On this page

• Contractors and agencies
• Employees
• Investors
• Customers and design partners
• How to operationalize this

Startups hear two slogans: “always NDA” and “VCs never sign NDAs.” Both are incomplete. Use NDAs where the other side will sign and the material is actually confidential. Skip them where they only slow a first conversation.

This article is general information, not legal advice. SendbyLaw is not a law firm. Have a lawyer review any NDA you rely on.

Contractors and agencies

Almost always NDA (usually one-way) before repo or customer access. This is the highest-ROI use. Send the signing link, then the invite.

Employees

Confidentiality belongs in the employment pack. An NDA-protected handbook link is fine. Do not treat an NDA as a substitute for IP assignment.

Investors

Many seed funds will not sign an NDA to take a first meeting. After interest, a data room NDA is more plausible, especially with corporates. Keep the first deck high-level if you cannot get a signature.

Customers and design partners

Mutual NDAs are common before a paid pilot. Pair them with a real order form later.

How to operationalize this

Save a SendbyLaw flow: investor diligence relationship + one-way NDA + data-room URL. Reuse it. Track who signed. Upgrade storage when the room grows (Basic 1 GB, Pro 10 GB, Ultra 4 TB).

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