David Rakusan ·
Legal Due Diligence Checklist for Startups (2026)
Legal due diligence is where investors confirm your startup actually owns its equity, its IP, and its contracts. Most founders meet it as a surprise when the term sheet is already signed and a missing contractor assignment stalls the round. This checklist walks through all nine workstreams counsel reviews, from Delaware incorporation and the 83(b) 30-day clock to 409A valuations and the IP assignments that kill the most deals, plus a pre-fundraise readiness routine and a quick-reference table.