Contractor & Freelancer NDAs
Hi [Developer Name],
Thanks for your interest in working on [Project Name]. Before we can share technical details about the project, we'll need you to sign our Non-Disclosure Agreement.
This is a standard mutual NDA that protects both parties. It covers:
- Source code and technical architecture
- API documentation and credentials
- Business information and customer data
- Project timelines and roadmap details
I've attached the NDA for your review. Please sign and return at your earliest convenience - we're excited to get started once this is in place.
If you have any questions about specific terms, feel free to ask. We're happy to discuss.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Company]
Tips
- Attach the NDA as a PDF for easy signing
- Mention it's mutual to reduce resistance
- Set a soft deadline if timeline is critical
Hi [Developer Name],
To grant you access to our codebase, I'll need two things:
1. Signed NDA
Attached is our Source Code NDA. This covers the specific protections for repository access, including code confidentiality, no-copying provisions, and access revocation procedures.
2. Your SSH Public Key
Please send your public key (typically ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub or id_ed25519.pub). We'll set up read-only access to the [repository/branch name] repository.
Once I receive both, I can provision your access within 24 hours. Your access will be logged and will expire on [date] unless extended.
Let me know if you have questions about any of the NDA terms.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Tips
- Use our Source Code NDA for repository access
- Always specify the access scope and expiration date
- Require individual SSH keys - no shared credentials
Integration & API Partners
Hi [Partner Name],
Great speaking with you about potential integration between [Your Platform] and [Their Platform]. Before we dive into technical details, let's get a mutual NDA in place.
I've attached our standard technology partnership NDA, which covers:
- API documentation and endpoint specifications
- Authentication methods and security protocols
- Rate limits and capacity information
- Roadmap and feature development plans
- Pricing and business terms
This is fully mutual - we'll both be bound by the same confidentiality obligations. Duration is 2 years from disclosure, which is standard for API partnerships.
Happy to use your standard NDA if you prefer - just send it over and we'll review.
Looking forward to exploring this integration!
Best,
[Your Name]
Tips
- Offer to review their NDA as an alternative - shows flexibility
- Use our API Access NDA for these discussions
- Consider SaaS Integration NDA for deeper integrations
Hi [Partner Name],
Thanks for returning the signed NDA. I'm now ready to provision your sandbox API access.
Before I send credentials, please confirm:
1. You've received and reviewed our API documentation
2. The primary technical contact for this integration is: [confirm name/email]
3. You understand these are sandbox-only credentials (no production data)
Once confirmed, I'll send your API key via our secure credential sharing system. The key will have the following limits:
- Rate limit: 1,000 requests/minute
- Access scope: All sandbox endpoints
- Expiration: 90 days (renewable)
Let me know when you're ready.
Best,
[Your Name]
Tips
- Never send credentials in the same email as documentation
- Use a secure credential sharing service (1Password, Vault, etc.)
- See our Credential Access NDA for additional protections
Investor & Due Diligence
Hi [Investor/Advisor Name],
Following our discussion about [investment/acquisition], I understand you'd like to conduct technical due diligence on our platform.
Before we grant access to our technical documentation and codebase, we require an executed NDA. I've attached our standard due diligence NDA, which includes:
- Protection for source code and architecture documentation
- Restrictions on sharing with third-party consultants without prior approval
- Provisions for code review in a secure environment
- Non-compete provisions during the evaluation period
Please have your legal team review. We're happy to discuss any concerns, though I should note this is the same NDA signed by [previous investors/acquirers] in prior rounds.
Once signed, we can schedule a technical deep-dive with our CTO.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Title]
Tips
- Mention previous investors who signed - creates social proof
- Consider a virtual data room rather than direct code access
- Include standstill provisions if this is M&A due diligence
Development Agencies
Hi [Agency Contact],
Before your team begins work on [Project Name], we need NDAs from each individual who will access our codebase or documentation.
We require individual NDAs from:
- All developers who will access the repository
- Project managers who will see technical documentation
- QA engineers who will access staging environments
- Any other team members with project visibility
What we need from each person:
1. Signed individual NDA (attached)
2. Full legal name and email address
3. SSH public key (for developers)
I've attached our standard contractor NDA. Please have each team member sign individually - we cannot accept a single agency-wide signature for this project due to the sensitive nature of the codebase.
Please provide the list of team members and I'll send DocuSign links directly to each person.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Tips
- Always require individual NDAs, not just agency-level agreements
- Maintain a list of all individuals with access for revocation purposes
- Use our Access Revocation Checklist at project end
Follow-ups & Reminders
Hi [Name],
Just following up on the NDA I sent over on [date]. We're ready to move forward with the technical onboarding as soon as we have the signed agreement.
Is there anything holding things up? Happy to:
- Answer questions about specific clauses
- Schedule a quick call to discuss terms
- Provide a clean Word version if you'd like to propose edits
Let me know how I can help move this forward.
Best,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
I wanted to send one more reminder about the NDA for [Project Name]. We have a hard deadline of [date] to begin technical work, and we cannot share project details until the NDA is signed.
If the terms aren't workable for you, please let me know so we can discuss alternatives. Otherwise, I'm attaching the NDA one more time for convenience.
You can sign directly in DocuSign here: [DocuSign Link]
Please let me know either way by [date].
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Need a Custom NDA?
Generate a tailored software development NDA to send with these email templates.
Generate Your NDAEmail Best Practices
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Send NDA first. Never share confidential information before receiving the signed agreement.
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Use e-signature. DocuSign, HelloSign, or similar tools speed up the process significantly.
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Attach as PDF. Prevents accidental edits and displays consistently across devices.
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Explain the scope. People sign faster when they understand what's being protected.
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Offer to discuss. Showing flexibility reduces resistance to signing.
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Set soft deadlines. Creates urgency without being aggressive.
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Follow up promptly. Send a reminder after 3-5 business days.
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Track signatures. Maintain a log of who signed, when, and what version.