Leading Commercial Startup Lawyers

Buying or selling a commercial start up can be a stressful time. Let us guide you through the process and make sure you receive the best possible outcome.

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Your Bridge to a Brighter Tomorrow

There’s no denying that buying or selling a startup can be complex and stressful. Due diligence, valuing intellectual property, investor and founder agreements, and employee share schemes all need careful attention before a deal is signed.

At Arver Law, our commercial team is here to guide you through every stage of your startup acquisition or sale, from the term sheet to completion, and to help you negotiate a great outcome.

Commercial Startup Services

Our experts can help you buy or sell a startup with confidence. We’ll guide you through every stage, from due diligence and negotiating the terms to completion, so you get the best possible outcome. We understand this can be a challenging time, and we’ll work to make the process as smooth as possible.

Hear what our clients are saying

“I am not someone who writes reviews or froths on social media about great service but Ben and Anne have literally driven me to it. Efficient, responsive, strategic advice in our best interest, always willing to jump in, totally in step with us at every step… I will be recommending them to everyone I know who’s looking to buy or sell!!”

We have had such a complex but rewarding real estate journey. This would not have been possible again if not for the amazing expertise that Anne + Benjamin Law has provided us. It was a success during our selling period. The time we purchased our new property to call home was quite complex and we had hurdles that we had to navigate yet we made it through because of Anne and her team's splendid assistance and service. They were always ready to answer our questions and gave us detailed explanations of information from the contract signing down to the day of settlement. We are truly grateful to Anne, Bao, Trish and the rest of her team. I highly recommend them! Thank you so much again! 😊

Anne's and the team have been a great help with my property transfer.

Efficient, clear and timing communication from start to finish, i would highly recommend the team to anyone in need of a property solicitor

Absolutely incredible work from these guys. They were extremely efficient, friendly and personable. This was a very daunting purchase as it was my first however Anne, Trish and Bao were there to answer all of my questions and went above and beyond to ease any anxieties I had. I’ll never use anyone else and recommend these guys.

“I am not someone who writes reviews or froths on social media about great service but Ben and Anne have literally driven me to it. Efficient, responsive, strategic advice in our best interest, always willing to jump in, totally in step with us at every step… I will be recommending them to everyone I know who’s looking to buy or sell!!”

Katherine Scott

We have had such a complex but rewarding real estate journey. This would not have been possible again if not for the amazing expertise that Anne + Benjamin Law has provided us... They were always ready to answer our questions and gave us detailed explanations of information from the contract signing down to the day of settlement. We are truly grateful to Anne, Bao, Trish and the rest of her team. I highly recommend them! Thank you so much again! 😊

Jerwin Jacoba

Anne's and the team have been a great help with my property transfer. Efficient, clear and timing communication from start to finish, i would highly recommend the team to anyone in need of a property solicitor

Dustin Tan

Absolutely incredible work from these guys. They were extremely efficient, friendly and personable. This was a very daunting purchase as it was my first however Anne, Trish and Bao were there to answer all of my questions and went above and beyond to ease any anxieties I had. I’ll never use anyone else and recommend these guys.

Tom Mabbutt

The Arver Law commercial conveyancing team are the difference

Pragmatic

As property lawyers, our advice is relevant to your circumstances and always realistic.

Holistic

We go out of our way to keep clients informed about risks and opportunities.

Empathetic

We put ourselves in every client’s shoes and ensure advice is fit for purpose.

Nuanced

We pick up on the small details that can lead to greater results.

Ethical

We ensure our advice is within the bounds of the law and always protects your best interests.

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With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to client satisfaction, we are the go-to law firm in Sydney & Parramatta for matters related to property transactions, conveyancing & commercial law.

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Answers to your questions

When should I engage a lawyer for my startup?

The earlier, the better. Getting the structure, founder arrangements and key contracts right from the start is far cheaper than fixing problems later. Engaging a lawyer early also means we get to know your business and can support you as it grows, from your first customer contract through to raising capital and beyond.

Should I set up as a sole trader, partnership or company?

It depends on your goals, risk and tax position. A sole trader structure is simple and cheap but offers no protection for your personal assets. A company limits your personal liability and makes it easier to bring in co-founders and investors, but has more compliance obligations. We work with your accountant to choose the structure that suits your business now and in the future.

Do I need a shareholders' agreement?

If you have co-founders or investors, yes. A shareholders' agreement sets out how decisions are made, what happens if a founder leaves, how shares can be sold, and how disputes are resolved. It can also include vesting, so founders earn their shares over time. Putting one in place early avoids costly disagreements down the track.

How do I protect my business name and brand?

Registering a business name or company name doesn't give you exclusive rights to it. To protect your brand, you should apply to register a trade mark with IP Australia. Before you invest in branding, it's worth checking that your name doesn't infringe someone else's trade mark. We can search, advise and help you file your application.

What contracts does my startup need?

Most startups need customer terms and conditions, a privacy policy, employment or contractor agreements, and non-disclosure agreements. Depending on your business, you may also need supplier, distribution, software licence or partnership agreements. Well-drafted contracts protect your revenue, your intellectual property and your relationships, and they show investors that your business is well run.

Should I hire employees or contractors?

It depends on how the person will work, not just what you call them. If a "contractor" is really working like an employee, you could be liable for unpaid entitlements, superannuation and penalties. Whichever you choose, make sure your agreements clearly state that any intellectual property they create belongs to your business.

How do I raise money from investors?

Startups commonly raise funds by issuing shares, convertible notes or SAFE agreements. Fundraising is regulated under the Corporations Act, and most early-stage raises rely on exemptions, such as offers to sophisticated investors or small-scale offers. Getting the documents and process right protects you, your existing shareholders and your investors. We can prepare your term sheet, subscription documents and updated shareholders' agreement.

Do I need a privacy policy?

If you collect personal information from customers, a clear privacy policy is good practice and often expected. Businesses with an annual turnover over $3 million, and some smaller businesses such as health service providers, must comply with the Privacy Act 1988. Online platforms and payment providers also commonly require one. We can prepare a policy that reflects how your business actually handles data.

Contact a supportive member of the commercial conveyancing team

Move through this phase of your life with confidence.