At Sunder Legal, we have significant experience helping clients adopt equity incentive plans that comply with applicable securities, tax, and corporate laws. Because we have experience supporting our business clients when implementing their equity plans, we also assist individuals – typically founders, executives, and senior hires – negotiate the executive compensation packages.
Equity Incentive Plans for Startups and Private Businesses
As part of our core offering to our business and startup clients, we advise on the adoption and maintenance of equity incentive plans such as – RSU plans, options plans, and profits interest plans. These are the most popular vehicles companies use for incentivizing employees with equity.
You can read our article HERE on whether your company should adopt a Restricted Stock Plan or an Options Plan (hint, it comes down to the taxes).
Issues Sunder Legal will address when adopting your equity incentive plan:
- Stockholder, board, and other corporate approval
- Drafting the plan, which should comply with applicable securities and tax laws
- Template Offer Letter
- Award Agreement
- 409A valuation
- Cap Table Management
Equity Incentive Plan Representative Transactions
- Represented numerous WA and DE LLCs in adopting profits interest plan
- Represented numerous WA and DE C-corps in adopting option plans for employees and advisor
What is an Executive Compensation package?
Executive compensation packages refer to the financial and nonfinancial benefits senior hires are provided – from cash and equity to benefits like car, travel, and health care allowances. These benefits are usually described in an offer letter and further documented in an option or restricted stock agreement. Many of our clients come from companies like Microsoft and Amazon with more standard compensation packages and need assistance understanding the terms – and risks – of executive compensation packages at smaller companies. In many cases, our clients are not aware certain points are up for negotiation. For example, we regularly negotiate more clarity around bonus structures, reporting relationships, office location, and travel budget.
Compensation Packages can contain the following:
- Cash compensation
- Stock options or other equity
- Signing bonus
- Performance bonus
- Change of Control provisions
- Insurance coverage
- Travel and car allowance
Executive Compensation Packages Review
We will review your offer, let you know what you are getting in dollars and cents, and advise on where you have room to negotiate. We make every effort to ensure that you are not leaving money on the table, but help you negotiate in a way that preserves trust and a warm relationship with your new employer.
Sunder Legal offers advising on the following Compensation Packages:
- Incentive Stock Options
- Qualified Stock Options
- Profits Interest Plan
- Restricted Share Agreements
- Benefits Packages
- Relocation Packages
- Separation Agreements
- Importance of 409A valuation
Executive Package Representative Transactions
- Represented former FAANG executives in their appointment to the Board of Directors of a public company
- Represented multiple former FAANG executives in their hiring into C-Suite/VP roles of Series A-D companies
- Represented multiple FAANG senior managers into new startup roles
Seattle Executive Compensation Lawyer
Executive packages can be complicated if you are a startup unfamiliar with industry standards. We help startups draft and form their executive compensation packages, to attract talent and grow their business. We can also help on an individual level to negotiate the best benefits and incentives for when you leave your position.
