN, DBAs)

Complete incorporation services including all necessary state and federal filings

Founder Agreements & Shareholder Agreements

Comprehensive agreements that define relationships, rights, and responsibilities

Board & Officer Appointments

Proper structuring and documentation of corporate leadership roles

Board & Shareholder Consents

Essential consent documentation for corporate decisions and actions

Bylaws, Board Minutes & Internal Policies

Complete corporate governance documentation and policy framework

Indemnification & Fiduciary Duties

Protection frameworks for directors and officers with clear duty definitions

HoldCo & Subsidiary Governance

Multi-entity corporate structures with proper governance at each level

Share Transfers & COI Amendments

Management of ownership changes and corporate charter updates

Our Legal Process for Corporate Governance

Incorporation setup & document drafting

Create the foundational corporate structure with all necessary formation documents

FinCEN, state & local filings

Complete all required regulatory filings at federal, state, and local levels

Founder/shareholder agreement preparation

Draft comprehensive agreements that protect all parties and prevent future disputes

Board & officer appointment structuring

Establish proper corporate leadership with clear roles and responsibilities

Policy, consent & governance documentation

Create complete governance framework with all necessary policies and procedures

Ongoing advisory & updates for corporate events

Continuous support for corporate changes, transactions, and compliance requirements

Ensure your corporate foundation is rock solid. Our team specializes in comprehensive corporate governance, from incorporation to board governance, ensuring every document and process aligns with your company’s strategic goals, structural changes, and legal obligations.

Corporate governance is the framework that defines how your company operates and makes decisions, impacting everything from daily operations to strategic direction. Starting with incorporation and post-incorporation processes, we guide you through the critical early stages of forming your company, including drafting and filing essential documents such as Certificates of Incorporation (COIs), federal FinCEN filings, state registrations, or DBAs. We assist in crafting founder agreements that clearly define roles, equity distribution, and exit proceed terms, setting the stage for smooth operations and future growth.

Our expertise extends to officer and board appointments, where we help you structure your leadership team and establish clear governance protocols. We prepare and review board consents and shareholder consents, ensuring that all corporate actions are properly authorized and documented. We also advise on fiduciary duties and indemnification agreements, ensuring that officers and directors understand their responsibilities and act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders.

Board governance is a critical aspect of corporate health, and we provide comprehensive services related to board minutes, internal policies, and bylaws. We ensure that board meetings are properly recorded, with minutes that accurately reflect decisions made and the rationale behind them. We also assist in drafting and updating internal policies that govern everything from equity incentives to executive compensation, helping to mitigate risks and maintain compliance.

For companies with complex structures, including those with local subsidiaries under a holding company (HoldCo), we offer specialized services in managing the interplay between parent and subsidiary entities. This includes drafting and maintaining relevant corporate or general assembly documents ensuring alignment with the overall corporate strategy, and complying with local and international legal requirements.

We also handle the amendment of COIs and other corporate documents, ensuring that any changes to your corporate structure or governance are properly documented and compliant with relevant laws. Whether it’s revising your bylaws to reflect new business realities or updating shareholder agreements to accommodate new investors, our team ensures that your corporate documentation remains current and legally sound. We help you authorize and complete internal share transfers between early stockholders by drafting necessary share transfer documentation. An effective and compliant corporate governance requires a strategic partner who understands both the legal and business implications. At Igniters, we provide the expertise and support you need to build and maintain a governance structure that drives success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corporate governance in startups refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes that direct and control the company. It includes incorporation documents, shareholder agreements, board structure, decision-making procedures, and compliance frameworks. Good governance ensures transparency, protects stakeholder interests, and creates a foundation for sustainable growth.

Post-incorporation requirements include: Certificate of Incorporation filing, FinCEN Beneficial Ownership reporting, EIN application, initial board resolutions, bylaws adoption, stock issuance documentation, founder/shareholder agreements, board and officer appointments, and any state-specific filings like DBAs or business licenses.

A founder agreement defines the relationship between co-founders, including equity ownership, vesting schedules, roles and responsibilities, decision-making processes, intellectual property assignments, and procedures for departures or disputes. It's crucial for preventing conflicts and ensuring all founders are aligned on the company's direction.

Yes, many corporate decisions require board consent or approval, including: issuing new shares, hiring key executives, entering major contracts, taking on debt, making significant purchases, approving budgets, and declaring dividends. Your bylaws and corporate governance documents specify which decisions require board approval.

Managing a HoldCo structure requires separate governance for each entity, including distinct board resolutions, inter-company agreements, transfer pricing documentation, consolidated reporting procedures, and compliance with both parent and subsidiary jurisdictions. We help establish clear governance frameworks that maintain corporate separateness while enabling efficient operations.

Have more questions? We're here to help.

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