Assemble the document set
The grant notice may not contain every rule. Collect the equity plan, grant agreement, amendments, exercise instructions, current capitalization information if provided, and company policies. Record which document controls conflicts.
Distinguish incentive stock options and nonqualified options where US tax treatment is relevant. Eligibility and treatment depend on facts and law, not only the label in a dashboard.
- Option type
- Shares and strike
- Vesting schedule
- Expiration
- Post-termination window
Separate ownership from potential
An option is a contractual right subject to its terms. Vested does not mean exercised, and exercised shares may still be illiquid, restricted, or exposed to company concentration.
Model outcomes with taxes, exercise cash, dilution, liquidity, and the possibility of zero value visible.
Trace every model input to the plan or grant document and mark any term supplied only by an interface summary.