Cuando Usar Esta Carta de Demanda
Las disputas de equity entre cofundadores son una de las causas mas comunes del fracaso de startups. Esta guia le ayudara a proteger su participacion accionaria cuando un cofundador viola los terminos acordados del acuerdo de accionistas, calendario de vesting, o derechos corporativos fundamentales.
Violaciones de Vesting
Cuando un cofundador no cumple con el calendario de vesting establecido o manipula las condiciones de aceleracion.
- Terminacion del cliff sin causa justificada
- Negacion de vesting acelerado en Change of Control
- Modificacion unilateral del calendario de vesting
- Represalias por ejercer opciones vested
- Falsificacion de fechas de inicio del cliff
Disputas de Buyback
Problemas relacionados con la recompra forzada de acciones o clausulas de drag-along y tag-along.
- Buyback a valor inferior al justo mercado (FMV)
- Violacion de derechos ROFR
- Incumplimiento de clausulas drag-along
- Negacion de derechos tag-along
- Recompra forzada sin justa causa
Violaciones de Acuerdo de Accionistas
Incumplimientos de los terminos del Stockholders Agreement o Founders Agreement.
- Emision de acciones sin consentimiento requerido
- Dilucion antiestatuaria
- Violacion de derechos de voto
- Exclusion de decisiones que requieren super-mayoria
- Incumplimiento de derechos de informacion
Escenarios de Salida del Cofundador
Cuando un cofundador se va de la empresa y surgen disputas sobre su participacion.
- Disputa sobre causa de terminacion (Cause vs. Without Cause)
- Negacion de equity vested al momento de salida
- Represalias post-terminacion
- Violacion de acuerdos de separacion
- Incumplimiento de earnout provisions
Incumplimiento de Deberes Fiduciarios
Cuando directores o accionistas mayoritarios violan sus deberes hacia los minoritarios.
- Self-dealing por accionistas mayoritarios
- Diversion de oportunidades corporativas
- Compensacion excesiva a insiders
- Transacciones con conflicto de interes
- Squeeze-out de accionistas minoritarios
Disputas de Valoracion
Conflictos sobre el valor de las acciones para compras, ventas, o eventos de liquidez.
- Subvaloracion en rondas de financiamiento
- Down rounds predatorios
- Pay-to-play manipulado
- Valoracion fraudulenta en 409A
- Preference stack abusivo
Seniales de Alerta Temprana
Exclusion de Comunicaciones Importantes
Si nota que ya no recibe copias de emails importantes, es excluido de cadenas de comunicacion con inversores, o descubre reuniones que no sabia que ocurrieron, esto es una senal de alerta critica de que sus derechos pueden estar siendo erosionados.
Cambios en Acceso a Informacion Financiera
Bajo Delaware law y California Corporations Code, los accionistas tienen derechos de inspeccion de libros y registros. Si su acceso a financieros, Cap Table, o documentos corporativos es restringido, esto puede indicar actividad impropia.
Presion para Firmar Documentos Rapidamente
Nunca firme documentos corporativos bajo presion de tiempo. Solicitudes urgentes de firmar waivers, consents, o amendments sin tiempo para revision legal son tacticas comunes para obtener concesiones indebidas.
Contratacion de Nuevos Asesores Legales
Si otros cofundadores contratan nuevos abogados corporativos sin consultar con usted, especialmente si son especializados en litigios de accionistas, prepare su propia representacion legal inmediatamente.
Marco Legal para Disputas de Equity
Las disputas de equity entre cofundadores involucran multiples areas del derecho, incluyendo derecho corporativo, contratos, deberes fiduciarios, y en algunos casos, fraude de valores. El marco legal depende del estado de incorporacion (generalmente Delaware o California) y los acuerdos especificos entre las partes.
🏙️ Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL)
🌞 California Corporations Code
📜 Deberes Fiduciarios
📝 Derecho Contractual
💳 Acciones Derivadas
🛠️ Remedios Equitativos
Documentos Clave en Disputas de Equity
| Documento | Proposito | Clausulas Clave |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Purchase Agreement | Governs la compra inicial de acciones por fundadores | Purchase price, vesting schedule, repurchase rights, representations |
| Stockholders Agreement | Derechos y obligaciones entre accionistas | ROFR, drag-along, tag-along, protective provisions, voting |
| Voting Agreement | Control sobre eleccion de directores y decisiones clave | Board composition, voting commitments, irrevocable proxies |
| Right of First Refusal Agreement | Restricciones en transferencia de acciones | ROFR triggers, pricing mechanisms, time periods |
| Founders Agreement | Acuerdo entre cofundadores sobre roles y equity | IP assignment, vesting, responsibilities, exit scenarios |
| Certificate of Incorporation | Documento constitutivo de la corporacion | Authorized shares, preferences, protective provisions |
| Bylaws | Reglas de gobernanza corporativa | Meeting procedures, quorum, notice requirements |
| Board Resolutions | Decisiones formales del Board of Directors | Authorizations, approvals, appointments |
Plazos de Prescripcion
| Tipo de Reclamacion | California | Delaware | Inicio del Plazo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breach de Contrato Escrito | 4 anios (CCP 337) | 3 anios (10 Del. C. 8106) | Fecha del breach |
| Breach de Contrato Oral | 2 anios (CCP 339) | 3 anios (10 Del. C. 8106) | Fecha del breach |
| Fraude | 3 anios (CCP 338(d)) | 3 anios (10 Del. C. 8106) | Descubrimiento del fraude |
| Breach de Deber Fiduciario | 4 anios (CCP 343) | 3 anios (equitable tolling) | Descubrimiento o cuando debio descubrir |
| Conversion | 3 anios (CCP 338(c)) | 3 anios (10 Del. C. 8106) | Fecha de la conversion |
| Securities Fraud (10b-5) | 2 anios / 5 anios max | 2 anios / 5 anios max | Descubrimiento / fecha de violacion |
Checklist de Evidencia
Recopilar evidencia completa es critico para el exito de su reclamacion. La siguiente lista incluye documentos y registros esenciales categorizados por prioridad. Asegure copias de todos los documentos antes de iniciar cualquier accion legal.
📄 Documentos Corporativos Fundamentales
📊 Registros de Capitalizacion
📝 Actas y Resoluciones
📩 Comunicaciones
💰 Registros Financieros
💼 Documentos de Financiamiento
Ejercicio de Derechos de Inspeccion
Si no tiene acceso a los documentos corporativos, puede ejercer sus derechos legales de inspeccion bajo Section 220 de Delaware o Section 1601 de California. Este es un paso critico antes de iniciar litigio.
Preparar Demand Letter bajo Section 220
Prepare una carta formal solicitando inspeccion de libros y registros. Debe especificar los documentos solicitados y el "proper purpose" para la inspeccion (ej: investigar posible mala conducta de directores).
Enviar por Metodo Verificable
Envie la demanda por correo certificado con acuse de recibo al registered agent de la corporacion y a las oficinas principales. Mantenga copias de todo y documentacion de envio.
Esperar Periodo de Respuesta
La corporacion tiene 5 dias habiles en Delaware para responder. Si no responden o niegan el acceso sin justificacion valida, puede presentar una accion en Court of Chancery para enforcement.
Iniciar Accion de Enforcement si Necesario
Las acciones bajo Section 220 son expeditas y la corporacion que pierde tipicamente paga attorneys fees. La Court of Chancery ha sido consistente en proteger derechos de inspeccion de accionistas.
Calculadora de Danos en Disputas de Equity
Esta calculadora le ayuda a estimar el valor de su reclamacion basado en diferentes teorias de danos. Las disputas de equity pueden involucrar multiples medidas de danos dependiendo de la naturaleza de la violacion.
💰 Calcule Su Reclamacion
Teorias de Danos Aplicables
💰 Expectation Damages
Mide lo que habria recibido si el contrato se hubiera cumplido. Para equity, esto tipicamente es el Fair Market Value de las acciones que deberia poseer. Puede incluir apreciacion futura si es razonablemente previsible.
📈 Disgorgement
En casos de breach de deber fiduciario, puede recuperar las ganancias que el violador obtuvo de su conducta impropia. Esto puede exceder sus danos reales y actua como disuasivo.
💲 Rescission
Cancelacion de transacciones fraudulentas o realizadas en breach de deber fiduciario. Puede restaurar su posicion accionaria a lo que era antes de la transaccion impugnada.
🔥 Punitive Damages
Disponibles en California bajo Cal. Civ. Code Section 3294 cuando la conducta es con malicia, opresion o fraude. Pueden ser multiples del dano compensatorio y requieren clear and convincing evidence.
Metodos de Valuacion de Startups
| Metodo | Descripcion | Mejor Usado Cuando |
|---|---|---|
| Last Round Valuation | Precio pagado en la ultima ronda de financiamiento | Ronda reciente con investors sofisticados |
| 409A Valuation | Valuacion independiente para opciones de empleados | Cuando no hay transacciones recientes |
| Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) | Valor presente de flujos de caja futuros proyectados | Empresa con ingresos estables y predecibles |
| Comparable Transactions | Multiplos de empresas similares vendidas | Industria con M&A activo |
| Revenue Multiple | Multiplo de ingresos anuales | SaaS y empresas tech de alto crecimiento |
| Asset-Based | Valor de activos tangibles e intangibles | Empresa pre-revenue o en liquidacion |
Plantillas de Cartas de Demanda
Las siguientes plantillas estan disenadas para diferentes escenarios de disputas de equity entre cofundadores. Personalice segun su situacion especifica y consulte con un abogado antes de enviar cualquier carta legal formal.
[LAW FIRM LETTERHEAD]
[Date]
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL AND EMAIL
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[Email]
Re: Demand for Recognition of Vested Equity and Cure of Breach of
Stock Purchase Agreement and Stockholders Agreement
Dear [Name]:
This firm represents [Client Name] ("Client") in connection with the
above-referenced matter. We write to demand immediate recognition of
Client's fully vested equity interest in [Company Name] (the "Company")
and cure of the Company's material breach of the Stock Purchase Agreement
dated [Date] (the "SPA") and Stockholders Agreement dated [Date] (the
"Stockholders Agreement").
I. STATEMENT OF FACTS
On [Date], Client and the Company entered into the SPA pursuant to which
Client purchased [Number] shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") at a
purchase price of $[Amount]. The Shares were subject to a four-year
vesting schedule with a one-year cliff, as set forth in Section [X] of
the SPA.
Client commenced full-time service with the Company on [Start Date].
As of [Date], Client has completed [X] months of continuous service,
resulting in [Number] Shares having fully vested pursuant to the
vesting schedule. Specifically:
- [Number] shares vested upon completion of the one-year cliff on [Date]
- [Number] additional shares vested monthly through [Date]
- Total vested shares: [Number] ([X]% of original grant)
Despite Client's uninterrupted service and full compliance with all
obligations under the SPA and Stockholders Agreement, the Company has:
1. Failed to update the capitalization table to reflect Client's
vested ownership;
2. Improperly characterized Client's shares as unvested in
communications with investors;
3. Issued additional shares without providing proper notice or
respecting Client's anti-dilution protections; and
4. Threatened to exercise repurchase rights that are not available
under the terms of the SPA.
II. LEGAL ANALYSIS
A. Breach of Stock Purchase Agreement
Section [X] of the SPA provides a four-year vesting schedule with
monthly vesting after the one-year cliff. The Company's refusal to
recognize Client's vested shares constitutes a material breach of
the SPA. Under California law, the non-breaching party is entitled
to specific performance of the contract and/or damages.
B. Breach of Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Under California Civil Code and Delaware law, every contract contains
an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. See Carma
Developers v. Marathon Development, 2 Cal.4th 342 (1992). The
Company's actions in misrepresenting Client's vesting status and
threatening improper repurchase constitute a breach of this covenant.
C. Breach of Fiduciary Duty
As officers and directors of the Company, [Names of individuals] owe
fiduciary duties to all stockholders, including Client. The deliberate
misrepresentation of Client's ownership interest and attempted
deprivation of vested equity constitutes a breach of the duty of
loyalty. See Cede & Co. v. Technicolor, Inc., 634 A.2d 345 (Del. 1993).
III. DAMAGES
As a result of the Company's breaches, Client has suffered damages
including but not limited to:
- Value of unrecognized vested shares: $[Amount] (based on most
recent 409A valuation of $[X] per share)
- Loss of anti-dilution protection: $[Amount] (additional shares
Client would have received)
- Lost voting rights on material decisions
- Prejudgment interest at 10% per annum under Cal. Civ. Code
Section 3289
IV. DEMAND
We hereby demand that the Company, within ten (10) business days of
the date of this letter:
1. Update the capitalization table to accurately reflect Client's
ownership of [Number] fully vested shares;
2. Issue a corrected Stock Certificate evidencing Client's vested
shares;
3. Provide written confirmation that Client's shares are fully
vested and not subject to repurchase;
4. Calculate and issue to Client any additional shares due under
anti-dilution provisions;
5. Provide complete copies of all board minutes, stockholder
consents, and capitalization table changes since [Date]; and
6. Pay Client's legal fees incurred in connection with this
matter totaling $[Amount].
V. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
If the Company fails to cure these breaches within the time period
specified above, Client is prepared to pursue all available legal
remedies, including but not limited to:
- Action for specific performance in the Delaware Court of Chancery
- Action for breach of fiduciary duty
- Demand under Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
for inspection of books and records
- Derivative action on behalf of the Company
- Securities fraud claims if applicable
Client reserves all rights and remedies available at law and in
equity and nothing in this letter shall be construed as a waiver
of any such rights.
We are prepared to resolve this matter amicably and would welcome
the opportunity to discuss a resolution. Please have your counsel
contact the undersigned within five (5) business days to arrange
a meeting.
Very truly yours,
[Attorney Name]
[State Bar Number]
[Contact Information]
cc: [Client Name]
[Board Members, if applicable]
[LAW FIRM LETTERHEAD]
[Date]
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL AND EMAIL
[Recipient Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
Re: Unlawful Attempt to Force Repurchase of Vested Shares at
Below Fair Market Value
Dear [Name]:
This firm represents [Client Name] regarding the Company's improper
attempt to exercise repurchase rights over Client's vested shares
at a price substantially below fair market value.
I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On [Date], the Company purported to exercise repurchase rights
under Section [X] of the Stock Purchase Agreement (the "SPA") with
respect to [Number] shares held by Client. The Company demanded
that Client sell these shares at the original purchase price of
$[Amount] per share, totaling $[Amount].
However, the Company's demand is improper for the following reasons:
1. The shares at issue are fully vested and not subject to the
repurchase provisions, which apply only to unvested shares;
2. Even if repurchase rights existed, the SPA requires repurchase
at Fair Market Value for voluntary departures, not original
cost;
3. Client's departure was not "for Cause" as defined in the SPA,
and therefore any repurchase must be at Fair Market Value;
4. The Company failed to provide required 90-day notice before
attempting to exercise any repurchase rights.
II. LEGAL ANALYSIS
A. Repurchase Rights Do Not Apply to Vested Shares
Section [X] of the SPA clearly states that the Company's repurchase
right applies only to "Unvested Shares." Client's shares fully vested
on [Date] pursuant to the vesting schedule. The Company cannot
unilaterally recharacterize vested shares as unvested.
B. Fair Market Value Requirement
Section [X] of the SPA provides that upon termination of service
without Cause, any repurchase must be at "Fair Market Value as
determined by the Board in good faith." The Company's attempt to
repurchase at original cost (approximately $[X] per share) when
the most recent 409A valuation establishes a fair market value of
$[X] per share constitutes a breach of the SPA.
C. Improper Termination Characterization
The Company has improperly characterized Client's departure as
"for Cause" under Section [X] of the SPA. Client was not terminated
for any of the enumerated grounds constituting Cause:
- No conviction of a felony
- No willful misconduct
- No material breach of confidentiality obligations
- No unauthorized disclosure of trade secrets
The Company's post-hoc characterization of the departure as
for Cause is a transparent attempt to trigger repurchase at
original cost rather than fair market value.
III. DAMAGES AND VALUE AT STAKE
The difference between the Company's improper offer and the
fair value of Client's shares is substantial:
Shares at issue: [Number] shares
Company's improper offer: $[X] per share = $[Total]
Fair Market Value per 409A: $[X] per share = $[Total]
Difference: $[Amount]
Additionally, Client is entitled to:
- Prejudgment interest at 10% per annum
- Attorney's fees under the SPA fee-shifting provision
- Punitive damages if the Company's conduct is found to be
willful and oppressive
IV. DEMAND
We hereby demand that the Company:
1. Immediately withdraw its purported exercise of repurchase
rights;
2. Confirm in writing that Client's [Number] shares are fully
vested and owned outright by Client;
3. Continue to recognize Client's ownership on the cap table
and in all corporate records;
4. Provide copies of all 409A valuations from the past 24 months;
5. Pay Client's attorney's fees of $[Amount] incurred in
responding to this improper repurchase attempt.
V. ALTERNATIVE RESOLUTION
If the Company genuinely wishes to repurchase Client's shares,
Client is willing to discuss a voluntary sale at fair market
value. This would require:
- Independent third-party valuation by a mutually agreed appraiser
- Payment in full within 30 days of valuation
- Full release of claims
VI. CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
If the Company fails to comply with the demands set forth above
within fifteen (15) days, Client will immediately:
1. File suit in the Delaware Court of Chancery for declaratory
judgment, specific performance, and damages;
2. Seek emergency injunctive relief to prevent any dilution or
impairment of Client's shares;
3. Initiate Section 220 demand for inspection of all books
and records;
4. Notify the Company's investors and Board members of the
Company's improper conduct.
This letter constitutes a formal pre-litigation settlement demand
under California Evidence Code Section 1152 and is made in an
effort to resolve this matter without litigation.
Very truly yours,
[Attorney Name]
[Law Firm]
cc: [Client]
[Board of Directors]
[LAW FIRM LETTERHEAD]
[Date]
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
[Board of Directors]
[Company Name]
[Address]
Re: Demand Pursuant to Delaware Chancery Court Rule 23.1 -
Breach of Fiduciary Duty by Directors and Controlling
Stockholders
Dear Members of the Board:
This firm represents [Client Name], a stockholder of [Company Name]
(the "Company"), holding approximately [X]% of the outstanding
shares. We write to make formal pre-suit demand upon the Board
of Directors to take action to remedy breaches of fiduciary duty
committed by [Names of wrongdoers] (the "Respondents").
I. NATURE OF THE WRONGDOING
Based on our investigation, the Respondents have engaged in a
pattern of self-dealing and breaches of fiduciary duty, including:
A. Unauthorized Compensation and Benefits
1. [Name] caused the Company to pay him/her compensation of
$[Amount] annually, representing [X]% above market rates for
comparable positions, without proper Board approval;
2. The Company made undisclosed loans totaling $[Amount] to
[Name], which have not been repaid;
3. [Name] used Company funds to pay personal expenses totaling
approximately $[Amount].
B. Corporate Opportunity Usurpation
[Name] diverted the [describe opportunity] to a company he/she
personally controls, [Entity Name], thereby depriving the Company
of approximately $[Amount] in expected profits. This opportunity
properly belonged to the Company under the corporate opportunity
doctrine articulated in Broz v. Cellular Information Systems,
673 A.2d 148 (Del. 1996).
C. Self-Dealing Transactions
The Respondents caused the Company to enter into the following
transactions with entities controlled by Respondents:
1. [Contract description] with [Related Entity] at prices
approximately [X]% above market;
2. [Lease/purchase] of [asset] from [Related Entity] at
$[Amount], when fair market value was approximately $[Amount];
3. [Other transactions].
D. Squeeze-Out of Minority Stockholders
The Respondents have systematically attempted to squeeze out
minority stockholders through:
1. Exclusion from Board meetings and material information;
2. Dilutive stock issuances without proper notice or preemptive
rights;
3. Threats of down-round financing designed to wipe out minority
interests.
II. FIDUCIARY DUTY ANALYSIS
A. Duty of Loyalty Violations
The Respondents' self-dealing transactions and usurpation of
corporate opportunities constitute clear violations of the duty
of loyalty. Under Delaware law, directors and controlling
stockholders who engage in self-dealing transactions bear the
burden of proving "entire fairness" - both fair dealing and
fair price. Weinberger v. UOP, Inc., 457 A.2d 701 (Del. 1983).
B. Controlling Stockholder Duties
As holders of [X]% of the Company's voting power, the Respondents
are controlling stockholders who owe fiduciary duties to minority
stockholders. Kahn v. M&F Worldwide Corp., 88 A.3d 635 (Del. 2014).
C. Entire Fairness Standard Applies
Because the challenged transactions involve self-dealing by
fiduciaries, the entire fairness standard of review applies,
and the Respondents bear the burden of proving both procedural
and substantive fairness.
III. DAMAGES
The Company has been damaged in an amount not less than
$[Amount], calculated as follows:
Excess compensation paid: $[Amount]
Unreturned loans: $[Amount]
Personal expenses paid by Company: $[Amount]
Lost corporate opportunity: $[Amount]
Excess payments on related-party contracts: $[Amount]
Value of dilution to minority holders: $[Amount]
------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: $[Amount]
Additionally, the Company is entitled to prejudgment interest
and disgorgement of all profits obtained by Respondents through
their breaches.
IV. DEMAND FOR BOARD ACTION
Pursuant to Delaware Chancery Court Rule 23.1 and the Company's
governing documents, we hereby demand that the Board of Directors:
1. Conduct an independent investigation into the matters
described herein through a Special Litigation Committee
comprised solely of independent directors with separate
counsel;
2. Suspend [Names] from their officer positions pending
completion of the investigation;
3. Demand immediate repayment of all loans and personal
expenses;
4. Rescind or renegotiate all related-party transactions at
arm's length terms;
5. Take legal action against the Respondents to recover damages;
6. Implement governance reforms to prevent future self-dealing.
V. TIME FOR RESPONSE
The Board must respond to this demand within thirty (30) days of
receipt. Under Delaware law, failure to respond or wrongful
refusal of the demand will excuse any further demand requirement
and permit Client to bring a derivative action on behalf of the
Company.
VI. CONSEQUENCES OF WRONGFUL REFUSAL
If the Board wrongfully refuses this demand or fails to respond,
Client is prepared to:
1. File a derivative action in the Delaware Court of Chancery
seeking damages, rescission, and injunctive relief;
2. Seek appointment of a custodian under 8 Del. C. Section 226
if the Board is deadlocked or controlled by the wrongdoers;
3. Pursue direct claims for breach of fiduciary duty to the
extent Client has suffered individual harm distinct from
harm to the Company;
4. Seek attorneys' fees under the common fund doctrine.
We are available to meet with independent members of the Board
to discuss this matter and provide additional documentation of
the wrongdoing.
Very truly yours,
[Attorney Name]
[Law Firm]
cc: [Client]
Registered Agent of the Company
[Independent Directors, if identifiable]
Estrategias de Escalamiento
Las disputas de equity entre cofundadores requieren un enfoque estrategico y escalonado. Actuar demasiado agresivamente puede destruir valor; actuar muy lentamente puede resultar en perdida de derechos. Este framework le ayudara a escalar apropiadamente.
Fase 1: Documentacion y Preservacion
Antes de tomar cualquier accion visible, documente todo y preserve evidencia. Obtenga copias de todos los documentos corporativos, exporte emails y comunicaciones, y consulte confidencialmente con un abogado. Implemente litigation hold internamente.
Fase 2: Comunicacion Directa
Intente resolver el asunto directamente con el cofundador. Documente la conversacion por escrito despues. A veces los malentendidos pueden resolverse sin escalamiento. Esta documentacion sera importante si el caso llega a litigio.
Fase 3: Resolucion a Nivel de Board
Eleve el asunto al Board of Directors. Presente el problema formalmente y solicite que el Board tome medidas. Si hay directores independientes, busque su apoyo. Documente todas las comunicaciones con el Board.
Fase 4: Carta de Demanda Formal
Envie una carta de demanda formal a traves de abogado. Especifique las violaciones, los danos, y un plazo para respuesta. Esta carta establece el record legal y demuestra que intento resolver antes de litigar.
Fase 5: Section 220 Demand
Si no tiene acceso completo a documentos, envie una demanda formal bajo Section 220 de Delaware para inspeccion de libros y registros. Esto es prerequisito util antes de litigio sustantivo y las cortes lo resuelven rapidamente.
Fase 6: Mediacion
Muchos acuerdos de accionistas requieren mediacion antes de litigio. Incluso si no es obligatorio, ofrezca mediacion para demostrar buena fe. JAMS y AAA tienen mediadores especializados en disputas de startups.
Fase 7: Arbitraje o Litigio
Si la mediacion falla, proceda con arbitraje (si esta en el acuerdo) o litigio en Delaware Court of Chancery. Para acciones de emergencia como TROs para prevenir dilucion, puede proceder directamente a corte con motion for expedited proceedings.
Fase 8: Accion Derivada
Si el dano es a la compania (no solo a usted), puede traer una accion derivada en nombre de la corporacion. Requiere demand futility analysis o demand refused. Las acciones derivadas exitosas pueden resultar en award de attorneys fees.
Opciones de Foro
🏙️ Delaware Court of Chancery
Foro preferido para disputas corporativas de empresas Delaware. Jueces especializados, procedimientos expeditos disponibles, jurisprudencia corporativa establecida. Sin jurado - solo bench trials.
- Acciones de Section 220
- Breach de deber fiduciario
- Acciones derivadas
- Appraisal proceedings
🌞 California Superior Court
Apropiado para claims contractuales bajo ley de California, fraude, y otros torts. Disponible jurado. Puede ser mas lento que Delaware Chancery pero con mayores danos potenciales.
- Breach de contrato
- Fraude y misrepresentation
- Unfair business practices
- Punitive damages disponibles
🔗 Arbitraje (AAA/JAMS)
Muchos Stockholders Agreements incluyen clausulas de arbitraje obligatorio. Mas rapido y confidencial que litigio, pero discovery limitado y apelacion dificil.
- Procedimiento confidencial
- Arbitros con experiencia comercial
- Resolucion tipica en 6-12 meses
- Enforcement bajo FAA
💼 Federal Court
Apropiado cuando hay diversity jurisdiction (partes de diferentes estados y mas de $75,000 en disputa) o federal question (securities fraud bajo 10b-5).
- Securities fraud claims
- Diversity jurisdiction
- Procedimientos estructurados
- Jurado disponible
Estrategias de Resolucion Creativa
Buyout Negociado
A veces la mejor solucion es una separacion limpia. Negocie un buyout de su equity a fair market value, con pagos estructurados si la compania no tiene liquidez. Incluya earn-outs vinculados a eventos futuros de liquidez.
Restructuracion de Gobernanza
En lugar de litigio, negocie cambios en la gobernanza que protejan sus derechos: asiento en el Board, derechos de veto sobre ciertas decisiones, observador en reuniones del Board, o reportes financieros regulares.
Venta de la Compania
Si la relacion entre cofundadores esta irreparablemente danada, considere impulsar la venta de la compania. Esto cristaliza el valor para todos los accionistas y evita litigio prolongado. Tag-along rights pueden facilitar esto.
Disolucion Voluntaria
En casos extremos donde la compania no puede continuar efectivamente, la disolucion voluntaria puede ser preferible a litigio prolongado. Bajo Cal. Corp. Code Section 1800, accionistas con 33.3% pueden iniciar disolucion involuntaria.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Las acciones "vested" le pertenecen completamente y no pueden ser recompradas por la compania (excepto en circunstancias muy limitadas). Las acciones "unvested" pueden ser recompradas al precio original si usted deja la compania. Es critico entender cuantas de sus acciones estan vested en cualquier momento.
Acciones Unvested: Pueden ser recompradas al precio original en la mayoria de los casos.
Acciones Vested - Salida Sin Causa: Generalmente deben ser recompradas a Fair Market Value si hay derecho de recompra.
Acciones Vested - Terminacion Por Causa: Algunos acuerdos permiten recompra a precio original, pero la definicion de "Cause" es limitada y especifica.
Revise cuidadosamente la definicion de "Cause" en su acuerdo. Si su cofundador esta tratando de caracterizar su salida como "for Cause" sin justificacion, esto puede ser impugnable.
Tag-Along Rights (Co-Sale Rights): Le protegen como minoritario. Si accionistas mayoritarios venden sus acciones, usted tiene derecho a participar en la venta en los mismos terminos y condiciones.
Estos derechos son importantes para proteger tanto a mayoritarios (que necesitan poder entregar 100% de la compania en una venta) como a minoritarios (que merecen participar en ventas atractivas). Asegurese de que ambos esten en su Stockholders Agreement.
Protective Provisions: Su Stockholders Agreement puede requerir su consentimiento para ciertas emisiones de acciones.
Preemptive Rights: Algunos acuerdos le dan derecho a comprar acciones adicionales para mantener su porcentaje.
Breach de Deber Fiduciario: Si la dilucion es diseniada especificamente para perjudicarlo sin proposito comercial legitimo, puede constituir breach de deber fiduciario. Los directores deben emitir acciones para beneficio de la corporacion, no para castigar a minoritarios.
Delaware Section 220: Como accionista, tiene derecho a inspeccionar libros y registros para "proper purpose" (como investigar mala conducta). La corporacion tiene 5 dias habiles para responder.
California Corp. Code Section 1601: Derechos similares bajo ley de California, a veces mas amplios.
Proceso:
- Envie demanda escrita formal especificando documentos y proposito
- Si la niegan, puede ir a Court of Chancery (Delaware) o Superior Court (California) para enforcement
- Estas acciones son expeditas y la empresa perdedora tipicamente paga attorneys fees
Considere una accion derivada cuando:
- El dano es a la compania, no solo a usted
- Directors han cometido self-dealing
- Hay usurpacion de oportunidades corporativas
- El Board se niega a tomar accion
Requisitos: Debe haber sido accionista en el momento del dano (contemporaneous ownership) y generalmente debe hacer demand al Board primero, a menos que demand sea futile porque el Board esta controlado por los wrongdoers.
Estimados tipicos:
- Accion de Section 220: $15,000 - $50,000
- Litigio completo en Chancery Court: $150,000 - $500,000+
- Arbitraje: $75,000 - $250,000
- Mediacion: $5,000 - $25,000
Opciones de pago:
- Hourly rates: Usted paga a medida que avanza el caso
- Contingency: Abogado toma porcentaje (30-40%) del recovery
- Hybrid: Tarifa reducida + contingency menor
Muchos acuerdos de accionistas incluyen fee-shifting provisions donde el perdedor paga attorneys fees del ganador. Esto puede disuadir reclamaciones frivolos pero tambien incrementa el riesgo.
Ventajas del arbitraje:
- Confidencial (no hay expediente publico)
- Generalmente mas rapido que litigio
- Arbitros con experiencia comercial
- Menos formalidad procesal
Desventajas:
- Discovery limitado
- Apelacion muy dificil
- Costos de arbitradores pueden ser altos
- Menos precedentes publicos
Con Voting Agreement: Muchos Voting Agreements especifican quien nomina directores. Si usted tiene derecho a nominar un director, ese derecho generalmente esta protegido contractualmente y no puede ser revocado unilateralmente.
Sin Proteccion Contractual: Bajo Delaware law, directores pueden ser removidos con o sin causa por accionistas con voto mayoritario, a menos que el certificate of incorporation provea lo contrario.
Opciones si es removido impropiamente:
- Accion por breach de Voting Agreement
- Injunction para prevenir remocion
- Specific performance del acuerdo
Right of First Refusal (ROFR): Antes de vender a un tercero, debe ofrecer las acciones primero a la compania y/o otros accionistas a los mismos terminos.
Lock-up Provisions: Puede haber restricciones sobre ventas durante cierto periodo.
Approval Requirements: Algunas transferencias requieren Board approval.
Securities Laws: Acciones de startups tipicamente son "restricted securities" bajo Rule 144 y no pueden venderse publicamente sin registro o exencion.
Dicho esto, hay mercados secundarios (como Forge, EquityZen) para acciones de startups de etapa tardia. Consulte su acuerdo y un abogado de valores antes de intentar cualquier venta.
Obtenga Ayuda Legal Especializada
Las disputas de equity entre cofundadores requieren experiencia especializada en derecho corporativo, governance de startups, y litigio comercial. Actue rapidamente para proteger sus derechos antes de que expiren plazos de prescripcion.
Consulta Confidencial Gratuita
Hable con un abogado especializado en disputas de equity de startups. Evaluaremos su caso, explicaremos sus opciones, y desarrollaremos una estrategia para proteger su participacion.
📅 Programar Consulta