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Understand every clause in your term sheet before you sign.

A clause-by-clause review and negotiation guidance from advisors who've seen the patterns — so you know exactly what you're agreeing to, on control, economics and everything in between.

Updated Jul 2026Read 6 minReviewed by Founders Bridge
On this page +
  1. What this covers
  2. What's included
  3. How we deliver it
  4. Pricing
  5. FAQs
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A term sheet is short, but every line matters

Term sheets are deceptively short documents that lock in the economic and control terms of your round — liquidation preference, anti-dilution, board composition, protective provisions, information rights. Founders often focus on valuation and skim the rest, only to find the real terms mattered more once the round closes.

We walk through your term sheet clause by clause, explain what each provision actually means in practice (not just in theory), flag anything unusually founder-unfriendly relative to market norms, and help you understand what's worth negotiating and what's standard.

Valuation isn't the only number that matters

A high valuation with an aggressive liquidation preference or full-ratchet anti-dilution can leave founders worse off than a lower valuation with cleaner terms. The headline number is only part of the picture.

What you get

What's included

A standard term sheet guidance engagement includes:

Clause-by-clause review

Every provision explained in plain language — what it means and why it's there.

Market benchmarking

Terms compared against current market norms for your stage and round size.

Control terms analysis

Board composition, protective provisions and reserved matters explained in practical terms.

Economic terms analysis

Liquidation preference, anti-dilution and participation rights, modelled for what they mean at exit.

Negotiation priorities

A clear view of what's worth pushing back on and what's standard, so you negotiate efficiently.

Founder briefing

A session walking through the full term sheet with you before you respond to the investor.

Term sheet in hand and want a second opinion before you respond?

Let's walk through it together — most rounds only get one real negotiation window.

How it works

How we guide you through your term sheet

1. Initial review

We read the term sheet in full and flag anything unusual or worth a closer look.

2. Clause-by-clause walkthrough

A session covering every material provision, in plain language, with market context.

3. Negotiation support

We help you prioritise what to negotiate and support you through the back-and-forth with the investor.

Typical timeline

Initial review and walkthrough is typically completed within 2–3 days of receiving the term sheet, given negotiation windows are often short.

Talk to us

Get a clear, itemised quote.

Tell us about your business and we'll size up exactly what this service costs for you — no obligation.

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Cost

Pricing

Pricing depends on term sheet complexity and how much ongoing negotiation support is needed. See our pricing page for indicative ranges, or get an exact, itemised quote in one call.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

Do you negotiate directly with the investor on my behalf?+
We primarily prepare and brief you for the negotiation; direct involvement varies by engagement and is something we agree upfront.
What if I've already signed the term sheet?+
A signed term sheet is typically non-binding on most commercial terms (though some clauses, like exclusivity, usually are) — we can still review it and help you navigate the definitive documentation stage.
How do you know what's 'market' for terms?+
We track current Indian startup funding market norms across stages and round sizes, and benchmark your specific term sheet against them.
Is this useful even for a small angel round?+
Yes — even early, smaller rounds can carry terms that meaningfully affect future rounds, so it's worth understanding regardless of round size.

Don't sign a term sheet you don't fully understand.

A clear, clause-by-clause walkthrough before you respond.

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