Diplomacy in Partner Disputes

Impass in the board costs real money

Conflicts between founders in the IT industry most often erupt during the second funding round or when profit exceeds the first million PLN. In 2023, we handled 19 cases where partners could not agree on the company's direction of development. Hard facts are brutal: a lack of decisions in the board for 3 months can lower the company's valuation by 22%. At Alians Business Diplomacy, we enter the game when communication between desks ceases to exist and emails replace coffee talks. Our team of 6 specialists from Katowice analyzes the share structure and finds flashpoints that block development.

Method of three meetings and cool analysis

Money likes silence, so we conduct mediations discreetly in our office at ul. Chorzowska 50 or in a neutral place chosen by the parties. We start the process with separate consultations with each of the 2 or 3 partners, which usually takes from 4 to 6 business days. We look for differences in vision for exiting the investment or the division of dividends. In May 2024, we helped a software house in Gliwice avoid decision paralysis by introducing a tie-breaker mechanism to the company agreement. Thanks to this, the board regained control over operations in just 14 days, avoiding court proceedings that would have cost at least 45,000 PLN in filing fees alone.

Tight share structure as the foundation of agreement

Most disputes result from mistakes made at the start, such as a 50/50 share split without additional clauses. Our role is not just talk, but primarily building a tight share structure that will withstand tough negotiations with VC funds. We check clauses on the right of first refusal, drag-along, and tag-along. The game for control requires precision, so we provide a specific document with new rules of corporate governance. Over the last 7 years of operation, we have modified statutes in 42 technology companies, which allowed them to safely accept external capital without the risk of founders losing decision-making power.

Preparation for a fair parting

Sometimes the only way out is to separate business paths. We help carry out the buy-out or exit process of one of the partners in a way that does not bleed the company financially. We value work contribution, IP, and future profits. An example from Q1 2024 is the case of a medtech startup, where after 4 months of fighting, we negotiated buy-out terms for the amount of 287,000 PLN payable in 3 installments. This allowed the remaining founder to keep 87% of control and continue cooperation with a key client from Germany. We act fast because we know that every day of delay is a risk of developers leaving for the competition.

Operational continuity and image protection

Internal company disputes quickly spill outside, which spoils relationships with contractors. Our priority is that employees and clients do not feel tensions in the board. We focus on hard arrangements regarding rights and responsibilities. We don't promise miracles, but we offer reliable mediation based on numbers and commercial law. Usually, we prepare the first working version of the agreement in 11 days from the start of cooperation. We honestly say that not every relationship can be saved, but every business can be secured against collapse due to owner quarrels.