Title: New Mexico Co-Founder Agreement — Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Successful Partnership Introduction: The New Mexico Co-Founder Agreement provides a solid foundation for entrepreneurs to establish a successful business partnership. This comprehensive checklist highlights the essential components and considerations when drafting a Co-Founder Agreement in New Mexico. By ensuring that all crucial aspects are covered, this checklist helps co-founders avoid future disputes and lays the groundwork for long-term success. 1. Formation: a. Co-Founder Identification: Clearly identify all co-founders involved in the venture. b. Business Overview: Provide an overview of the business, its goals, and the shared vision of the co-founders. c. Ownership Structure: Define the ownership percentages and equity distribution among the co-founders. d. Legal Entity: Determine the appropriate legal structure (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp) for the business and register it accordingly. 2. Roles and Responsibilities: a. Founder Roles: Define specific roles and responsibilities for each co-founder. Specify their areas of expertise and contributions to the business. b. Decision-Making Processes: Establish a fair decision-making framework, including voting rights, unanimous consent requirements, and dispute resolution mechanisms. c. Vesting Schedule: Determine the vesting period for co-founder shares and the consequences of premature departure. 3. Capital Contributions: a. Initial Investments: Outline the monetary and non-monetary contributions each co-founder will make at the inception of the business. b. Future Contributions: Specify expectations for future funding rounds, funding limitations, and the process for raising additional capital. 4. Intellectual Property: a. Ownership: Clearly define who owns the intellectual property (IP) created by co-founders individually or jointly. b. IP Assignment: Establish protocols for co-founders to assign their IP rights to the business and safeguard it against potential conflicts or misappropriation. 5. Confidentiality and Non-Compete: a. Confidentiality Obligations: Establish obligations for co-founders to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive business information. b. Non-Compete Clause: Determine limitations on co-founders competing or engaging in similar business activities during and after the partnership. 6. Exit Strategies and Dispute Resolution: a. Buyout Provisions: Outline the procedure and terms for co-founders to buy out one another's shares in case of voluntary or forced exits. b. Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Decide on methods to resolve disputes, such as mediation, arbitration, or litigation. 7. Termination and Dissolution: a. Partnership Dissolution: Specify the conditions for terminating the partnership, including dissolution procedures and asset distribution. b. Intellectual Property Rights upon Dissolution: Determine how the rights to the business's intellectual property will be handled upon dissolution. Different Types of New Mexico Co-Founder Agreement — Checklist: 1. Technology Startup Co-Founder Agreement Checklist: Focused on technology-oriented startups. 2. Service-Based Business Co-Founder Agreement Checklist: Tailored for service-based businesses. 3. Product-Based Business Co-Founder Agreement Checklist: Specifically designed for businesses centered around physical products. 4. Non-Profit Co-Founder Agreement Checklist: A checklist suited for establishing a non-profit organization. Conclusion: A well-crafted New Mexico Co-Founder Agreement forms a crucial foundation for any business partnership. By utilizing this comprehensive checklist, co-founders can ensure that all critical elements are covered, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and setting the stage for a prosperous business venture in the Land of Enchantment.