This stock option agreement is intended to be used under an equity incentive plan (or stock plan). An option agreement grants to the holder of the options a right to purchase stock at a set price sometime in the future. Download this free stock option agreement below.
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[ Company Name ]
[ CURRENT YEAR ]
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT AND STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
Pursuant to its [ Current Year ] Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), as amended from time to time (the “Plan”), [ Company Name ] a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants to the Optionee listed below (“Optionee”), an option to purchase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock set forth below, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Stock Option Agreement (this “Option Agreement”). Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.
1. NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
Date of Option Agreement:
[ Option Agreement Date ]
Vesting Start Date:
[ Vesting Start Date ]
Exercise Price per Share:
[ Exercise Price Per Share ]
Total Number of Shares Granted:
[ Number of Shares Granted ]
Total Exercise Price:
_____ Shares Incentive Stock Options
_____ Shares Non-Statutory Stock Options
1.1. Vesting Schedule. The Shares subject to this Option shall vest according to the following schedule: Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares subject to the Option (rounded down to the next whole number of shares) shall vest on the first anniversary of the Vesting Start Date and 1/48th of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest monthly thereafter so that one hundred percent (100%) of the Shares subject to the Option are vested on the fourth anniversary of the Vesting Start Date, subject to the Optionee remaining a Service Provider through each such vesting date (unless otherwise determined by the Administrator).
1.2. Termination Period . This Option may be exercised, to the extent vested, for three (3) months after Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, or such longer period as may be applicable upon the death or Disability of Optionee as provided herein (or, if not provided herein, then as provided in the Plan), but in no event later than the Term/Expiration Date as set forth above.
1.3. Transferability . You may not transfer this Option.
2.1. Grant of Option . The Company hereby grants to the Optionee an Option to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock (the “Shares”) set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “Exercise Price”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary anywhere else in this Option Agreement, this grant of an Option is subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference.
2.2. Designation of Option . If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option, this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code; provided, however, that to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options (within the meaning of Code Section 422, but without regard to Code Section 422(d)), including the Option, are exercisable for the first time by Optionee during any calendar year (under the Plan and all other incentive stock option plans of the Company (or any “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof within the meaning of Code Sections 424(e) or 424(f), respectively)) exceeds $100,000, such options shall be treated as not qualifying under Code Section 422, but rather shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options to the extent required by Code Section 422. The rule set forth in the preceding sentence shall be applied by taking options into account in the order in which they were granted. For purposes of these rules, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined as of the time the option with respect to such stock is granted.
2.3. Exercise of Option. This Option is exercisable as follows:
2.3.1. Right to Exercise.
2.3.1.1. This Option shall be exercisable cumulatively according to the vesting schedule set out in the Notice of Grant. For purposes of this Option Agreement, Shares subject to this Option shall vest based on Optionee’s continued status as a Service Provider, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator.
2.3.1.2. This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
2.3.1.3. In the event of Optionee’s death, Disability or other termination of Continuous Service Status, the exercisability of this Option is governed by Section 5 below, subject to the limitations contained in this Section 2.3.
2.3.1.4. In no event may this Option be exercised after the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice
2.3.2. Method of Exercise . This Option shall be exercisable by written notice to the Company (in the form attached as Exhibit A) (the “Exercise Notice”). The Exercise Notice shall state the number of Shares for which the Option is being exercised, and such other representations and agreements with respect to such Shares of Common Stock as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be signed by Optionee and shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the Secretary of the Company or such other authorized representative of the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price, including payment of any applicable withholding tax. No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless such issuance and such exercise comply with all relevant provisions of law and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred to Optionee on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Shares.
2.4. Lock-Up Agreement . Optionee hereby agrees that if so requested by the Company or any representative of the underwriters (the “Managing Underwriter”) in connection with any registration of the offering of any securities of the Company under the Securities Act, Optionee shall not sell or otherwise transfer any Shares or other securities of the Company during the 180day period (or such longer period as may be requested in writing by the Managing Underwriter and agreed to in writing by the Company) (the “Market Standoff Period”) following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act; provided, however, that such restriction shall apply only to the first registration statement of the Company to become effective under the Securities Act that includes securities to be sold on behalf of the Company to the public in an underwritten public offering under the Securities Act. The Company may impose stoptransfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing restrictions until the end of such Market Standoff Period and these restrictions shall be binding on any transferee of such Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the 180-day period may be extended for up to such number of additional days as is deemed necessary by the Company or the Managing Underwriter to continue coverage by research analysts in accordance with NASD Rule 2711 or any successor rule.
2.5. Method of Payment . Payment of the Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:
2.5.3. with the consent of the Administrator, a full recourse promissory note bearing interest (at no less than such rate as is a market rate of interest and which then precludes the imputation of interest under the Code), payable upon such terms as may be prescribed by the Administrator and structured to comply with Applicable Laws;
2.5.4. with the consent of the Administrator, surrender of other Shares of Common Stock of the Company which have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the Exercise Price of the Shares as to which the Option is being exercised;
2.5.5. with the consent of the Administrator, surrendered Shares issuable upon the exercise of the Option having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Option or exercised portion thereof;
2.5.6. with the consent of the Administrator, property of any kind which constitutes good and valuable consideration;
2.5.7. following the Public Trading Date, with the consent of the Administrator, delivery of a notice that the Optionee has placed a market sell order with a broker with respect to Shares then issuable upon exercise of the Option and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in satisfaction of the aggregate Exercise Price; provided, that payment of such proceeds is then made to the Company upon settlement of such sale; or
2.5.8. with the consent of the Administrator, any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.
2.6. Restrictions on Exercise . This Option may not be exercised until the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company. If the issuance of Shares upon such exercise or if the method of payment for such Shares would constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state securities or other law or regulation, then the Option may also not be exercised. The Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty to the Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation before allowing the Option to be exercised.
2.7. Termination of Relationship . If Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider (other than by reason of Optionee’s death or Disability), Optionee may exercise this Option during the Termination Period set out in the Notice of Grant, to the extent the Option was vested on the date on which Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider. To the extent that the Option is not vested on the date on which Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, or if Optionee does not exercise this Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.
2.8. Disability of Optionee . If Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of his or her Disability, Optionee may exercise the Option to the extent the Option was vested at the date on which Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, but only within twelve (12) months from such date (and in no event later than the expiration date of the term of this Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant). To the extent that the Option is not vested at the date on which Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.
2.9. Death of Optionee . If Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the death of Optionee, the vested portion of the Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date of death (and in no event later than the expiration date of the term of this Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant) by Optionee’s estate or by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance. To the extent that the Option is not vested on the date of death, or if the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.
2.10. Non-Transferability of Option . This Option may not be transferred in any manner except by will or by the laws of descent or distribution. It may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by Optionee. The terms of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.
2.11. Term of Option . This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant.
2.12. Restrictions on Shares . Optionee hereby agrees that Shares purchased upon the exercise of the Option shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, restrictions on the transferability of Shares, and a right of first refusal in favor of the Company with respect to permitted transfers of Shares. Such terms and conditions may, in the Administrator’s sole discretion, be contained in the Exercise Notice with respect to the Option or in such other agreement as the Administrator shall determine and which the Optionee hereby agrees to enter into at the request of the Company.
2.13. Corporate Transactions . If the Company undergoes an Acquisition, then any surviving corporation or entity or acquiring corporation or entity, or affiliate of such corporation or entity, may assume any Awards outstanding under the Plan or may substitute similar stock awards (including an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders in the transaction) for those outstanding under the Plan. In the event any surviving corporation or entity or acquiring corporation or entity in an Acquisition, or affiliate of such corporation or entity, does not assume such Awards or does not substitute similar stock awards for those outstanding under the Plan, then with respect to (i) Awards held by participants in the Plan whose status as a Service Provider has not terminated prior to such event, the vesting of such Awards (and, if applicable, the time during which such awards may be exercised) shall be accelerated and made fully exercisable and all restrictions thereon shall lapse at least ten (10) days prior to the closing of the Acquisition (and the Awards terminated if not exercised prior to the closing of such Acquisition) and (ii) any other Awards outstanding under the Plan, such Awards shall be terminated if not exercised prior to the closing of the Acquisition.
2.14. Certain Tax Matters
2.14.1. Generally . Optionee shall, if required by the Administrator, enter into an election with the Company or a Subsidiary (in a form approved by the Company) under which any liability to the Company’s (or a Subsidiary’s) Tax Liability, including, but not limited to, National Insurance Contributions (“NICs”) and the Fringe Benefit Tax (“FBT”), is transferred to and met by Optionee. For purposes of this Section 13, Tax Liability shall mean any and all liability under non-U.S. applicable laws, rules or regulations from any income tax, the Company’s (or a Subsidiary’s) NICs, FBT or similar liability and the Optionee’s NICs, FBT or similar liability that are attributable to: (A) the grant or exercise of, or any other benefit derived by the Optionee from the Option; (B) the acquisition by Optionee of the Shares on exercise of the Option; or (C) the disposal of any Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option.
2.14.2. Tax Indemnity . Optionee shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Company and any of its Subsidiaries from and against any Tax Liability.
2.14.3. 409A Valutions . In addition, you agree and acknowledge that your rights to any Shares underlying this Option will be earned only as you provide services to the Company over time, that the grant of this Option is not as consideration for services you rendered to the Company prior to your date of hire, and that nothing in this Notice or the attached documents confers upon you any right to continue your employment or consulting relationship with the Company for any period of time, nor does it interfere in any way with your right or the Company’s right to terminate that relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause. Also, to the extent applicable, the Exercise Price Per Share has been set in good faith compliance with the applicable guidance issued by the IRS under Section 409A of the Code. However, there is no guarantee that the IRS will agree with the valuation, and by signing below, you agree and acknowledge that the Company shall not be held liable for any applicable costs, taxes, or penalties associated with this Option if, in fact, the IRS were to determine that this Option constitutes deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code. You should consult with your own tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of such a determination by the IRS.
2.15. Consideration to the Company . In consideration of the grant of Options by the Company, Optionee agrees to render faithful and efficient services to the Company or any Subsidiary. Nothing in the Plan or this Agreement shall confer upon Opionee any right to (a) continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge Optionee, if Optionee is an Employee, or (b) continue to provide services to the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company or its Subsidiaries, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the services of Optionee, if Optionee is a Consultant, at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company and Optionee.
2.16.1. Governing Law . This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
2.16.2. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This Agreement, together with the Notice to which this Agreement is attached and the Plan, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and therein and merges all prior discussions between the parties. Except as contemplated under the Plan, no modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
2.16.3. Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under Applicable Laws, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. (d) Notices. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient upon delivery, when delivered personally or by overnight courier or sent by email or fax (upon customary confirmation of receipt), or forty-eight (48) hours after being deposited in the U.S. mail as certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, addressed to the party to be notified at such party’s address or fax number as set forth on the signature page or as subsequently modified by written notice.
2.16.4. Counterparts . This Option may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.
2.16.5. Successors and Assigns. The rights and benefits of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Company’s successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Optionee under this Agreement may not be assigned without the prior written consent of the Company.
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall constitute one document.
Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof. Optionee hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms and provisions hereof. Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully understands all provisions of the Option. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Option. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.
Name:[ Company Representative Name ]
