Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 29, 2017

As an advisor to entrepreneurs, I often have to deal with people who are convinced that they must get me to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before they begin talks about their new venture. Here are my guidelines for when a signed agreement is required, versus other alternatives: Insist on a two-way NDA for partner negotiations.

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Non-disclosure Agreement NDA Technical Review Due Diligence 153

The Startup Magazine

AUGUST 21, 2023

And in certain situations, the low-cost approach makes perfect sense… A template NDA may fit the bill for early discussions with third parties, while a fairly generic employment contract may mean that enough is being done to ensure legal compliance.

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Technical Review Intellectual Property Due Diligence Early Stage 110

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 24, 2015

Discussions with potential strategic partners. Most often, the best potential partners are already in a business complementary to yours. Potential investors don’t need this data, except perhaps as part of a final due diligence after agreement on terms. CDA entrepreneur idea NDA non-disclosure startup'

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Non-disclosure Agreement Technical Review NDA Due Diligence 120

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 21, 2012

Entrepreneurs often get the advice from their lawyers and friends to always get a Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA or CDA) signed before disclosing anything about their new venture. If you are totally risk-averse, then push to always get signed NDAs. The format of an NDA is simple, and you can download a sample from my website.

Non-disclosure Agreement 244

Non-disclosure Agreement NDA Non-Compete Due Diligence 244

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 29, 2013

Entrepreneurs often get the advice from their lawyers and friends to always get a Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA or CDA) signed before disclosing anything about their new venture. If you are totally risk-averse, then push to always get signed NDAs. The format of an NDA is simple, and you can download a sample from my website.

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NDA Non-disclosure Agreement Demand Non-Compete 230

Steve Blank

DECEMBER 7, 2009

The initial hypothesis for Epiphany (from my much smarter partner Ben ) was that as departments in the enterprise (manufacturing, finance, customer support sales) became automated, the marketing department would eventually get its turn. We consciously didn’t ask potential customers to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

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Silicon Valley Non-disclosure Agreement NDA Startup 225

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 24, 2011

Entrepreneurs often get the advice from their lawyers and friends to always get a Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA or CDA) signed before disclosing anything about their new venture. If you are totally risk-averse, then push to always get signed NDAs. The format of an NDA is simple, and you can download a sample from my website.

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NDA Non-disclosure Agreement Non-Compete Due Diligence 227