An equity agreement is like a partnership agreement between at least two people to run a venture jointly. An equity agreement binds each partner to each other and makes them personally liable for business debts.
Startup equity is distributed among employees as a form of compensation to attract and retain talent, and the amount allocated often varies based on the company's stage, the employee's role and the potential growth of the startup.
A company provides you with a lump sum in exchange for partial ownership of your home, and/or a share of its future appreciation. You don't make monthly repayments of principal or interest; instead, you settle up when you sell the home or at the end of a multi-year agreement period (typically between 10 and 30 years).
Equity agreements are a cornerstone for startups, providing a solid foundation for their business endeavors while ensuring fairness and clarity in equity distribution. Understanding the legal aspects and best practices of equity agreements is crucial for the long-term success and stability of startups.
As a rule of thumb, a non-founder CEO joining an early-stage startup (that has been running less than a year) would receive 7-10% equity. Other C-level execs would receive 1-5% equity that vests over time (usually 4 years).
Home equity sharing may also be wise if you don't want extra debt reflected on your credit profile. "These agreements allow homeowners to access their home equity without incurring additional debt," says Michael Crute, a real estate agent and operations strategist with Keller Williams in Atlanta.
Unlike HELs and HELOCs, home equity agreements aren't loans. That means there are no monthly payments or interest charges..