Vesting schedules
Master vesting schedule management to properly structure equity incentives and protect your startup's interests while motivating your team.
Vesting Management Features
Flexible Vesting Schedules
Configure vesting periods and cliff periods to match your equity strategy
- Standard 4-year vesting with 1-year cliff
- Custom vesting periods (monthly, quarterly, annual)
- Cliff periods to protect against early departures
- Accelerated vesting for performance or events
Automated Vesting Calculations
Automatic tracking of vested vs. unvested equity over time
- Real-time vesting progress calculations
- Automatic monthly vesting updates
- Cliff date tracking and notifications
- Vesting acceleration trigger management
Employee Vesting Portals
Self-service portals for team members to track their equity vesting
- Personal vesting timeline and progress
- Vested vs. unvested equity breakdown
- Exercise windows and option details
- Tax implications and planning information
Types of Vesting Schedules
Time-Based Vesting
Equity vests over time according to a predetermined schedule
Example: 25% after 1-year cliff, then 1/36th monthly for remaining 3 years
Performance-Based Vesting
Equity vests based on achieving specific performance milestones
Example: Equity vests upon reaching revenue targets or product milestones
Hybrid Vesting
Combination of time-based and performance-based vesting criteria
Example: 50% time-based vesting, 50% based on company performance metrics
Accelerated Vesting
Immediate vesting triggered by specific events
Example: Full acceleration upon company sale or involuntary termination
Vesting Best Practices
Use Standard Terms
Start with industry-standard 4-year vesting with 1-year cliff for most employees
Consider Cliff Periods
Implement cliff periods to protect against early employee departures
Plan for Acceleration
Define clear acceleration triggers for change of control or termination events
Communicate Clearly
Ensure employees understand their vesting schedules and what they mean