Partnerships and Investors

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Bringing on a partner or investor can be the best decision you make for your business, but only if the structure is clear and documented.

The biggest problems in partnerships come from assumptions, misunderstandings, and missing agreements. We help you set everything up the right way. Your ownership, responsibilities, money, voting, and expectations are written clearly in plain language, so you can work together with confidence.

Why Clear Agreements Matter

When two or more people start a business together, every person brings something different to the table. It could be money, equipment, skill, or time. Without strong agreements, nobody knows what happens when the business makes money, needs money, changes direction, or runs into a challenge.

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A good partnership or investor agreement explains exactly how the relationship works. It protects friendships, protects the business, and protects you from future arguments. We write agreements that are practical, honest, and built around the way you operate your business.

Two people working together at a desk with a laptop and papers in a cozy, well-decorated room. One person is seated and typing on the laptop, while the other is leaning over, holding a coffee mug, and looking at the screen.

What We Can Structure for You

We help with every part of bringing on partners or investors, including:

  • Adding new partners

  • Removing partners fairly

  • Investor rights and reporting

  • Loans and lender agreements

  • Personal guarantees

  • Convertible notes and debt to equity options

  • Ownership options for the investor

  • Voting rights and decision making

  • Profit and loss distribution

  • Contributions of money, equipment or property

  • Roles and responsibilities

  • Buy-in and buy-out terms

Everything is explained clearly so

every person involved understands

their rights rights and responsibilities.

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Why Your Structure Matters

A strong structure can protect you from:

  • Accidents or injuries connected to your work

  • All types of liability A-Z

  • Issues with tenants, properties, or contractors or employers

  • Claims against one partner or against one member

  • Partners or investors creating unexpected risk

Some business owners do not realize how exposed they are until something goes wrong. We help prevent those problems before they ever reach you.

Start Up Ohio helps entrepreneurs and owners have confidence in their protections.

  • People often contribute different types of value to a partnership. One partner may bring cash. Another might bring tools or equipment. Another might do all the labor. Investors may bring money, but no involvement. Lenders may help fund the business, and expect repayment.

    We help document all of this clearly. When everyone knows what they contributed, and what they should expect, the partnership runs smoother, and problems are avoided.


  • If you are bringing on an investor, it is important to outline:

    • What they are receiving in return

    • Whether they have voting rights

    • How profits are distributed

    • Whether they can exit

    • When and how they get paid

    • Whether their investment is debt or equity

    • What access they have to information

    We help you create a structure that protects your control and keeps expectations realistic.


  • Many small business loans require a personal guarantee. Before you sign anything, it is important to understand what you are personally responsible for. We review your loan agreements, and explain everything in plain language so you can make informed decisions.

    If your business needs formal loan documents between partners, or related entities, we can create those as well.

  • Most partnership disputes happen because expectations were never written down. We focus on preventing those issues from the beginning. A good agreement protects you from arguments about:

    • Who is responsible for what

    • How money should be used

    • Who gets paid and when

    • Whether someone is meeting their obligations

    • What to do if someone wants to leave

    You get a structure that keeps the business stable, and reduces stress for everyone involved.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Rocket launching from a building with a cloud of smoke, with the outline of Ohio in the background.

    Do I need a partnership agreement if we trust each other?

    Yes. Good agreements protect good relationships. Trust is important, but clarity is what keeps a business stable.

  • Rocket launching from a space pad with the outline of the state of Ohio in the background.

    Can you help if the partnership is already running?

    Yes. We review your current structure, and create or update the agreements you are missing.

  • Rocket launching next to the outline of Ohio state.

    What if someone wants to leave the business?

    We can write buy-out, and exit provisions so everyone knows what will happen in that situation.

  • Rocket launching from the state of Ohio with a circular background.

    Can you help with investors or lenders?

    Yes. We structure investor rights, debt agreements, and personal guarantees so you understand your obligations and stay protected.

Build Partnerships That Last

A strong agreement protects you, your business and your future.

Schedule a consultation and let us help you create a structure that works.

Schedule A Consultation Today