Legal structure
for founders who
move thoughtfully.

Most founders benefit from establishing their Sdn Bhd structure before approaching their first external investor or bringing on a co-founder with equity. Early formalisation prevents complex restructuring later and demonstrates commercial seriousness to prospective investors and partners.

A co-founder agreement typically addresses equity ownership and vesting schedules, roles and responsibilities, decision-making authority, what happens if a founder departs, and intellectual property ownership. It provides a framework that protects all parties and sets clear expectations from the beginning of the working relationship.

A convertible note is debt that converts to equity at a future round — it accrues interest and has a maturity date. A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is not debt; it grants the investor the right to equity at a future priced round without accruing interest. SAFEs are generally simpler and more founder-friendly, though investor appetite for each varies by stage and geography.

Our incorporation engagement typically completes within two to three weeks, which includes SSM registration, preparation of the company constitution, and drafting of the founders' shareholder agreement. The SSM registration itself can be completed within one to three working days once all documentation is in order.

Yes. We regularly assist startups with cross-border structures, including those with foreign co-founders, investors from Singapore, the US or the UK, and startups planning dual-entity structures. We address the relevant foreign ownership rules and advise on structuring that accommodates both local and international capital.

MSC Malaysia Status is a recognition granted by MDEC to technology companies operating in Malaysia that meets certain criteria. It can bring meaningful benefits including tax incentives and access to certain government programmes. Eligibility depends on your business activities, proportion of technology-related revenue, and operational setup. We assess suitability as part of our Venture Regulatory & IP Strategy engagement.