But here’s the truth: a single overlooked detail in a contract can stall your progress, expose you legally, and cost you dearly in the future. For startups especially where every penny, partnership, and hire counts, getting it right from the start is non-negotiable.

So, here’s a quick six-step contract checklist to help early-stage founders avoid common pitfalls when it comes to signing contracts.

1. Double-check the final version

You’ve had the negotiations, agreed on the terms but is the final contract the version you agreed to? Before signing, take a careful look to ensure that all key terms are present and correct. Make sure there are no leftover tracked changes or unresolved comments hiding in the document.

Why it matters: if something is missing or ambiguous, you could find yourself in a dispute down the line about what was agreed.

2. Watch out for blank spaces

It happens more often than you’d think: contracts with blank fields, missing dates, or placeholders that were never updated. These omissions might seem small, but they can render parts of your agreement void or open to interpretation.

Quick tip: scan the document for any highlighted areas, brackets, or incomplete sections before signing on the dotted line.

3. Attach the schedules

Most commercial contracts refer to schedules or appendices documents that might outline payment details, timelines, or service levels. Examples include service level agreements (SLAs) or Scopes of Work (SOWs). These often get negotiated separately, and in the hustle to get the deal done, they’re sometimes forgotten.

What to do: make sure all documents referenced in the contract are attached, clearly labelled, and up to date. A missing schedule can lead to confusion or disputes about deliverables.

4. Confirm your legal entity details

Are you signing as your brand name or your legal company name? There’s a big difference. Your contract should list your full legal entity including company number and registered address exactly as it appears on Companies House (or your local registry).

Why this matters: if there’s any ambiguity about who is entering into the agreement, you could struggle to enforce it later.

5. Verify the other party

Just as you want your own details to be accurate, you need to make sure the other side is a legitimate, active business entity. A quick online search can verify whether they’re registered and solvent.

Especially important for: international agreements, where naming conventions differ and trading names are more commonly used.

6. Date it properly

Contracts often require a specific date of execution typically the day the last party signs. That date matters because it can affect when obligations kick in. Leaving it blank or incorrect can trigger arguments about when the agreement started.

Top tip: If you're the last to sign, it's generally your responsibility to add the accurate date.

Unlike their large counterparts, Startups don’t have the luxury of in-house legal teams but that doesn’t mean they can afford to be careless. The legal foundations you lay now will shape how confidently and efficiently you can grow later. Taking time to get the basics right can save you from hours or even months of stress down the line.

Whether you’re hiring your first employee, signing with a supplier, or closing your first big deal, don’t just sign on the dotted line sign. Take your time and seek professional advice if need be.

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