Can a startup founder be removed from the company by investors?

Yes, depending on the specific terms in your shareholders' agreement and the company's constitutional documents, investors can, in certain circumstances, have significant influence over founder removal — particularly if the agreement gives them specific rights around this, such as removal for cause, or board composition rights that could be used to vote out a founder-director.

The exact protections (or lack of them) you have depend heavily on what was negotiated and documented when the investment was made — including matters like your vesting schedule, any founder-specific protective provisions, and the board's composition and voting rights.

If you're currently negotiating an investment round, it's worth paying close attention to these specific provisions and getting legal advice before signing, since they can significantly affect your long-term position in the company. If you're already past that stage and concerned about your existing agreement's terms, a corporate lawyer can review your specific documents and advise on your actual current protections and options.