Startups

Other IT Law areas of expertise:

Startups are among the most dynamic and influential segments of the global economy. In Serbia and the region, they are increasingly drivers of change, creating innovative products and services that quickly conquer domestic and foreign markets. Still, a startup’s success does not depend only on technology and market fit; legal certainty is a key part of every story.

From the moment a founding team incorporates its first company, through growth, attracting investors and venture capital funds, and all the way to potential acquisitions and exit strategies (IPO or sale), every step carries legal challenges. Without a legal framework that protects founders, employees, and investors, even the best idea can be put at risk.

Zunic Law offers specialized legal support for startups in Serbia and the European Union, ensuring that innovation grows on healthy and sustainable foundations.

Why Zunic Law for startups?

Deep understanding of the startup ecosystem

Our team of startup lawyers has been active in the startup community for years, working with founders, accelerators, venture capital funds, and tech companies.

We understand the dynamics of the startup world, including the need for fast solutions and flexibility, as well as the importance of making everything legally sustainable from the start.

Regulation without borders

Startups in Serbia often plan financing and expansion to foreign markets from day one. We help ensure compliance with local regulations (Companies Act, Obligations Act, Labor Law), as well as European frameworks such as GDPR, eIDAS, NIS2, and the upcoming EU AI Act.

End-to-end approach

Our support covers the entire lifecycle: from incorporating a startup in Serbia, protecting intellectual property, and drafting founders’ agreements, through funding rounds and venture capital agreements, to M&A processes and exit strategies.

Pragmatic delivery

Our focus is on practical solutions that make the biggest difference for a startup: clear founders’ agreements, protection of code and IP, investor-friendly funding models, and documentation that facilitates negotiations with investors.

Our approach: innovation that is legally sustainable and investment-ready

Innovation has no value if it isn’t properly protected. Startups that build legal foundations from the beginning attract investment faster, face fewer internal disputes, and scale to foreign markets more easily. Our goal is to provide legal certainty for the startup and make it attractive to investors, partners, and potential buyers.

Key practice areas (overview)

Startup registration and corporate matters
Founders’ agreements and founder relations
Intellectual property and technology protection
Employment, labor law, and ESOP
Contracts with clients, partners, and suppliers
Regulation for digital products and services
Data protection (GDPR) and information security
IT contracts, SaaS models, and cloud outsourcing
Startups in AI, blockchain, and emerging tech
Tax optimization and international structures
Investments and venture capital rounds
Investment incentives and state subsidies
Startup due diligence and M&A
Exit strategies: sale, acquisitions, IPO
Disputes and arbitration in the startup environment

Below are details by area, with emphasis on the concrete outcomes we deliver.

Early-stage development

1) Startup registration and corporate matters

Choosing the legal form: we have helped numerous startups choose between an LLC, joint-stock company, or an overseas holding. Each structure has pros and cons—our task is to find the model that best supports growth and future investment.
Tax efficiency: we analyze available tax incentives and benefits for innovative companies, enabling the startup to be competitive and sustainable.
Founding capital and growth: from the start we set the foundations for later capital increases and investments via convertible instruments.
Governance and decision-making: we craft rules for appointing directors and boards, ensuring stability and preventing deadlocks.
Registration and documentation: we prepare all required acts and ensure registration with the Business Registers Agency (APR).

Result: a legally sustainable and tax-optimized company, ready for investors and business angels.

2) Founders’ agreements and founder relations

Vesting clauses and equity allocation: founders earn equity gradually, ensuring commitment and motivation.
Drag-along and tag-along rights: we balance the interests of majority and minority owners, securing fair sale terms.
Exit mechanisms and dispute resolution: we define clear procedures that prevent conflicts and operational standstills.
Voting rights and decision-making: we set rules that ensure efficient decisions.
Confidentiality and non-compete clauses: we ensure founders commit to protecting the company’s interests.

Result: stable founder relations and investor confidence.

3) Intellectual property and technology protection

Trademark, patent, and design registration: we protect the startup’s innovations and brand in domestic and international markets.
IP assignment and transfer of copyrights: we ensure all code, design, and know-how belong to the startup, not individuals.
Software licensing and protection: we develop models for software commercialization and prevent misuse.
IP due diligence: we prepare documentation for investors and prove indisputable ownership.
International brand protection: we support trademark and brand registration in the EU and other markets.

Result: IP remains the startup’s most valuable and secure asset.

4) Employment, labor relations, and ESOP programs

Employment contracts and freelance models: we draft flexible agreements that protect both the company and team members.
Tax analysis of engagement models: we find optimal cooperation structures in line with the law.
Incentive packages and benefits: we design plans that motivate the team and foster loyalty.
ESOP programs: we implement Employee Stock Option Plans with clearly defined vesting rules.
International teams: we provide a legal framework for engaging collaborators abroad.

Result: employment law tailored to startup needs and a motivated team ready to grow.

5) Contracts with clients, partners, and suppliers

SaaS agreements and licenses: we create legal models for using software and digital services.
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy: we prepare essential documentation governing relations with users.
Partner and supplier agreements: we define responsibilities and obligations of all parties.
Risk allocation: we ensure balance through clearly defined clauses.
Dispute resolution: we introduce procedures that reduce the risk of lengthy conflicts.

Result: stable and scalable business relationships.

6) Regulation for digital products and services

E-commerce compliance: we provide a legal framework for platforms and apps.
Consumer protection and marketing compliance: we ensure operations comply with applicable rules.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: we create mandatory documentation for digital services.
Returns and user protection: we implement procedures that build trust.
Geo-blocking and competition rules: we help startups operate in line with EU regulations.

Result: IT law setup that enables digital products to grow safely.

7) Data protection (GDPR) and information security

GDPR compliance: we implement policies and procedures that meet European standards.
DPIA and LIA assessments: we analyze data-processing risks and implement mitigating measures.
Incident-response plans: we define steps in case of a security incident.
Data-flow management: we implement access controls and records of processing activities.
Data transfers: we ensure lawful data transfers to third countries.

Result: comprehensive personal data protection and user trust.

8) IT contracts, SaaS models, and cloud outsourcing

SLA and OLA agreements: we clearly define service quality standards.
Data portability and exit plans: we protect the startup from vendor lock-in.
Cloud and SaaS models: we develop legal frameworks for secure collaboration.
Compliance with DORA and InfoSec standards: we ensure operational resilience.
Audit rights and security requirements: we enable control over external providers.

Result: secure and flexible IT infrastructure.

9) Startups in AI, blockchain, and emerging tech

AI Act and MiCA compliance: we prepare startups for new European legal frameworks.
Contracts for AI models: we regulate ownership and liability in the use of AI technologies.
Tokenization and digital assets: we ensure legal certainty in crypto-related projects.
AML/CTF programs: we ensure compliance with anti-money-laundering regulations.
Custody solutions: we design models for secure storage of digital assets.

Result: AI law and innovation that are legally sustainable and ready for global markets.

10) Tax optimization and international structures

Structures in Serbia and the EU: we select legal forms that bring tax advantages.
Tax treatment of IP: we analyze transfers and licensing of intellectual property.
Transfer pricing: we set intra-group pricing policies.
Expansion planning: we design structures that facilitate entry into foreign markets.
Tax compliance: we ensure the company operates without risk.

Result: optimized tax operations and certainty in international frameworks.

Scale-up phase

11) Investments and venture capital rounds

SAFE and convertible loans: we structure legally secure early-stage investments.
Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA): we set the rights and obligations of founders and investors.
Negotiating equity structures: we protect founders’ interests and attract investors.
Regulatory compliance: we ensure investments follow local and international laws.
Due diligence readiness: the startup becomes fully prepared for investor review.

Result: investments that are legally secure and attractive.

12) Investment incentives and state subsidies

Identifying funds and grants: we find programs available to startups.
Application preparation: we assist in drafting and compiling documentation.
Compliance monitoring: we ensure the startup meets all criteria.
Reporting and oversight: we take care of formalities and deadlines.
Combining with investments: we advise on running incentives alongside VC rounds.

Result: utilized incentives and additional capital for growth.

13) Startup due diligence and M&A

Documentation preparation: we organize all agreements and acts prior to investor checks.
Legal and regulatory reviews: we identify risks in advance.
Removing obstacles: we fix legal weaknesses that could block an investment.
Aligning IP and contracts: we confirm undisputed ownership of technology.
Post-acquisition integration: we support team and process integration.

Result: successful due diligence and secure M&A processes.

14) Exit strategies: sale, acquisitions, IPO

Acquisition readiness: we organize documentation and due diligence processes.
IPO models: we advise on capital-market compliance.
Protection of founders and investors: we negotiate exit terms that protect all parties.
Strategic partnerships: we build models for joint growth and cooperation.
Post-closing integration: we assist with the transition after an acquisition or exit.

Result: maximum value and a successful market exit.

15) Disputes and arbitration in the startup environment

Dispute prevention: we reduce conflict risk through contractual clauses.
Mediation and ADR: we enable fast and efficient resolution of disagreements.
Arbitration: we provide certainty in complex business disputes.
Regulatory inspections preparedness: we train the team to respond to unannounced audits.
Reputation protection: we help preserve the company’s image during disputes.

Result: stable operations and preserved reputation.

How collaboration works (4 steps)

Discovery workshop — getting to know the team and identifying goals.
Priorities mapping — gap analysis and action plan.
Implementation — drafting documentation and policies.
Operational support — ongoing advice and document updates.

Sample completed projects (non-confidential)

Serbian SaaS startup: founders’ agreement, code protection, and a SAFE investment from a VC fund.
E-commerce platform: brand protection, GDPR compliance, and partner agreements.
AI startup: AI Act readiness, data governance, and a €1M venture capital round.