Ask HN: Opinions on Non-Compete Agreements in Small Startups?

Post by jimmy2020 » Tue, Aug 22, 2023, 9:22 PM UTC

al2o3cr wrote: post #9

jimmy2020 wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The original document initially mentioned the 'software industry' and I indicated that by signing it, I would be legally agreeing not to work in the software industry at all. They mentioned they would provide a more specific definition, but I still found it unusual. I understand signing an NDA, but a non-compete agreement feels more like giving them the right to sue me if they choose to.

If they don't want you working in the software industry for 16 months, then there's a simple and straightforward solution: they should pay you. Look up "garden leave" for more about the practice.

Excellent point. Thank you.

Post by white_dragon88 » Wed, Aug 23, 2023, 9:09 AM UTC

jimmy2020 wrote: post #5

version_five wrote: post #4

I was asked to sign one once, I said no, and it turned out the startup had just got some standard contracts from someone and was using them because they had them, not because of some specific concern so they had no problem changing them to something mutually acceptable. Any company that won't do this is not worth working with.

The original document initially mentioned the 'software industry' and I indicated that by signing it, I would be legally agreeing not to work in the software industry at all. They mentioned they would provide a more specific definition, but I still found it unusual. I understand signing an NDA, but a non-compete agreement feels more like giving them the right to sue me if they choose to.

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Re: Ask HN: Opinions on Non-Compete Agreements in Small Startups?

Re: Ask HN: Opinions on Non-Compete Agreements in Small Startups?