Founders Academy: Managing Legal Disputes in Startups: Risk Mitigation and Resolution

Are you prepared if a conflict arises between founders, investors, or partners? Do you know how to prevent disputes before they escalate? And are you clear on your options if things go wrong?

Disputes are part of start-up life. Whether tensions arise between co-founders, with investors, employees, or business partners, unresolved conflicts can quickly disrupt operations and damage value. The key is not only how to react, but how to prevent issues from escalating in the first place.

This session provides a clear and practical overview of the most common sources of start-up disputes, the contractual and structural measures that reduce risk, and the available resolution mechanisms. From negotiation and mediation to arbitration and litigation, participants will gain clarity on how to approach conflicts strategically and protect their company’s long-term interests.

Register here

Details:

• Date: 10.09.2026
• Time: 18.00-20:00, followed by Apero and networking
• Location: Mühlebachstrasse 6, 8008 Zürich
• Speakers:
  Raphael Keller, Partner at Prager Dreifuss AG
  Martin Heisch, Associate at Prager Dreifuss

Session Main Takeaways

• The most common sources of disputes in start-ups
• Preventive measures to reduce conflict risk early on
• The main methods of dispute resolution and when to use them
• Practical steps to take when a dispute arises

About Prager Dreifuss
Prager Dreifuss is a renowned Swiss law firm practising in every area of business law. Prager Dreifuss finds the best solutions for its clients’ concerns, effectively, efficiently and creatively. The startup team of Prager Dreifuss will help with all the legal matters associated with forming and building up a company. Whether it’s a case of choosing the appropriate legal form, employee participation, concluding rounds of financing with the right investors or protecting intellectual property: Prager Dreifuss will be pleased to help and will take the strain off you as far as the legal issues are concerned.