Start-Ups & Emerging Companies

Launching a new business is exciting — but it also comes with complex legal and commercial decisions that can shape your success. From choosing the right structure to protecting your brand and raising capital, getting clear legal advice early can save time, money and stress down the track.

At Hope Earle Lawyers, we work with entrepreneurs, founders and scale-ups across a wide range of industries. Our lawyers understand the challenges of building a business from the ground up and provide practical, commercially focused advice that supports growth while protecting your interests.

How We Help Start-Ups

We partner with start-ups through every stage of the journey:

• Structuring & Incorporation
  – Choosing the right business structure (company, trust, partnership)
  – Drafting shareholder or partnership agreements to avoid future disputes
  – Setting up compliance frameworks to meet ASIC and tax requirements

• Capital Raising & Investment
  – Preparing for seed, angel and venture capital rounds
  – Drafting and negotiating convertible notes, SAFEs and subscription agreements
  – Advising on equity allocation and protecting founder control

• Protecting Your IP & Brand
  – Trade mark registration and brand strategy
  – Confidentiality agreements, licences and IP assignments
  – Advising on software, technology and product protection

• Commercial Agreements
  – Drafting terms of trade, supply, SaaS and distribution agreements
  – Employment contracts, contractor arrangements and employee share option plans (ESOPs)
  – Negotiating with suppliers, customers and investors

• Scaling & Exit Planning
  – Preparing for rapid growth, franchising or international expansion
  – Advising on mergers, acquisitions and exit strategies
  – Structuring for succession and investor readiness