Exit
Exit and equity payout
An exit is when shareholders finally convert their equity into cash, through an acquisition, an IPO, or a secondary sale. This hub explains how proceeds are distributed and what happens to employee options along the way.
What happens to equity at an exit
Acquisition
When a startup is acquired, proceeds are distributed according to the waterfall set by liquidation preferences, share class, and ownership percentage. Employee options are usually accelerated, exercised, and cashed out as part of the deal.
IPO
An initial public offering lists a company's shares on a stock exchange, giving shareholders a public market to sell into. Founders and employees typically cannot sell immediately due to a lock-up period, usually 90 to 180 days after listing.
Secondary Sale
A secondary sale is when a shareholder sells existing shares to a new or existing investor, rather than the company issuing new shares. It gives founders and employees an opportunity for partial liquidity before a full acquisition or IPO.
Selling Shares
Selling shares in a private startup is not as simple as selling public stock. It typically requires company consent, compliance with pre-emption rights, and a willing buyer, since there is no open market for private shares.
Employee Equity at Exit
At an exit, employees typically see their vested options exercised and cashed out net of the strike price, while unvested options may accelerate, continue vesting under the new owner, or be cancelled, depending on the plan and deal terms.
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