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Part 6 of 8 in How to Negotiate: A Guide for Indian Founders← Part 5Part 7 →
Interest Mapping Worksheet
Complete this before any significant negotiation and review it with a co-founder or advisor:
- My core interests beyond the obvious number (control, speed of decision, relationship quality, team retention, learning, future optionality)
- Their likely interests, constraints, and pressures
- Possible multi-issue trades that could expand the pie for both sides
- My BATNA and their probable BATNA
- Emotional triggers I need to watch and how I will manage them in the moment
- Questions I will ask to surface their real priorities rather than their stated positions
Term Sheet Quick Checklist for Indian Founders
- Fully diluted ownership percentage after any ESOP pool (is the pool pre-money or post-money?)
- Liquidation preference: is it 1x non-participating preferred?
- Anti-dilution protection: broad-based weighted average or something more punitive?
- Board composition and the scope of reserved matters
- Founder vesting schedule and leaver provisions
- Information rights and ongoing reporting expectations
- Length and conditions of any exclusivity or no-shop period
- Closing conditions and any India-specific compliance steps
Always have a lawyer experienced in Indian startup transactions review the final documents before signing. AI-generated drafts are useful starting points but are not substitutes for professional review.