⬞ Legal & Compliance
Legal & Compliance is a Foundation-phase founder capability in the SKILLOS registry (category: original). Cross-references: 4 frameworks, 4 key metrics, 5 templates, 2 case studies, 3 mastery signals. Substrate applicability: 197 countries × 60 verticals × 99 SKILLOS sectors.
🔧 Frameworks
- Entity Selection Decision Tree
- Founder Agreement Architecture
- Equity & Vesting Structure
- SAFE / Convertible Note Mechanics
📊 Key Metrics
- IP assignment coverage (100% of contributors)
- Vesting cliff compliance
- Cap table dilution modeling
- Regulatory deadline tracking
📋 Templates
- SAFE term sheet explainer
- Cap table model (pre/post)
- Founder vesting agreement
- ESOP pool calculator
- Data privacy policy checklist
💡 Case Studies
Eduardo Saverin's equity was diluted from 34% to 0.03% between 2004–2005 due to missing anti-dilution protections — taught at Harvard Law as a canonical cautionary tale
Zynga attempted to claw back unvested equity from early employees before its 2011 IPO due to ambiguously drafted vesting terms — resulting lawsuits generated significant negative press
The goal isn't to replace lawyers — it's to know what questions to ask. Founders who understand SAFEs, pro-rata rights, and dilution don't get surprised. Founders who don't, do.
🎯 You've mastered this when…
- All founders on 4-year vesting with 1-year cliff
- IP assignment signed before any code is written
- Cap table modeled through Series B before raising seed
Related skills in the Foundation phase
Frequently asked about Legal & Compliance
What phase of the founder journey does Legal & Compliance belong to?
It is a Foundation-phase skill in the SKILLOS registry. The seven phases are Foundation, Discovery, Capital, Build, Growth, Revenue, and Scale.
What are the most useful frameworks for Legal & Compliance?
The four canonical frameworks are: Entity Selection Decision Tree; Founder Agreement Architecture; Equity & Vesting Structure; SAFE / Convertible Note Mechanics.
How do I know when I have mastered Legal & Compliance?
Mastery signals include: All founders on 4-year vesting with 1-year cliff; IP assignment signed before any code is written; Cap table modeled through Series B before raising seed.
Which sectors does this skill apply to?
All 99 SKILLOS sectors — from AI & Machine Learning to Emerging Consumer Technology. The skill applies across every vertical in AJG's substrate of 197 countries and 60 commerce verticals.