What is accelerated vesting?
Accelerated vesting is a provision in a stock option plan or equity award that allows an employee, founder or director to vest in shares or options faster than the standard schedule. It is typically triggered by a change in control (single-trigger) or by termination without cause following a change in control (double-trigger).
Acceleration provisions are heavily negotiated in venture deals. Investors generally prefer double-trigger acceleration over single-trigger because it preserves retention incentives for the acquirer. Founders commonly negotiate 6–12 months of partial acceleration on involuntary termination.