Shareholder Agreements 101 – What Founders Need to Know

Building a company with co-founders, investors, or early employees? Then a shareholder agreement isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Join Mark Mielke, Partner, MLT Aikins LLP, for a practical and founder-focused session on Unanimous Shareholder Agreements (USAs)—one of the most important (and often overlooked) legal documents for startups and early-stage companies.

In this session, we'll break down what a USA is, why it matters, and when you should put one in place—often much earlier than most founders expect. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how a shareholder agreement works alongside your corporation’s articles, by-laws, and broader legal framework.

We’ll walk through the key provisions that shape how your company operates, grows, and handles change—so you can avoid costly misunderstandings down the road.

• What a Unanimous Shareholder Agreement (USA) is and why it matters
• When founders should put a USA in place
• How USAs support decision-making and governance
• Protecting founder and minority shareholder interests
• Key clauses around board control, funding obligations, and exits
• How to handle employee shareholders and departing founders
• What happens in cases of death or disability
• Shotgun clauses explained—how they work and when they can be risky

• Startup founders and co-founders
• Early-stage entrepreneurs
• Business owners with partners or shareholders
• Students exploring entrepreneurship
• Anyone planning to raise investment or scale a business

A well-structured shareholder agreement can prevent disputes, protect your interests, and provide clarity as your business evolves. This session will help you understand the risks of not having one—and how to get it right from the start.

Following the event, we are thrilled to offer Free Work Fridays - work from one of our hot desks for the day at no charge!

MLT Aikins LLP, our valued partner, will be hosting office hours from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM following the event. This is a great opportunity to connect one-on-one, ask questions, and get expert guidance tailored to your business needs.

Agenda

9:00-9:30 - Registration and Networking

9:30-10:30 - Presentation by Mark Mielke

10:30-11:00 - Networking

Feel free to park in either Intrinsic Innovations reserved spots or Visitor parking on the North side of the building.

Speaker Bio

Mark Mielke, Partner, MLT Aikins LLP

Mark’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and equity offerings, with particular strength in advising companies through growth by acquisitions, restructuring, and exit events. Mark works extensively with early-stage companies in the technology, health and agriculture sectors, helping them navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes. Mark also supports private equity funds, co-investors and other investors by completing acquisitions and investments across all industries. Mark has extensive experience leading mid-market buy and sell transactions in the range of $1 million to $100 million, working with both buyers and sellers, including private equity and family-owned businesses.

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