Startups Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on startups for australian businesses.

What Is The Cost To Set Up A Company In Australia?
Ready to take the next step and register a company in Australia? Moving from an idea (or a sole trader structure) to a Pty Ltd company is a smart move for many...

Handshake Deals: Are Verbal Agreements Legally Binding in Australia?
In business, momentum matters. When trust is high and the timing is right, it’s common to shake hands and get moving - especially with suppliers you’ve known for years or a customer...

Pre-Money vs Post-Money Valuation: What’s the Difference?
If you’re planning to raise capital for your company, you’ll quickly run into the terms “pre-money” and “post-money.” They sound technical, but the difference between them affects how much of your business...

Non-Disclosure Agreement Template in Australia (PDF): How To Use It
If you’re about to share a new product concept, pricing model, supplier list or unique process, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) can be the difference between a smooth collaboration and a costly leak....

How Corporate Commercial Law Works in Australia
Running a small business is exciting - you’re building something real, winning customers and growing your brand. But to grow safely and sustainably in Australia, you’ll also need to think about the...

Aggregate Liability in Contracts: What Australian Businesses Should Know
If you sell products or services, your contracts should manage risk clearly. One of the most important risk tools is an aggregate liability cap - a clause that sets the maximum amount...

Pros and Cons of Using a Trust in Australia
Choosing the right business structure is one of the biggest early decisions you’ll make. For many Australian small businesses, a trust is on the shortlist alongside a sole trader, partnership or company....

SaaS Contract: How To Draft And Negotiate In Australia
Whether you’re launching a software startup or adopting new tools to run your business, software-as-a-service (SaaS) sits at the heart of modern operations. But before you click “agree,” it’s worth pausing. The...

Can Your Company Use a Virtual Registered Office Address in Australia?
Running a company from your home, a co-working space, or fully remote? A virtual registered office address can offer privacy and flexibility - without the cost of a physical office lease. But...

Is a Discretionary Trading Trust a Company in Australia?
When you’re setting up a business in Australia, one of the first big decisions is structure. If you’ve heard terms like “discretionary trust”, “trading trust” and “company” tossed around, it can be...

ACN Fees: What It Costs To Register And Maintain A Company
Thinking about setting up a company in Australia? You’ll need an Australian Company Number (ACN). It’s an exciting step for a growing business, but it also comes with government fees and ongoing...

Business and Commercial Law in Australia: What You Need to Know
Starting and growing a business is exciting - and a bit daunting. You’re juggling product, customers, cash flow and people. On top of that, you’ll bump into “business & commercial law” at...

How To File A Patent In Australia
Innovating is exciting - and protecting what you’ve created is just as important. If your business has developed a new product, process or piece of technology, learning how to file a patent...

Can A Trust Be A Company Director In Australia?
If you’re setting up (or tidying up) your business structure, it’s common to ask whether a trust can sit “in the driver’s seat” as a director of your company. This is an...

What Is a Virtual Lawyer and How Can It Help Your Small Business?
Running a small business in Australia is fast-paced. You’re juggling customers, cash flow and growth - and you still need to stay on top of contracts, employment issues, privacy, and compliance. That’s...

Term Sheets: What To Include And How They Work
Whether you’re raising capital, bringing in a co-founder, or selling part of your business, you’ll likely hear one phrase early in the process: “let’s draft a term sheet.” Term sheets are the...
Sweet Equity In Australia: How To Use It Without Losing Control
Offering “sweet equity” can be a smart way to bring top talent or strategic partners into your business without paying big cash salaries upfront. Done well, it aligns incentives and rewards the...

What Is an Office Holder in Australia?
If you run a company (or you’re about to set one up), you’ll quickly come across the term “office holder.” Understanding what an office holder is - and the responsibilities that come...

SAFE Shares In Australia: How They Work And When To Use Them
Raising your first round of funding is exciting - but it can also be confusing, especially when investors ask for “SAFE shares.” Here’s the key point up front: in Australia, a SAFE...

Deed of Indemnity Sample: Key Inclusions and Use in Australia
Indemnities pop up everywhere in business - from supplier contracts and reseller deals, to director protections and client service terms. If you’re looking for a deed of indemnity sample you can adapt...

Honest Concurrent Use In Australia: What It Means And How It Works
If you’ve tried to register your brand as a trade mark in Australia and the examiner has flagged a conflict with an earlier mark, you’re not alone. It’s a common speed bump...

Non-Disclosure Agreement Template (Word) In Australia
Sharing an idea, pitch deck or client list can unlock opportunities - but it can also put your competitive edge at risk if that information is misused. That’s where a Non‑Disclosure Agreement...

Effective Negotiation Strategies For Small Businesses
Whether you’re locking in a supplier, closing a client deal, or renewing a commercial lease, effective negotiation can make or break your margins. For Australian small businesses, it’s not just about “winning”...

What Happens to Shares When a Company Is Bought Out in Australia?
If you’re running a company in Australia and a buyer wants to “buy you out”, one of your first questions is likely: what actually happens to the shares? Whether you’re selling your...
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