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Employee Shares for Startups

Employee Shares for Startups

Employee Shares for Startups

Involve your team in financial success!

Involve your team in financial success!

Involve your team in financial success!

Stock Option Plan (ESOP)

PDF File - ESOP (Preview)

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Stock Option Plan (ESOP)

PDF File - ESOP (Preview)

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We assist you in the selection, development, and implementation of the participation program that fits your company and your business strategy.
We develop share plans, stock option plans (ESOP), and phantom stock plans (PSOP).
Stock Option Plan (ESOP)

PDF File - ESOP (Preview)

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Benefits Overview

Employee Recruitment

Employee Recruitment

Employee Recruitment

Employee Recruitment

Competitiveness

Despite lower base salaries, attractive and competitive compensation packages can be offered to employees.


Improved Corporate Culture

Employee participation attracts dedicated staff who want to actively contribute to the development and success of the company.

Employee Retention

Employee Retention

Employee Retention

Employee Retention

Owner Mentality

Employees develop a deeper sense of responsibility and stronger commitment through participation.


Reward Loyalty

Participation plans create strong incentives for employees to perform well and stay with the company in the long term.


Stable Employment Relationships

Participation structures can have a positive impact on employee turnover.

Increase Success Chances

Increase Success Chances

Increase Success Chances

Increase Success Chances

Reduce Financial Risk

Startups can alleviate financial constraints through equity programs by partially replacing salaries with company shares. This reduces the pressure on liquidity and mitigates the risk of failure due to lack of financial resources.


Common Success Goals

Employee equity creates a win-win situation where both the company and the employees work towards the same goal - company growth.

Share Financial Success With Your Team

Share Financial Success With Your Team

Share Financial Success With Your Team

Share Financial Success With Your Team

Show Appreciation

Enable your team to participate in the jointly created value creation.


Recognitive Compensation

Founders can properly reward their employees for their hard work and contribution to shared success with participation programs.

Types of Share Plans

Share Plan

With a Share Plan, employees receive the opportunity to purchase shares of the company at a discounted price or to receive them as part of their compensation package.

Main features

Ownership - Employees instantly become shareholders and thus receive the associated shareholder rights (e.g., voting rights).

Buyback rights - Employee shares are often combined with buyback rights by the company, should employees leave the company early.

Tax consideration - The taxation of shareholdings is structured differently - possibly more favorably - than the taxation of stock options and phantom shares.

Stock Option Plan (ESOP)

As part of Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOP), employees are given the option to purchase shares after a certain period at a predetermined price.

Main features

Option rights - Employees receive options to purchase shares, becoming shareholders only at a later time.

Vesting - Options generally have to be "earned" over a period of three to four years (so-called time-based vesting).

Voluntary Exercise - Employees can freely decide whether to exercise their options and purchase shares at the exercise price. They will usually exercise this right when the exercise price is below the market price of the holdings.

phantom share plan (PSOP)

With a phantom stock plan (PSOP), employees are involved in the success without real shares being issued. Instead, cash payments are made based on the performance of the shares.

Main features

No shareholder status - Phantom shares entitle participation in the financial success of the company. In contrast, there is no right to shareholder status.

Cash withdrawal - At the time of exercise, employees receive a payout that corresponds to their phantom share ratio. The taxation is comparable to that of a bonus payout.

Simple administration - PSOPs are easier to manage as no stock transfers take place.

Overview of the differences

Share Plan
Stock option plan
Phantom Stock Plan
Type of Participation

Shares

Shares

Shares

Stock Option

Stock Option

Stock Option

Cash Consideration

Cash Consideration

Cash Consideration

Shareholder Position

After exercising the option.

After exercising the option.

After exercising the option.

Voting Rights

After exercising the option.

After exercising the option.

After exercising the option.

Dividend Rights

After exercising the option.

After exercising the option.

After exercising the option.

Taxation

In case of share transfer and possibly share sale.

In case of share transfer and possibly share sale.

In case of share transfer and possibly share sale.

When exercising the option and, potentially, selling shares.

When exercising the option and, potentially, selling shares.

When exercising the option and, potentially, selling shares.

At payout.

At payout.

At payout.

Setup & Administrative Complexity

High

High

High

Medium

Medium

Medium

Low

Low

Low

Our Packages

Choose the package that suits your business.
Professional participation plan

CHF 2,875

Includes:
  • Kick-off meeting
  • Legal assessment of the initial situation
  • Document creation
  • Feedback round
  • Finalization and implementation

POPULAR

Professional participation plan

CHF 2,875

Includes:
  • Kick-off meeting
  • Legal assessment of the initial situation
  • Document creation
  • Feedback round
  • Finalization and implementation

POPULAR

Professional participation plan

CHF 2,875

Includes:
  • Kick-off meeting
  • Legal assessment of the initial situation
  • Document creation
  • Feedback round
  • Finalization and implementation

POPULAR

Tax-optimized participation plan

CHF 5,375

Includes
  • Kick-off meeting
  • Legal assessment of the initial situation
  • Tax assessment
  • Tax ruling at the competent tax authority
  • Document creation
  • Feedback round
  • Finalization and implementation
Tax-optimized participation plan

CHF 5,375

Includes
  • Kick-off meeting
  • Legal assessment of the initial situation
  • Tax assessment
  • Tax ruling at the competent tax authority
  • Document creation
  • Feedback round
  • Finalization and implementation
Tax-optimized participation plan

CHF 5,375

Includes
  • Kick-off meeting
  • Legal assessment of the initial situation
  • Tax assessment
  • Tax ruling at the competent tax authority
  • Document creation
  • Feedback round
  • Finalization and implementation

Lose-Win Guarantee

Your satisfaction is important to us. Therefore, we guarantee a full refund of the purchase price in case of dissatisfaction. The documents and recommendations prepared up to that point will remain available to you even after the refund.

Your satisfaction is important to us. Therefore, we guarantee a full refund of the purchase price in case of dissatisfaction. The documents and recommendations prepared up to that point will remain available to you even after the refund.

Client Feedback

  • Flurin Jenal

    Flurin Jenal

    Founder of Stormed Inc.

    "Marco knows exactly what startups need, offers his help directly, keeps everything lean, and enables fast implementation. Great!"

    Desiree Pastore

    Desiree Pastore

    Vice President, Relationship Manager at Neuberger Berman

    "Marco provided me with extremely competent and timely advice on my legal questions regarding an extensive and complex employment contract. I can only recommend his legal consulting!"

    Serial entrepreneur

    Dieter Borer

    Serial entrepreneur

    "The ability to act quickly is essential in business. Marco enables me to do just that. I make business decisions on my own schedule, while he ensures that the associated legal risks are minimized."

    Daniel Koss

    Daniel Koss

    Founder of creable AG

    "Marco advises my company competently, pragmatically, and above all immediately when a problem arises. Really top-notch advice!"

    Daniel Svonava

    Daniel Svonava

    Co-founder of Superlinked, Inc.

    "As the founder of a software startup, I enjoy working with Marco because he understands how to combine thorough legal research with the context of a startup."

    Marvin Sangines

    Marvin Sangines

    Founder of notus GmbH

    "Working with Marco gives me confidence, as I know that my legal risks are covered. His quick and risk-oriented legal advice feels less like a service and more like a partnership."

Client Feedback

  • Flurin Jenal

    Flurin Jenal

    Founder of Stormed Inc.

    "Marco knows exactly what startups need, offers his help directly, keeps everything lean, and enables fast implementation. Great!"

    Desiree Pastore

    Desiree Pastore

    Vice President, Relationship Manager at Neuberger Berman

    "Marco provided me with extremely competent and timely advice on my legal questions regarding an extensive and complex employment contract. I can only recommend his legal consulting!"

    Serial entrepreneur

    Dieter Borer

    Serial entrepreneur

    "The ability to act quickly is essential in business. Marco enables me to do just that. I make business decisions on my own schedule, while he ensures that the associated legal risks are minimized."

    Daniel Koss

    Daniel Koss

    Founder of creable AG

    "Marco advises my company competently, pragmatically, and above all immediately when a problem arises. Really top-notch advice!"

    Daniel Svonava

    Daniel Svonava

    Co-founder of Superlinked, Inc.

    "As the founder of a software startup, I enjoy working with Marco because he understands how to combine thorough legal research with the context of a startup."

    Marvin Sangines

    Marvin Sangines

    Founder of notus GmbH

    "Working with Marco gives me confidence, as I know that my legal risks are covered. His quick and risk-oriented legal advice feels less like a service and more like a partnership."

How to start?

Step 1

Filling out the form below & scheduling a kick-off meeting.

Step 2

Kick-off meeting

Step 3

Legal assessment of the initial situation

Step 4 (Optional)

Tax assessment and obtaining a tax ruling.

Step 5

Feedback round and implementation.

Get started now!

By filling out the form, you take the first step towards employee participation.

How can we serve you?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which participation plan is the best for my company?

The ideal participation plan depends on the goals, structure, and financial strategy of your company. Stock plans promote your employees' connection to the company. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) combine the benefits of (future) shareholder status with the flexibility of options. Phantom stock plans enable employees to financially participate in the company's success without granting shareholder rights.

Which participation plan is the best for my company?

The ideal participation plan depends on the goals, structure, and financial strategy of your company. Stock plans promote your employees' connection to the company. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) combine the benefits of (future) shareholder status with the flexibility of options. Phantom stock plans enable employees to financially participate in the company's success without granting shareholder rights.

Which participation plan is the best for my company?

The ideal participation plan depends on the goals, structure, and financial strategy of your company. Stock plans promote your employees' connection to the company. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) combine the benefits of (future) shareholder status with the flexibility of options. Phantom stock plans enable employees to financially participate in the company's success without granting shareholder rights.

Which plan is used most often?

In Switzerland, stock option plans (ESOP) are often used. However, stock and phantom stock plans also offer various advantages that may provide a more suitable solution in individual cases.

Which plan is used most often?

In Switzerland, stock option plans (ESOP) are often used. However, stock and phantom stock plans also offer various advantages that may provide a more suitable solution in individual cases.

Which plan is used most often?

In Switzerland, stock option plans (ESOP) are often used. However, stock and phantom stock plans also offer various advantages that may provide a more suitable solution in individual cases.

How do we personalize your employee participation plan?

We adapt your plan to the individual needs of your company. We do this by considering factors such as company size, business sector, growth strategy, and long-term objectives. Furthermore, we also examine contractual and tax legal frameworks.

How do we personalize your employee participation plan?

We adapt your plan to the individual needs of your company. We do this by considering factors such as company size, business sector, growth strategy, and long-term objectives. Furthermore, we also examine contractual and tax legal frameworks.

How do we personalize your employee participation plan?

We adapt your plan to the individual needs of your company. We do this by considering factors such as company size, business sector, growth strategy, and long-term objectives. Furthermore, we also examine contractual and tax legal frameworks.

How do participation plans help attract and retain employees?

Employee participation plans not only provide financial incentives but also strengthen the sense of belonging and commitment. Employees who are involved with the company are more motivated to contribute to the long-term success of the business. At the same time, such plans enable the design of attractive salary packages despite lower wages.

How do participation plans help attract and retain employees?

Employee participation plans not only provide financial incentives but also strengthen the sense of belonging and commitment. Employees who are involved with the company are more motivated to contribute to the long-term success of the business. At the same time, such plans enable the design of attractive salary packages despite lower wages.

How do participation plans help attract and retain employees?

Employee participation plans not only provide financial incentives but also strengthen the sense of belonging and commitment. Employees who are involved with the company are more motivated to contribute to the long-term success of the business. At the same time, such plans enable the design of attractive salary packages despite lower wages.

What administrative complexities are associated with such plans?

Managing participation plans can be complex. This includes establishing the legal framework, complying with tax regulations, and documenting allocation agreements. Our law firm supports you in simplifying these processes and ensuring that all legal and administrative requirements are met.

What administrative complexities are associated with such plans?

Managing participation plans can be complex. This includes establishing the legal framework, complying with tax regulations, and documenting allocation agreements. Our law firm supports you in simplifying these processes and ensuring that all legal and administrative requirements are met.

What administrative complexities are associated with such plans?

Managing participation plans can be complex. This includes establishing the legal framework, complying with tax regulations, and documenting allocation agreements. Our law firm supports you in simplifying these processes and ensuring that all legal and administrative requirements are met.

Can only employees receive shares?

Not necessarily. A participation plan can also be designed in such a way that consultants, board members, and other involved parties can participate in the company.

Can only employees receive shares?

Not necessarily. A participation plan can also be designed in such a way that consultants, board members, and other involved parties can participate in the company.

Can only employees receive shares?

Not necessarily. A participation plan can also be designed in such a way that consultants, board members, and other involved parties can participate in the company.

Can employees sell their shares or options?

In most participation plans, the sale of shares or options is only permitted under special circumstances. Employees are often also bound by so-called vesting periods during which they cannot sell their shares.

Can employees sell their shares or options?

In most participation plans, the sale of shares or options is only permitted under special circumstances. Employees are often also bound by so-called vesting periods during which they cannot sell their shares.

Can employees sell their shares or options?

In most participation plans, the sale of shares or options is only permitted under special circumstances. Employees are often also bound by so-called vesting periods during which they cannot sell their shares.

What are the tax implications of employee participation plans?

The tax treatment of employee participation depends on the specific type of plan, the canton of the company's headquarters, the cantons of residence of the employees, and various other factors. Our experience shows that it is worthwhile to conduct tax clarifications even before the implementation of participation plans.

What are the tax implications of employee participation plans?

The tax treatment of employee participation depends on the specific type of plan, the canton of the company's headquarters, the cantons of residence of the employees, and various other factors. Our experience shows that it is worthwhile to conduct tax clarifications even before the implementation of participation plans.

What are the tax implications of employee participation plans?

The tax treatment of employee participation depends on the specific type of plan, the canton of the company's headquarters, the cantons of residence of the employees, and various other factors. Our experience shows that it is worthwhile to conduct tax clarifications even before the implementation of participation plans.

Need advice?

Explore Our Tailored Legal Services and Secure Your Business’s Future Today.

Need advice?

Explore Our Tailored Legal Services and Secure Your Business’s Future Today.