How much new equity should I demand in a refresh grant?

Depends on dilution and role. As a rough guide: if you own 0.5% and the company has raised 3+ rounds, you might ask for 0.5–1% as a refresh. Use this to get back to your original ownership percentage, adjusted for inflation.

What is the difference between a new grant and a top-up?

A new grant is a completely new award with a new vesting schedule (often 4-year cliff). A top-up accelerates or adds to your existing grant. Top-ups are better (you keep original vesting). Push for top-up rather than new grant.

Is refresh grant equity really valuable?

Only if the company is on a path to exit or IPO. If growth has stalled, refresh equity might be worthless. Also watch: if refresh equity has a 4-year cliff, you're locked in for retention. Make sure you want to stay.

How much new equity should I demand in a refresh grant?

Depends on dilution and role. As a rough guide: if you own 0.5% and the company has raised 3+ rounds, you might ask for 0.5–1% as a refresh. Use this to get back to your original ownership percentage, adjusted for inflation.

What is the difference between a new grant and a top-up?

A new grant is a completely new award with a new vesting schedule (often 4-year cliff). A top-up accelerates or adds to your existing grant. Top-ups are better (you keep original vesting). Push for top-up rather than new grant.

Is refresh grant equity really valuable?

Only if the company is on a path to exit or IPO. If growth has stalled, refresh equity might be worthless. Also watch: if refresh equity has a 4-year cliff, you're locked in for retention. Make sure you want to stay.

AI Contract Analysis

Equity Refresh Grant — Negotiate Your New Equity Award

As a startup grows, early employees' equity percentages shrink due to dilution. To retain talent, companies offer "refresh grants" (new equity awards). But the terms matter: is it a new grant or a top-up to existing vesting? What is the strike price? Is it subject to new cliffs? Our AI analyzes refresh grant terms and helps you negotiate fair awards.

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