¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ

Equity Award Agreement Template for England and Wales

Create a bespoke document in minutes,  or upload and review your own.

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

Let's create your Equity Award Agreement

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Get your first 2 documents free

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Equity Award Agreement

"I need an Equity Award Agreement for our Series B startup to grant stock options to our new CTO, with a four-year vesting schedule and a one-year cliff, starting from March 2025."

Document background
The Equity Award Agreement is a fundamental document used when companies wish to grant equity-based compensation to their employees, directors, or consultants under English and Welsh law. This agreement is particularly crucial for businesses looking to align individual interests with company performance and retain key talent. The document typically includes detailed provisions on award type, vesting conditions, exercise terms, and tax implications, while ensuring compliance with UK company law, securities regulations, and employment legislation. It serves as the primary record of the equity award arrangement between the company and the recipient.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identifies the company granting the award and the recipient

2. Background: Explains the context and purpose of the equity award

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Grant of Award: Details the specific equity award being granted

5. Vesting Conditions: Specifies the conditions and timeline for vesting

6. Exercise Terms: Outlines how and when the award can be exercised

7. Termination Provisions: Addresses what happens to awards upon employment termination

8. Tax Provisions: Details tax obligations and responsibilities

Optional Sections

1. Change of Control Provisions: Used when specific provisions for corporate transactions are needed - typically for companies considering potential M&A activity

2. Malus and Clawback: Provisions for recovering or reducing awards - typically required for regulated entities or senior management awards

3. International Provisions: Specific provisions for international recipients - used when awards are granted to individuals in multiple jurisdictions

4. Non-Competition Provisions: Restrictions on competitive activities - typically used for senior employees or when protecting company interests

Suggested Schedules

1. Award Details Schedule: Specific details of the award including number of shares, price, dates

2. Plan Rules: Copy or summary of the underlying equity plan rules

3. Tax Treatment Summary: Overview of tax implications in relevant jurisdictions

4. Acceptance Form: Form for formal acceptance of the award

5. Exercise Notice: Template form for exercising the award

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Relevant legal definitions














































Clauses




































Relevant Industries
Relevant Teams
Relevant Roles
Industries

Companies Act 2006: Primary legislation governing company operations including share capital provisions, directors' duties, shareholder rights, and share transfer regulations

Financial Services and Markets Act 2000: Regulates financial promotion rules, securities regulations, and investor protection provisions

Employment Rights Act 1996: Governs employment-related aspects of equity awards, including employee rights and protections when awards are part of employment compensation

Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003: Determines tax treatment of share awards and employment-related securities provisions

Finance Act: Covers Capital Gains Tax implications and tax treatment of share schemes through various yearly updates

Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Regulates processing of personal data and privacy requirements in relation to equity award administration

FCA Rules: Regulatory framework for listed companies covering market abuse regulations and disclosure requirements

Competition Law: Addresses restrictions on share ownership and market concentration issues

Corporate Governance Code: Provides best practices for share schemes, particularly relevant for listed companies

Equality Act 2010: Ensures non-discrimination and equal treatment in award schemes

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Sweat Equity Partnership Agreement

find out more

Sweat Equity Contract

find out more

Simple Equity Investment Agreement

find out more

Simple Agreement For Equity

find out more

Equity Transfer Contract

find out more

Equity Linked Agreement

find out more

Equity Line Agreement

find out more

Equity For Services Agreement

find out more

Earned Equity Agreement

find out more

Co Founder Equity Agreement

find out more

Sweat Equity Operating Agreement

An agreement under English and Welsh law governing the exchange of services for company equity ownership.

find out more

Equity Participation Loan Agreement

A loan agreement under English and Welsh law that combines debt financing with equity participation rights for the lender.

find out more

Founders Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement

An English law agreement governing founders' purchase of restricted company stock, including vesting and transfer conditions.

find out more

Continuous Agreement For Future Equity

An English law agreement providing rights to future equity in exchange for immediate investment, commonly used in early-stage funding rounds.

find out more

Independent Contractor Equity Agreement

An English law agreement governing independent contractor services and equity compensation arrangements.

find out more

Convertible Loan Stock Agreement

An English law agreement governing the issuance of debt securities convertible into company shares, setting out terms of conversion, interest, and investor rights.

find out more

Equity Shares Agreement

An English law agreement governing the transfer and ownership of company shares, including rights and obligations of shareholders.

find out more

Employee Stock Grant Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law documenting the award of company shares to an employee, including terms, conditions, and obligations.

find out more

Preferred Equity Agreement

An English law agreement establishing terms for preferred equity investment, including preferential rights and investor protections.

find out more

Equity Split Agreement

A legally binding agreement under English and Welsh law that documents how ownership shares in a business are divided among multiple parties.

find out more

Private Equity Finder's Fee Agreement

An English law agreement setting out terms for introducing investment opportunities to private equity firms, including fee arrangements and regulatory compliance.

find out more

Convertible Loan Agreement Startup

An English law agreement for a loan that converts to equity in a startup, typically during future funding rounds.

find out more

Advisor Equity Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law defining terms for advisory services provided in exchange for company equity.

find out more

Startup Equity Contract

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law governing the issuance and rights of equity shares in a startup company.

find out more

Restricted Stock Grant Agreement

An English law agreement governing the grant of restricted company shares to employees or service providers, subject to vesting conditions and transfer restrictions.

find out more

Phantom Stock Award Agreement

An English law agreement granting synthetic equity rights that mirror the economic benefits of company shares without transferring actual ownership.

find out more

Equity Share Contract

A legally binding agreement under English and Welsh law governing the transfer of company shares between parties.

find out more

Equity Incentive Agreement

A legally binding agreement under English and Welsh law establishing terms for granting equity-based compensation to employees or contractors.

find out more

Equity Award Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law documenting the terms of equity-based compensation granted to individuals.

find out more

Convertible Agreement Regarding Equity

An English law agreement allowing investment to be converted into equity shares at a future date, commonly used in early-stage funding rounds.

find out more

Preferred Stock Agreement

A legally binding agreement under English and Welsh law governing the issuance and terms of preferred stock, including investor rights and privileges.

find out more

Equity Stake Agreement

A legal agreement governed by English and Welsh law that documents the terms and conditions of acquiring shares in a company.

find out more

Equity Release Agreement

A regulated agreement under English and Welsh law enabling homeowners to access property equity while retaining residence rights.

find out more

Equity Repurchase Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law governing a company's repurchase of its own shares from shareholders.

find out more

Equity Buyout Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law governing the sale and transfer of company shares between parties.

find out more

Private Equity Investment Agreement

A legal agreement governing private equity investment terms under English and Welsh law, establishing rights, obligations, and exit mechanisms between investors and target companies.

find out more

Equity Loan Agreement

A contract under English and Welsh law governing the provision of a loan secured against property with shared appreciation provisions.

find out more

Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

An English law agreement governing the award of Restricted Stock Units to employees, detailing vesting conditions and settlement terms.

find out more

Equity Pledge Agreement

A legally binding agreement under English and Welsh law creating security over shares or equity interests in a company.

find out more

Standby Equity Purchase Agreement

A UK-law governed agreement establishing a committed equity line facility between an investor and a company for flexible capital raising.

find out more

Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

An English law agreement governing the grant of restricted stock units to employees, establishing vesting conditions and settlement terms.

find out more

Restricted Stock Award Agreement

An English law agreement governing the award of restricted company shares to employees or service providers, subject to vesting and transfer restrictions.

find out more

Equity Commitment Agreement

A binding agreement under English and Welsh law that documents an investor's commitment to provide equity funding to a company, including terms, conditions, and timing of the investment.

find out more

Convertible Equity Agreement

An English law agreement allowing investment to convert into equity shares at a future date, typically used for early-stage company funding.

find out more

Phantom Equity Agreement

An English law agreement granting synthetic equity rights that mirror the economic benefits of share ownership without issuing actual shares.

find out more

Employee Equity Agreement

A legally binding agreement under English and Welsh law governing the grant of company equity to employees.

find out more

Standby Equity Distribution Agreement

An English law agreement establishing a flexible equity financing facility allowing companies to draw down capital by issuing new shares to a committed investor.

find out more

Equity Participation Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law governing the acquisition of company shares by an investor, including terms of investment and shareholder rights.

find out more

Equity Grant Agreement

An English law agreement documenting the grant of company equity (shares or options) to a recipient, including terms and conditions of the grant.

find out more

Vested Equity Agreement

An English law agreement governing the gradual acquisition of company equity through a vesting schedule.

find out more

Private Equity Subscription Agreement

An English law agreement governing the subscription for shares by private equity investors, including key terms and investor protections.

find out more

Equity Transfer Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law governing the transfer of equity ownership between parties.

find out more

Equity Distribution Agreement

A contract governed by English and Welsh law that establishes terms for the distribution of equity securities between an issuer and distributor.

find out more

Equity Contribution Agreement

A legally binding agreement under English and Welsh law that sets out terms for equity investment in a company.

find out more

Equity Buyback Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law governing a company's repurchase of its own shares from existing shareholders.

find out more

Limited Partnership Agreement Private Equity

A legal agreement establishing a private equity fund as a limited partnership under English and Welsh law, defining partner relationships and fund operations.

find out more

Equity Ownership Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law that establishes the terms of share ownership and shareholder relationships in a company.

find out more

Equity Investment Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law governing the terms of equity investment in a company, including share allocation and investor rights.

find out more

Employee Stock Options Agreement

A legal agreement under English and Welsh law granting employees the right to purchase company shares under specified terms and conditions.

find out more

Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal

By providing your email address you are consenting to our Privacy Notice.
Thank you for downloading our whitepaper. This should arrive in your inbox shortly. In the meantime, why not jump straight to a section that interests you here: /our-research
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; ³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security

You retain IP ownership of your documents

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

Innovation in privacy:

Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London

Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts

Want to know more?

Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.