Partnership Agreement Template

Abstract

Everyone likes to dream big, and we all want to see our vision become reality. That said, it makes no sense spending a lot of time on a big contract defining this utopian future you’re going to have with another system integrator or consultancy until you’ve had some success together. However, you’ll want some basic rules of engagement in place between both companies, which can be more simply called a teaming agreement.

This template covers the following:

• Background on each party and their objectives/goals – state what each side is looking for. Putting this in writing ensures everyone has been open and honest about their definition of success
• Responsibilities of each party (e.g., participate in sale, account management, responsible for own costs)
• Neither party should make any commitments or price quotes without concurrence
• Work together on marketing material and approve press releases
• Mutual NDA
• Define when it might be acceptable to recruit each other’s employees – Typically a consulting partner will allow you to poach a consultant here or there provided you’ve given them about a year’s billings.
• Non-exclusive – Recognize that the system integrator is in the business of doing this kind of work with everyone and unless you’ve got an incredible story that makes it commercially interesting, you’re not going to get an exclusive.