Tag: startup

Three people in a conversationLegal

SNART28 – BEST PRACTICES FOR STRUCTURING INVESTOR REFERRAL AGREEMENTS
In today’s competitive investment landscape, strong relationships often drive successful funding. Investor referral agreements formalize these relationships, setting clear rules for how one party (the referrer) introduces investors to another (the recipient) in exchange for a commission or success fee. When drafted correctly, such agreements align incentives, maintain transparency, and protect both sides from legal and commercial risks. The purpose of this article is to outline the key best practices for structuring an effective investor referral agreement. Define the Parties and …
two person attending discussionLegal

SNART27 – HOW TO DRAFT AND IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVE BOARD RESOLUTIONS
In today’s corporate environment, every major decision whether approving a new investment, opening a bank account, or appointing key officers must be properly documented. A board resolution serves as a formal record of the board’s decisions and ensures compliance with corporate governance standards. When drafted and implemented effectively, it provides transparency, protects directors’ duties, and facilitates smooth execution of strategic objectives. Understanding Board Resolutions A board resolution is an official document that records an action or decision approved by the company’s Board …
Legal

SNART26 – FIVE LEGAL DOCUMENTS EVERY STARTUP SHOULD HAVE IN PLACE
Behind every successful startup lies a solid legal foundation. While founders often prioritize product development and fundraising, neglecting legal documentation can create serious risks, ownership disputes, investor hesitation, or regulatory penalties. By understanding and implementing essential legal documents, startups can safeguard their intellectual property, structure ownership properly, and establish trust with partners and clients. The purpose of this article is to address five key legal documents every startup should have from the outset. Founders’ or Shareholders’ Agreement Purpose: This agreement defines how founders …
Business

SNART25 – THE RISE OF BUSINESS CONSULTING IN EMERGING MARKETS
Emerging markets are undergoing dramatic shifts, economic, political, technological, and social. As they grapple with rapid urbanization, digital transformation, sustainability pressures, and regulatory reforms, the need for specialized advisory and consulting services has surged. This article explores why business consulting is rising fast in emerging markets, what key trends are driving that rise, what challenges firms face. Key Drivers Fueling Growth in Business Consulting in Emerging Markets Several trends are contributing to the rising demand for consulting services: Mega-Projects & National Transformation Schemes Governments …
Business

SNART23 – HOW DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS RESHAPING BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
In the recent years, the Middle East has accelerated its adoption of digital technologies, driven by ambitious national visions, investments in infrastructure, and shifting customer expectations. For businesses, digital transformation is no longer optional, it’s central to competitiveness, efficiency, and resilience. This article explores how digital transformation is changing business operations across the Middle East, identifies key trends and opportunities. Key Drivers of Digital Transformation in the Middle East Several forces are converging to push businesses in the Middle East toward deeper …
Two employees seated at a table.Legal

SNART19 – EMPLOYEE LEGAL RIGHTS: WHAT EVERY COMPANY SHOULD KNOW
Every employee is entitled to certain legal and ethical protections in the workplace. These rights are intended to ensure fair treatment, safety, dignity, and recourse when violations occur. While the exact rights vary by country, many core principles are common across jurisdictions. The purpose of this article is to outline and explain the main employee rights and the importance of each right. What Are Employee Rights? Employee rights are the legal and ethical entitlements that a worker has by virtue of being …
Business

SNART17 – CONDITIONS TO OBTAIN A GOLDEN VISA IN UAE
The UAE’s Golden Visa offers long-term residency (5 or 10 years) to investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding talents, and others. It’s designed to attract people who contribute significantly to the economy, innovation, culture, or science. For many, it’s a gateway to living, working, studying, or investing in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. But eligibility isn’t automatic, there are specific conditions depending on the category you apply under. This article explains who qualifies and what requirements must be met, and how …
Business

SNART16 – WHEN AND HOW TO FILE CORPORATE TAX IN UAE
Since the introduction of UAE Corporate Tax (CT) in mid-2023, businesses operating in the UAE must navigate new obligations around registration, tax filing, and compliance. While the UAE remains business-friendly, missing deadlines or misfiling can lead to penalties, interest, or lost tax benefits. This article explains how to register for corporate tax and when to file tax returns. Who must Register All taxable persons (companies, branches, individuals engaged in business) are required to register for UAE Corporate Tax and obtain a CT …
Business

SNART15 – LIST OF ALL THE FREEZONES IN UAE
The United Arab Emirates hosts more than 40 free zones offering significant advantages to entrepreneurs and foreign investors. Free zones in UAE are special economic and trade zones where businesses can benefit from features such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, streamlined business set-up procedures, and excellent infrastructure. What is a Free Zone & What Makes Them Attractive? According to the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism (MOET), free zones are designated areas where the normal commercial, regulatory, and tax rules differ …
Business

SNART14 – STEPS TO OPEN A BUSINESS IN UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains one of the most attractive places for entrepreneurs and investors. With its pro-business laws, free zones, strategic location, and 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, it provides many advantages. However, starting a business in the UAE still requires understanding legal, regulatory, and administrative steps. This article outlines the key steps needed to follow to establish a business in the UAE, whether on the mainland or in a free zone. Key Steps to Establish a Business …
Business

SNART13 – TIPS TO FOLLOW UP – CONVERT LEADS TO DEALS
Following up can make or break a deal. It’s not just about sending a message, it’s about staying connected, building trust, and moving conversations forward. A thoughtful follow-up shows reliability and keeps the momentum alive, making it easier for prospects to progress toward a deal. In this article, we’ll break down why follow-up matters so much and share practical tips for staying organized, building stronger relationships, and ultimately closing more deals. The Role of Follow-Up in Winning Deals Follow-up is the bridge …
Intellectual Property

SNART12 – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: SAFEGUARDING BRAND & CONTENT
A company’s brand is more than a logo or name, its identity in the marketplace. In the digital age, brand recognition, content, and reputation are critical assets, and without proper legal protection, they can be undermined or exploited. The purpose of this article is to explore key intellectual property (IP) strategies companies should deploy to protect their brand, content, and  creative assets from infringement, dilution, and misuse. There are several protection mechanisms to protect a company’s brand which will be discussed …