ExistBefore
IT

Founder

Startups, investors, and innovation

The early stages of a startup are fragile: ideas, prototypes, founder roles, pitches to investors, and commercial methods are often shared before formal protection exists. This section helps document initial versions, agreements, contributions, and materials, creating a clear foundation before pitches, negotiations, presentations, or the entry of new partners.

  1. How to prove that an investment proposal was formulated correctly

    An investment proposal isn't just a document: it's a sequence of versions, messages, clarifications, and expectations. Proving it was formulated correctly means being able to reconstruct what you proposed, in what format, and under what conditions. Before sending it, prepare a…

  2. How to protect a successful business to turn it into a franchise

    A successful business becomes a franchise when it stops relying solely on the founder's talent and becomes a replicable method. Before discussing it with potential franchisees, consultants, or partners, document the format, procedures, materials, results, and operational…

  3. How to protect a startup idea before discussing it with investors and advisors

    Ideas move fast, versions even faster. Protecting a startup idea means securing what you actually held before sharing it. Prior to any call with investors or advisors, prepare a clear version of your idea and document it.

  4. How to protect a prototype before presenting it to the market

    A prototype is the moment when an idea becomes concrete and visible. Consequently, it is also the most delicate moment: you show it, let people test it, and pitch it. Before taking it out into the world, prepare a clear version, document it, and lock it in time.

  5. How to protect a non-patentable business method

    A business method can hold immense value even when not patentable: funnels, scripts, pricing, segmentation, sales procedures, onboarding, and the little operational tricks that keep the machine running. Before sharing it with partners, consultants, investors, or external teams,…

  6. How to avoid founder disputes over roles, equity, contributions, and initial documents

    Founder disputes rarely arise at the beginning: they emerge when the project starts holding value. Avoiding them means clarifying and documenting immediately who does what, who brings what, and how it evolves over time. If you've already launched, you can still tidy up and…