Startup Commons a global nonprofit association dedicated to making startup funding more understandable

Bylaws

1. Name and Domicile

The name of the association is “Startup Commons” and its domicile is the City of Helsinki

2. Purpose

The purpose of the association is to encourage and develop the high-growth international entrepreneurship and to promote and support the growth of entrepreneurship opportunities internationally.

In order to carry out its purposes, the association can:

• Study high-growth international entrepreneurship and related legislation, create initiatives and proposals, and issue statements
• Maintain the startupcommons.org website
• Develop and maintain information and electronic tools for high-growth international entrepreneurship
• Conduct public relations and awareness-raising activities
• Promote cooperation among members and improve the operating conditions for the growth of entrepreneurship in general
• Acquire and develop appropriate software and expert knowledge for the use of the association and its members
• Organize meetings, training courses, discussions and networking events
• Organize national and international trips for study, introductions, and networking for its members
• Collaborate with similar organizations and institutions

To support its activities, the association may:

• Organize events for a fee
• Accept grants, donations and legacies
• Own property necessary for the activities of the association
• Organize raffles, fundraising events, bazaars and entertainment events, having obtained the appropriate licenses when required by law

3. Members

Any person who accepts the purpose of the association may be accepted as a member.

Any individual or organizations that has legal capacity and wants to support the association's purpose and activities can be accepted as a supporting member.

Members and supporting members are approved by the Board of Directors through an application and selection process.

The meetings of the association can, at the Board’s behest, grant honorary membership or an honorary chairpersonship to persons having rendered especially valuable service in the activities of the association.

4. Removal of Members

A member has the right to leave the association by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or the Chairperson, or by making an announcement at the association meeting to be noted in the minutes of the meeting.

A member who fails to pay the membership fee, fails to fulfill the responsibilities agreed to upon joining the association, causes considerable damage to the association, otherwise acts against the interests and purpose of the association, or no longer meets the law or the rules of the association including the membership qualifications can be removed from the association.

5. Accession and Membership Fees

Induction fees and annual membership fees are determined at the annual meeting of the association, and established separately for regular members and supporting members. The Honorary Chairperson and honorary members do not pay membership fees.

6. The Board of Directors

The association is governed by a Board which represents the association and handles its business. The board includes the chairperson, between two and seven actual members, and up to five deputy members, who are elected in the annual meeting of the association.

The term of office is the time period between the annual meetings of the association.

The Board shall elect a vice-chairperson among its members. The board shall also elect a secretary, treasurer, and other necessary staff among or outside its members.

The Board meets on invitation from the chairperson or, in his absence, the vice-chairperson, when they consider it necessary or when at least half the board members demand it.

The Board has a quorum when at least half of its members, including the chairperson or vice-chairperson is present. Votes are decided by a simple majority vote. In the case of a tie, the vote of the chairperson counts. In case of election, a tie is decided by lottery.

7. Signature Authority

A combination of any two of the following officers may sign together on behalf of the association: chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and treasurer.

8. Fiscal Year, Final Accounts and Audit

The fiscal year of the association is the calendar year.

Reports on the closed accounts and the Board’s annual report is given to the auditors no later than three weeks before the annual meeting. The auditors shall give their written statement for the Board of Directors no later than two weeks before the annual meeting.

9. The Association's Meetings

The association's annual meeting is held annually between January and May, on a date determined by the Board.

An extraordinary meeting is held when it is so decided at an association meeting, when the Board considers it to be necessary, or when at least one tenth (1/10) of the voting members present the Board with a written request to discuss a particular topic. The meeting is held within 30 days after the request has been presented to the Board.

Actual members, the honorary chairperson and honorary members each have one vote in meetings of the association. Supporting members have the right to be present and speak at the meeting.

The association's decision is the opinion supported by more than half the votes cast at a meeting, unless otherwise specified in bylaws. To determine a split decision, the chairperson’s vote is counted. In elections, a split decision is decided by lottery.

10. Invitations to Meetings

The invitation to a meeting of the association is delivered to members via email at least seven days before the meeting.

11. Annual Meeting

A regular meeting of the association consists of the following:

1. The meeting is opened
2. A chairperson, secretary, two inspectors of the minutes and, if needed, two vote counters are chosen for the meeting.
3. Chairperson states the legality of the meeting and establishes quorum.
4. The Rules of Procedure are approved.
5. The financial statements, annual report and audit statements are presented.
6. A decision is made on whether to approve the final accounts of the fiscal year and whether to grant the members of the Board freedom from responsibility for the said fiscal year.
7. Action plans, forecasts, the budget, and all membership fees are verified.
8. The chairperson and other members of the Board are elected.
9. One or two auditors and their deputy auditors are elected.
10. Other items mentioned in the invitation to the meeting are discussed.

If a member wants to bring an issue before the association's annual meeting, the member needs to inform the Board in writing with sufficient time to have the matter included in the meeting invitation.

12. Amendments to the Bylaws and Termination of the Association

A decision to make an amendment to these bylaws or to voluntarily terminate the association is not valid unless 3/4 of the votes cast in the meeting are in favor of it. Amendments to the bylaws and termination of the association must be mentioned in the meeting invitation.

In the event that a decision is made to terminate the association, the remaining funds must be used for the purposes of the association as prescribed by the closing meeting. In any other form of termination, the remaining funds must be used for the same purpose.