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Startup Vesting Agreement Template free printable template

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This document outlines the terms under which equity interests in a company will vest in favor of a recipient, detailing definitions, grant of equity interests, vesting schedule, termination of vesting,
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What is Startup Vesting Agreement Template

A Startup Vesting Agreement Template is a legal document that outlines the terms under which startup equity will be vested over time for founders and employees.

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Startup vesting agreement template is needed by:
  • Startup founders
  • Employees receiving equity
  • Investors in startups
  • Legal advisors for startups
  • HR professionals in startups

All you need to know about Startup Vesting Agreement Template

Here you will find essential guidance on how to effectively edit and fill out the Startup Vesting Agreement Template to suit your needs.

How to edit Startup Vesting Agreement Template

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This section covers the vital aspects of the Startup Vesting Agreement Template, including its purpose, definitions, and essential components.

What is a Startup Vesting Agreement Template?

A Startup Vesting Agreement Template is a legal document designed to outline the terms under which startup equity is distributed among employees and founders over a specified duration. This agreement helps define ownership rights and incentivizes team members to contribute to the company's success over time.

Definition and key provisions of a Startup Vesting Agreement

This section highlights the critical elements that characterize a Startup Vesting Agreement Template:
  • Vesting schedule: Timing and dates for equity distribution.
  • Termination clauses: Conditions under which vesting ceases.
  • Acceleration provisions: Special circumstances that may expedite vesting.
  • Equity allocation: Details about the percentage of equity each stakeholder receives.

When is a Startup Vesting Agreement used?

A Startup Vesting Agreement is used when a startup company wants to legally document the commitment and compensation of its key contributors, ensuring that all parties understand their equity rights and responsibilities. It is typically employed during the early stages of a startup when initial equity arrangements are negotiated.

Main sections and clauses of a Startup Vesting Agreement

The Startup Vesting Agreement Template consists of several primary sections which may include:
  • Introduction: Defines the parties involved and the context of the agreement.
  • Vesting terms: Specifics about the vesting schedule and equity distribution.
  • Termination conditions: Criteria for ending the agreement and ceasing vesting.
  • Miscellaneous provisions: Legal considerations that apply to the agreement.

What needs to be included in a Startup Vesting Agreement?

To ensure the applicability and enforceability of a Startup Vesting Agreement, it should include the following key components:
  • Names and details of all involved parties.
  • Clear definition of the vesting schedule.
  • Details of what happens to unvested equity upon termination.
  • Any acceleration provisions related to timing of vesting.
  • Signature lines for all parties to formally agree to the terms.

How to fill out the Startup Vesting Agreement Template

  1. 1.
    Open the Startup Vesting Agreement Template on pdfFiller.
  2. 2.
    Begin by entering the date of the agreement at the top of the document.
  3. 3.
    Fill in the names and roles of the parties involved, which typically include the startup and the individual receiving equity.
  4. 4.
    Specify the total amount of equity to be vested and the percentage of that equity which each individual will receive.
  5. 5.
    Outline the vesting schedule, including the start date and duration of the vesting period, usually over four years with a one-year cliff.
  6. 6.
    Include any special terms related to accelerated vesting or termination conditions as applicable.
  7. 7.
    Once all fields have been filled out, review the document for accuracy to ensure all information is correct.
  8. 8.
    Finally, save and download the completed agreement in your preferred format or send it directly for signatures.
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FAQs

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us anytime!
Standard vesting schedule A common vesting period is four years, often with a one-year cliff. This means that the employee must remain with the startup for one year before any portion of the equity grant vests, after which the remaining equity vests over the next three years.
For example, a founder may get 1 million shares. The founder's shares are initially all unvested. This means the shares are at risk of being forfeited if the founder leaves. Over the vesting period (e.g. 4 years), a portion of the shares vest each month or quarter.
A vesting agreement is an agreement entered into between a corporation and a shareholder (usually an employee) that restricts the vesting of securities with the shareholder over a period of time or subject to other conditions.
Below is an expanded discussion on the key clauses that should be included in a Co-founders Agreement. Equity Split. Roles and Responsibilities. Decision-Making Process. Vesting Schedule. Intellectual Property (IP) Assignment. Confidentiality. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation. Exit Strategy.
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