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This guide will help you understand how to use the Startup Starter Pack documentation, find the right documents for your needs, and deploy them using OpenLaw.

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How to use this documentation

The Startup Starter Pack documentation is organized into two main sections:

Documentation

Complete guides organized by topic (Founders, Formation, Financing, Business Essentials)

Document Library

Individual model documents from Series Seed, Y Combinator, NVCA, and Techstars
Use the sidebar navigation to browse documents by category:
  • Overview - Introduction and getting started information
  • Documentation - Guides organized by topic (Founders, Formation, Financing, Business Essentials)
  • Document Library - Individual documents from Series Seed, Y Combinator, NVCA, and Techstars
Not sure which document you need? Start with the Introduction to understand what’s available, then browse by topic in the Documentation tab.

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Understanding document formats

Each document in the Startup Starter Pack is available in multiple formats to suit your workflow:
1

Source links

Links to the original documents from authoritative sources like Y Combinator, NVCA, Cooley LLP, and Techstars. Use these to verify authenticity and see any updates from the original publishers.
2

Markdown (.md)

Plain text format that’s easy to read and version control with Git. Ideal for developers and for tracking changes over time.
3

Microsoft Word (.doc)

Editable Word documents that you can customize directly. Perfect for attorneys and business users who prefer traditional document editing.
4

PDF (.pdf)

Read-only PDF format for viewing and printing. Useful for sharing final versions or reviewing without making changes.
5

OpenLaw templates

Interactive smart contract templates that you can deploy directly through OpenLaw.io. These allow for programmatic execution and blockchain integration.

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Deploying documents via OpenLaw

OpenLaw is a protocol for creating and executing legal agreements. Many documents in the Startup Starter Pack are available as OpenLaw templates for fast, automated deployment.

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What is OpenLaw?

OpenLaw provides:
  • Smart contract integration - Legal agreements that can interact with blockchain technology
  • Automated execution - Fill in variables once and generate complete documents
  • Digital signatures - Built-in e-signature functionality
  • Version control - Track changes and maintain document history
  • Template marketplace - Access to community-created legal templates

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How to deploy an OpenLaw template

1

Access the template

Click on any “OpenLaw Template” link in the documentation. This will take you directly to the template in the OpenLaw library.Example: Founder Accord OpenLaw Template
2

Create an OpenLaw account

If you don’t have an account, sign up at OpenLaw.io. The basic account is free for individual use.
3

Fill in the variables

OpenLaw templates use smart variables. Fill in information like:
  • Party names and addresses
  • Equity percentages
  • Vesting schedules
  • Financial terms
The template will automatically populate these values throughout the document.
4

Review the generated document

OpenLaw will generate a complete legal document based on your inputs. Review it carefully to ensure all information is correct.
5

Execute and sign

Use OpenLaw’s built-in signature functionality to execute the agreement. You can send it to other parties for electronic signature directly through the platform.
Some OpenLaw templates include optional integrations like Gnosis multisig wallet deployment or automatic LLC filing services. These are clearly marked in the template interface.

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Finding the right documents

Use this decision tree to determine which documents you need:
You need: Founder AccordThis simple agreement establishes the basic structure for collaboration before you officially form a company. It covers equity splits, roles, and time commitments.
You need: Advisor agreementsUse the Founder Advisor Standard Template (FAST) for standardized equity compensation, or a general Advisor Agreement for more flexibility in compensation structure.
You need: Seed financing documentsOptions include:
You need: Website documents - Terms of Use and Privacy PolicyIncludes:
  • Terms of Use - Governs how users can interact with your website/product
  • Privacy Policy - Required by law in most jurisdictions, explains how you handle user data
You need: Mutual NDAUse this when discussing your idea or technology with potential partners, investors, or service providers who need access to proprietary information.

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Comparing different sources

The Library section includes documents from multiple sources for the same legal need. This allows you to:
  • Compare approaches - See how Y Combinator, NVCA, and Techstars handle the same issues
  • Understand market terms - Identify what’s standard across different documents
  • Choose the best fit - Select documents that match your stage, industry, and goals

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Key differences between sources

Y Combinator

Most founder-friendly terms, optimized for speed and simplicity. Best for very early-stage companies.

Series Seed

Balanced terms for seed rounds, widely accepted by both founders and investors. Good middle ground.

NVCA

Most comprehensive and investor-friendly. Industry standard for Series A and later rounds.

Techstars

Designed for 250k−250k-2M seed rounds, leans slightly toward founders but includes important investor protections.
While these documents come from reputable sources, every startup situation is unique. Always have an attorney review documents before execution, especially for significant transactions like fundraising or major partnerships.

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Extended descriptions

Many documents include extended description pages that provide:
  • Detailed context - When and why to use the document
  • What it does - Specific provisions and protections included
  • What it doesn’t do - Limitations and what additional documents you might need
  • Industry perspective - Commentary from legal experts and investors
Look for “Extended description” links in the Library section for documents with additional context.

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Next steps

Now that you understand how to use the documentation:
1

Identify your current stage

Are you at the idea stage, forming a company, or ready to raise capital?
2

Browse the relevant section

Start with the Documentation tab for topic guides or Document Library for individual documents.
3

Read the extended description

Understand what the document does and whether it’s right for your situation.
4

Choose your format

Download a Word document for customization or use an OpenLaw template for fast deployment.
5

Consult an attorney

Have a qualified attorney review the document before execution.
Bookmark documents you reference frequently. The Startup Starter Pack is designed to be a resource you return to as your company grows and your legal needs evolve.

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