Term Sheet

Definition

A term sheet is the mostly non-binding summary of a proposed investment: valuation, round size, liquidation preference, board composition, and key rights, negotiated before final documents.

How it comes up in fundraising

A signed term sheet with a no-shop effectively ends the competitive process, so founders collect competing term sheets before signing, not after.

Frequently asked questions

Which term sheet clauses are binding?

Typically exclusivity (no-shop) and confidentiality; the economic terms bind only in definitive documents at closing.

What matters most in a term sheet besides valuation?

Liquidation preference structure, board composition, option pool sizing, and protective provisions; a worse valuation with clean terms often beats the reverse.

Round Funded resources

Cite this term

Round Funded. "Term Sheet." Startup Fundraising Glossary.

Stable URL, it will not change: https://www.roundfunded.com/en/glossary/term-sheet

Put this term to work

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