What can I do if my investor agreement doesn’t have an exit clause?

You may want to start by reading your contract carefully. Even if there's no specific "exit" section, there may be other clauses about dispute resolution, ownership changes, or responsibilities that open a path for negotiation. Depending on your business structure, there may also be default statutory rights — such as rights to withdraw, dissociate, or trigger buy-sell provisions for LLCs or partnerships — when the agreement doesn't spell out an exit process.

If possible, try to talk things through. An honest, business-focused conversation might lead to solutions such as buying back the investor's share or bringing in a replacement.

When direct talks don't work, you could consider mediation. A neutral third party can help both sides reach a fair outcome without going to court.

Finally, get professional advice. A legal or business advisor can review your agreement and help you find a way to protect your company without making the conflict worse.

What to consider in your specific situation

While these steps help most business owners, your options depend on details unique to your situation, such as your agreement's structure or your investor's approach.

• The type and terms of your investor agreement.
• Any dispute resolution or buyout clauses hidden in the contract.
• The laws that apply to your business and partnership.
• Your investor's willingness to negotiate or mediate.
• How the dispute could affect your company's operations or value.

Each situation is unique — use Rocket Copilot to get legal information about exit options, or connect with a Legal Pro to learn more.