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MenuA VC/Angel I am negotiating with wants a clause whereby founders have to sell all vested shares if they leave in good terms. Is this normal?
He is also proposing a "bad leaver" clause where founders have to sell all their vested or unvested shares at the lowest value between the nominal and subscription price.
Answers
NO, it's in no ways normal. In reading how you have framed the question, this investor sounds to be acting in bad faith and is also setting you up to fail by introducing terms that are not standard to how quality investors interact with their investee companies.
It is however very standard to have a first right of refusal to purchase your shares should you wish to sell. But that is not at all what you have stated.
Happy to talk through the particularities of your situation in a call
What's "good terms"? If everybody is happy and you are moving on to your next venture considers as good terms? I never heard about something like this (and I drafted a lot of investment agreements) and it doesn't make any sense either. Will they sell all their vested shares if they decide to stop investing or not participating in future rounds?
While, it's normal for a VC firm to ad such clause to gain and retain absolute control, you should ask them what's their definition of "Good Terms". It shouldn't be "whatever I say is correct" syndrome, but actually a good term with "win-win" as underlying proposition.
If good leaver is what your investor talking about then you should consider discussing reverse vesting clause. Watch out for traps before you sign a deal.
Hope above helps!!
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