Life Sciences Founder Repository
The Founder
Repository
Practical tools, templates, and guidance for Australian life sciences founders — from incorporation to investment.
23
Curated resources
6
Categories
AU
Australia focused
About
What is this repository ?
The Life Sciences Founder Repository is a curated collection of practical tools, templates, contacts, and guidance designed specifically for Australian life sciences founders — covering the full journey from early-stage legal setup through to investment and product commercialisation.
Each resource entry includes a structured brief with a rationale, key considerations, links to materials, and suggested contacts — so you always know what to look for and who to speak to.
Section A
Governance & Legal
A 0.2 Shareholder's Agreement Sets out legal and commercial relationships between shareholders once a company has multiple stakeholders. What / Why Covers ownership, governance, share transfers, voting rights, and dispute resolution. Important once a company has multiple shareholders, especially before external investment. A key document for fundraising readiness. Considerations Should align with the Constitution and cap table. Important clauses: pre-emptive rights, drag/tag rights, deadlock provisions, vesting. Materials & Resources LawPath information page and template resources. Legal firm explainers and startup-focused templates.
A 0.1 Founder's Agreement Defines Co-founder relationships, equity, roles, and responsibilities before or at incorporations. What / Why Defines the relationship between co-founders before or at incorporation. Covers ownership, roles, responsibilities, equity split, vesting, and decision-making. Important for avoiding disputes and aligning expectations early. Considerations Should be created before significant work or value is created. Should align with the future Shareholders Agreement and Company Constitution. Key inclusions: equity vesting, IP assignment, and founder exit scenarios. Templates are useful for education, but legal review is strongly recommended. Materials & Resources Founders Agreement template via LawPath or similar provider. Typical legal cost in Australia: ~$1k–$5k depending on complexity. Template subscription providers: LawPath, LegalVision, Sprintlaw.
A 0.4 Advisor Agreement Formalises relationships with advisors, mentors, or strategic experts - especially where equity is involved. What / Why Covers time commitment, scope, confidentiality, IP, and compensation. Useful where advisors are being offered equity or playing an ongoing role. Considerations Avoid informal "handshake" arrangements. Equity should usually vest over time. Clarify expectations, specific contributions, and review points. Materials & Resources Founder Institute FAST Agreement. General advisor agreement templates from startup legal providers. Potential Contacts Startup lawyers LegalVision Founders Institute
A 0.3 Company Incorporation / constitution Offically creates the company and creates the core governance framework - one of the first formal legal steps. What / Why Covers director powers, share structure, meetings, and voting arrangements. Required at incorporation — should align with the Shareholders Agreement. Considerations Creates ongoing annual reporting, tax, governance, and director obligations. Consider whether to incorporate early or delay until there is a clearer business case. Some grants include company age as an eligibility factor. Consider whether shares are held personally or via trust, and dual-company structures. Materials & Resources Online incorporation: ClearDocs, ASIC registration process. Professional accountant or lawyer recommended for structure advice. Potential Contacts Startup accountants Corporate lawyers ClearDocs LegalVision
Section B
IP & Testing
B.06 Trademarking & IP Protects brand assets and inventions - a core strategic asset for life sciences companies. What / Why Important for fundraising, partnerships, and defensibility. IP ownership should be cleanly assigned from founders, students, and contractors to the company. Considerations File early, but strategically. Consider patent, trade secret, copyright, or trademark protection as appropriate. Freedom-to-operate analysis especially important in medtech, biotech, and digital health. Materials & Resources IP Australia resources and forms. IP assignment deed examples. IPTA free initial consultation service. TTIPAB directory for finding patent attorneys. Potential Contacts Chris Baxter, Baxter IP Spruson & Ferguson IPTA referral
B.05 ESOP (Employee Share Option Plan) Equity incentives for employees and key contributors - critical for talent attraction when cash is constrained. What / Why Important for attracting and retaining talent when cash salaries are constrained. Often expected by future investors and executives. Considerations Must comply with Australian ESS rules. Option pool size often around 10–15%, depending on stage and hiring plan. Should align with cap table planning and fundraising strategy. Clear rules needed for vesting, leavers, and exercise conditions. Materials & Resources LawPath / LegalVision ESOP templates. ATO guidance on Employee Share Schemes. Potential Contacts Startup lawyers Startup accountants Cake Equity Ledgy
A 0.4 Advisor Agreement Formalises relationships with advisors, mentors, or strategic experts - especially where equity is involved. What / Why Covers time commitment, scope, confidentiality, IP, and compensation. Useful where advisors are being offered equity or playing an ongoing role. Considerations Avoid informal "handshake" arrangements. Equity should usually vest over time. Clarify expectations, specific contributions, and review points. Materials & Resources Founder Institute FAST Agreement. General advisor agreement templates from startup legal providers. Potential Contacts Startup lawyers LegalVision Founders Institute
A 0.3 Company Incorporation / constitution Offically creates the company and creates the core governance framework - one of the first formal legal steps. What / Why Covers director powers, share structure, meetings, and voting arrangements. Required at incorporation — should align with the Shareholders Agreement. Considerations Creates ongoing annual reporting, tax, governance, and director obligations. Consider whether to incorporate early or delay until there is a clearer business case. Some grants include company age as an eligibility factor. Consider whether shares are held personally or via trust, and dual-company structures. Materials & Resources Online incorporation: ClearDocs, ASIC registration process. Professional accountant or lawyer recommended for structure advice. Potential Contacts Startup accountants Corporate lawyers ClearDocs LegalVision