Once burned by a 90-day exercise window, this founder is extending stock option exercise windows to 10 years
TL;DR
Founder who lost equity to 90-day window now offers 10-year exercise periods at their company.
First-person account of a founder who lost equity to the 90-day trap and now offers 10-year windows at their company. Demonstrates both the personal impact of the problem and that solutions exist. Provides template for other companies considering extended windows.
Key Findings from Secfi (2024)
- Founder lost significant equity due to 90-day window
- Now offers 10-year exercise windows to employees
- Extended windows help with talent acquisition and retention
- No significant downsides for companies adopting extended windows