Understand how control and decision-making work in a startup after raising investment. This guide explains the roles of key stakeholders, shareholder and board voting rights, investor protections, and how investor consents can impact company decisions. It also covers common control mechanisms investors may negotiate and how these are reflected in FounderCatalyst paperwork.

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Converting documents from PDF to word format

Learn how to convert FounderCatalyst PDF documents into editable Microsoft Word files. This guide outlines several simple conversion methods using Microsoft Word and popular PDF conversion tools.

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Crowdfunding guide

Learn how to prepare for a crowdfunding campaign and integrate crowdfunder investments into your FounderCatalyst funding round. This guide explains how crowdfunding works, the role of SPVs, the documents and approvals you'll need, and how to add crowdfunder investments while maintaining a clean cap table and SEIS/EIS compatibility.

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Distributing Special Resolutions: A Founder's note

A quick reference on who you must send a written special resolution to in a private company, and what happens if some members don't receive it. References are to the Companies Act 2006.

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Dividends

Understand how dividends work in startups and how they can affect SEIS/EIS eligibility. This guide explains shareholder dividend rights, HMRC's rules on preferential rights, common investor expectations, and how to structure dividend provisions while protecting tax relief where possible.

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Do I need to make S431/S430 election?

A brief guide explaining Section 430/431 ITEPA elections, noting when they may be required, how they relate to share issuances for UK tax purposes, and advising users to seek independent tax advice alongside HMRC guidance.

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EMI Option HMRC registration and reporting requirements

A guide to registering your EMI scheme and undertaking reporting obligations each year.

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Financial Models for HMRC

Learn how to create an HMRC-ready financial forecast for SEIS/EIS Advance Assurance. This guide explains what your model should include, how to justify your funding raise, demonstrate growth, ensure your forecast aligns with your pitch deck, and avoid common mistakes that can delay approval.

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Founder Checklist: Everything you should have and do before you start a funding round

Before you invite investors into your round, make sure your company is properly structured, your documents are in order, and you're legally and administratively ready. The following checklist covers everything you should prepare before you start fundraising - and how long each step realistically takes....

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