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Equity incentive plan

Also called: stock plan, share option plan, option plan

In one line

The overarching plan document under which a company grants options, RSUs and other equity to its people.

In plain English

The plan sets the rules for all grants — the pool size, types of awards, and default terms. Your individual grant agreement sits beneath it and can't override it.

If you were explaining it to a 5-year-old

The big chocolate-sharing programme the club runs, with all the general rules. Your personal note follows those rules.

Why it matters when you sell

The plan can contain default transfer and exercise rules that affect every grant, including yours.

Related terms

Put it to use

How ESOP allocation works

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Sources

A general market-practice term. See how we define and source the glossary in our methodology. General information, not advice.

Educational information only — not financial, tax or legal advice, and not an offer to buy or sell any security. Definitions are general; your own documents and local law govern your situation. PrivateTechShares is independent and not a broker or marketplace.