Financing contracts are legal agreements that govern how a company raises capital. They define the relationship between the company and its investors or lenders — covering how funds are provided, the rights and obligations of each party, and how returns or repayments are structured. Common features include capped returns to limit profit extraction, defined distribution or redemption mechanisms that keep the company's mission front and center, and clauses covering consultation, information, or veto rights. Financing contracts are most commonly used to structure debt instruments, while equity investments are typically governed through shareholder agreements.
In this chapter, you'll find examples of shareholder agreements, articles of association, financing contracts, contract templates, term sheets and LOIs from steward-owned companies. They are meant as inspiration and a starting point — not as complete or final solutions. Every company's situation is different, so these documents should be carefully adapted with the support of legal, tax, and financial advisors to fit your specific circumstances and meet all applicable legal requirements.
Please note: sample contract clauses or templates shall not replace a lawyers' consultation and adaptation to your individual situation. The samples and patterns shown here were created for individual cases under individual circumstances and were originally drafted in German legal language for a specific jurisdiction. They have not been translated into English by a professional translator. You may use them to have a general idea, but they are not reproduced here for individual cases. They do not replace the specific creation of a contract made by a competent professional person. There can be no guarantee or liability for the completeness, accuracy or timeliness, as the legal framework (laws, case law, etc.) is constantly changing and is also dependent on the applicable law and jurisdiction.Please also refer to our general disclaimer for the information provided in this guide.
We're continuously expanding our collection of templates and sample contracts, so if you haven't found what you're looking for, check back soon. You're also welcome to reach out directly at hallo@purpose.ag — whether you have a question, want to share your own sample contract, or are interested in supporting other entrepreneurs in this space. Every contribution helps.
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