Open-source
legal templates

Open-source
legal templates

A new set of standards for startup advisory and angel investment in Japan.

Invest smarter, together. By open-sourcing contracts, we're establishing best practices for angel investment in Japan.

Invest smarter, together. By open-sourcing contracts, we're establishing best practices for angel investment in Japan.

Turn expertise into equity.

Equity-based Advisory Agreement

This Advisory Agreement is for operators who want to enter a long-term, equity-based partnership with a startup in Japan.

Equity + Cash compensation model

Replaces one-off contributions with long-term incentives tied to the startup’s growth.

Structured time-based vesting with clear KPIs

Ensures equity is earned through specific contributions such as making introductions, hiring, or fundraising.

Standardized scope and time guidelines

Sets upfront expectations around workload and equity range for faster, smoother onboarding.

Move quickly with clarity. 

Angel Investment Agreement

This Simple Equity Agreement is for founders and early angel investors in Japan who want to move quickly with a clear set of terms.

Straightforward equity issuance

Simplifies terms so early investors can move quickly without complex negotiations and legal costs.

Global-standard terms

Eliminates the complex conversion and valuation provisions that are commonplace in Japan.

Templates for basic provisions 

Enables fast, upfront agreement on valuation, priority rights, and information disclosure.

Fully align founders and investors

Shareholder Agreement

This Shareholder Agreement clarifies the positions of co-founders and shareholders, bringing global-standard vesting and governance to angel investment in Japan.

Standard vesting for founder shares

Aligns with global standards for founders, reducing the downside risks of entrepreneurship.

Alignment between founders and angel investors

Places all shareholders under a single contract to prevent misunderstandings between founders and investors.

Clear governance and rights clauses

Establishes clear rules and processes for voting, information sharing, IP ownership, and dispute resolution.

Contributing law firms

Contributing law firms

Serendia partners with experienced legal and tax professionals who bring a global perspective, having worked with startups and investors across the United States, Europe, and Japan. They combine hands-on experience applying global best practices in areas such as stock options, advisory structures, and investment documentation with deep expertise in Japanese legal, regulatory, and tax frameworks.

Bridging international standards and local realities, these professionals participate in Serendia as trusted collaborators, helping build practical and fair structures that support sustainable collaboration between founders, angels, and advisors.

Serendia is a community of operators and angel investors based in Japan. As a community and forum, we help create the serendipitous connections that give founders access to the expertise and funding they need to grow.

Designed by

© Copyright Serendia 2025

Serendia is a community of operators and angel investors based in Japan. As a community and forum, we help create the serendipitous connections that give founders access to the expertise and funding they need to grow.

Designed by

© Copyright Serendia 2025

Serendia is a community of operators and angel investors based in Japan. As a community and forum, we help create the serendipitous connections that give founders access to the expertise and funding they need to grow.

Designed by

© Copyright Serendia 2025