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Startup equity decisions

The hard part isn't the definitions — it's the decisions. These are neutral frameworks for the big calls, with no product we're nudging you toward and a free calculator behind each one.

Exercising options

• Exercise now or wait? — cash, AMT, risk and the tax clocks, weighed up.
• Can't afford to exercise? — sell-to-cover, financing, partial exercise or walking away.

Selling & liquidity

• Should I sell my pre-IPO shares? — the real pros, cons, tax and risk.
• My company's running a tender — should I sell? — how much to take, and why a tender is often your best window.
• Sell now or wait for the IPO? — certain-but-discounted vs potential-but-uncertain.
• Sell some or all? — sizing a partial sale to your risk.
• My startup might fail — should I sell? — de-risking while a buyer and price still exist.

RSUs & public-company equity

• Sell or hold my RSUs? — why “sell at vest” usually wins, and when it doesn't.
• RSUs after an IPO — lock-up, tax and the sell-vs-hold call.

Leaving & employment events

• Leaving — what happens to my options? — the exercise window and the fast decision it forces.
• Laid off with options? — the deadline, the choices, and what to do first.
• Should I sell my VSOP or BSPCE? — can you even sell European equity? It depends what you hold.

Frequently asked questions

Read next

All free tools · Ways to sell pre-IPO shares · RSUs after an IPO · Equity A–Z glossary

Sources & further reading

Primary references: IRS, US SEC / Investor.gov, gov.uk / HMRC and national authorities, cross-checked against our PTS Open Framework. General information, not advice.

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