For startups, many important legal foundations are established at a very early stage. From choosing the right legal structure and setting up employee participation schemes to protecting IP rights and drafting customer contracts, these decisions can have a lasting impact on a company’s development. The “Lunch and Law” event on 1 October 2026 at Technopark Winterthur highlights what founders should pay particular attention to and where common pitfalls lie.
Building a startup means making important decisions early on that can shape the company for years to come. Choosing the right legal structure, setting up a sound shareholders’ agreement, protecting intellectual property and drafting contracts properly can all become crucial at a later stage. At “Lunch and Law” on 1 October 2026, the lawyers from PROBST PARTNER AG will provide a compact overview of these topics at Technopark Winterthur.
Startup Legal Playbook: Incorporation, Shareholders’ Agreements, IP, Taxes & Contracts
Under the title “Startup Legal Playbook: Incorporation, Shareholders’ Agreements, IP, Taxes & Contracts”, this partner event is aimed particularly at founders and young companies looking to establish their legal foundations early and pragmatically. The focus is not on legal details for their own sake, but on the issues that genuinely matter in day-to-day startup life and that can cost significant time and resources if addressed too late or handled incorrectly.
Topics include the differences between an AG and a GmbH, the key elements of a shareholders’ agreement and provisions for a potential exit. The session will also cover the protection of IP and know-how, for example when working with employees and freelancers, as well as common pitfalls involving trademarks, open-source software and non-disclosure agreements.
Another focus will be on basic tax considerations and employee participation schemes such as ESOPs, VSOPs and PSOPs. The programme will be rounded off with practical guidance on customer contracts and general terms and conditions, including liability, warranties, contract terms and termination provisions.
Lunch and Law: A Proven Format
“Lunch and Law” is an informal lunchtime format that presents legal topics in a concise, accessible and practical way. Lawyers provide insights into relevant legal questions, highlight common pitfalls and share practical advice for everyday business situations. For startups in particular, the format offers an opportunity to gain an early understanding of key legal issues and engage directly with the experts from PROBST PARTNER AG. The shared lunch also provides space for informal exchange and networking with other participants.
Thursday, 1 October 2026, 12:00–13:30, Technopark Winterthur
Register by 17 September 2026 via anmeldung@lunchandlaw.ch.
Participation is free of charge. Places are limited.
