Bylaws of [COMPANY NAME], Inc.
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MONTAGUE LAW · STARTUP LEGAL FORMS
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Bylaws of [COMPANY NAME], Inc.: delaware-bylaws.docx
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Narrative. Bylaws are the internal operating manual of a Delaware C-corporation. While the Certificate of Incorporation is filed publicly and sets the charter-level rules (authorized shares, director liability, forum selection), the Bylaws govern day-to-day governance: how stockholders meet, how directors are elected and removed, how the board acts, the officer roster, record-keeping, and indemnification mechanics. For an early-stage startup, the Bylaws should be short, flexible, and permit action by written consent so the founders can move quickly. At financing, investors will expect the Bylaws to dovetail with the Certificate, the Voting Agreement, and the Investor Rights Agreement.
Article I — Offices
1.1 Registered Office
The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
1.2 Other Offices
The Corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the board of directors (the “Board“) may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
Article II — Stockholders
2.1 Annual Meeting
An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors shall be held each year at such date, time, and place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated by the Board.
2.2 Special Meetings
Special meetings of stockholders may be called at any time by the Board, the Chairperson of the Board, or the Chief Executive Officer, and shall be called by the Secretary upon the written request of stockholders holding a majority of the voting power of the outstanding stock entitled to vote.
2.3 Notice
Written notice of each meeting of stockholders, stating the place (if any), date, time, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given not fewer than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting.
2.4 Quorum
At any meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding stock entitled to vote at such meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
2.5 Action Without a Meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote, if a consent in writing (including electronic transmission) setting forth the action so taken is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting.
Article III — Directors
3.1 Number; Qualification
The number of directors constituting the Board shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board. Directors need not be stockholders.
3.2 Election; Term
Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of stockholders (or by written consent in lieu thereof) and shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation, or removal.
3.3 Vacancies
Any vacancy on the Board, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the authorized number of directors, may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.
3.4 Regular and Special Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board may be held at such times and places as shall from time to time be determined by the Board. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson, the Chief Executive Officer, or any two directors on at least 24 hours’ notice.
3.5 Quorum
A majority of the total number of directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board.
3.6 Action Without a Meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board consent thereto in writing (including electronic transmission).
3.7 Committees
The Board may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate one or more committees, each to consist of one or more directors of the Corporation, with such lawfully delegated authority as the Board may determine.
Article IV — Officers
4.1 Officers
The officers of the Corporation shall include a Chief Executive Officer, a President (who may be the same person as the Chief Executive Officer), a Secretary, and a Treasurer, and may include a Chairperson of the Board, one or more Vice Presidents, and such other officers as the Board may appoint.
4.2 Election; Term
Each officer shall be elected by the Board and shall hold office until such officer’s successor is elected and qualified or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation, or removal.
4.3 Removal
Any officer may be removed, with or without cause, at any time by the Board.
Article V — Stock
5.1 Certificates
Shares of the Corporation’s stock may be certificated or uncertificated, as provided under the DGCL.
5.2 Transfer of Stock
Transfers of shares of stock shall be made only upon the books of the Corporation by the holder thereof or by such holder’s duly authorized attorney, and upon surrender of any certificate (if certificated) properly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed stock transfer power.
Article VI — Indemnification
Each person who was or is made a party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, any action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation.
Article VII — General Provisions
7.1 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board.
7.2 Seal
The Corporation may, but need not, have a corporate seal.
7.3 Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended, altered, or repealed by the Board or by the stockholders, subject to the Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL.
Certification
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that I am the duly elected and acting Secretary of [COMPANY NAME], Inc., and that the foregoing Bylaws were adopted as the Bylaws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors by written consent dated [DATE].
_________________________________ [SECRETARY NAME], Secretary
This form is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is different; consult qualified legal counsel before using or adapting this document. © Montague Law.