In my freelance days, I would decline discussions when asked to sign an NDA upfront. Now, as a startup founder, I recently spoke with a company in a similar domain for 40 minutes. They expressed a desire to help, and told me they have abundant resources, but I have to sign an NDA to continue the conversation. My instinct is to continue independently rather than entangle myself in legalities without a clear understanding of their assistance. They seem impressed with my work, but I’m unsure of the mutual benefit. I’ve sent them a follow up email and detailed my challenges, requesting specifics on how they might assist, but doubt they will reply. My reservation about NDAs comes from my lack of a robust legal team. If there’s a breach, I can’t contest it as effectively as they might. Given our industry overlap, the risk of inadvertent NDA breaches is high for me. Am I overthinking this? Is it customary for collaborators to request NDAs without a formal employment structure or potential investment?
Yes.
There are some terrible takes here. That are pretty much are the right take for early companies and outsiders, prospective employees and investors, not other businesses.
It is bog standard to sign a mutual NDA in situations like this. An NDA doesn’t suddenly mean you scream everything at the top of your lungs to them.
Yes you should be concerned about what your say to them. Like any relationship they need to prove trust.
This is likely them sizing up an acquirehire or a bigger partnership because they see you doing something they can’t do or aren’t doing well for whatever reason. Ask them!