Employees facing an acquisition or termination — asking specifically about accelerated vesting clauses, not the standard schedule.
What Does "Accelerated Vesting" Mean for You?
If your company is being acquired, or you've been let go, this is the clause that determines how much of your unvested equity you actually keep.
See whether your specific agreement includes single- or double-trigger acceleration.
Standard vesting assumes you stay employed the whole time. Acceleration clauses exist specifically for the scenarios where that assumption breaks — an acquisition, a termination, or both.
Single-Trigger Acceleration
With a single-trigger clause, one event alone — typically a change of control (acquisition) — immediately vests some or all of your unvested equity, regardless of whether your employment continues afterward.
Double-Trigger Acceleration
A double-trigger clause requires two events: a change of control and your termination (or a significant negative change to your role) within a defined window afterward. This is far more common than single-trigger, because it protects the company from over-accelerating equity to employees the acquirer wants to keep.
Quick Reference: What Triggers What
| Clause Type | What Triggers Acceleration | How Common |
|---|---|---|
| Single-trigger | Acquisition alone | Less common |
| Double-trigger | Acquisition + termination within a defined window | Most common |
| None | Standard schedule continues unchanged | Also common, especially at seed stage |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my unvested equity automatically accelerate if my company is acquired?
Only if your agreement includes an acceleration clause — it's not automatic under standard vesting terms. Check specifically for single-trigger or double-trigger language in your option or RSU agreement.
- Many early-stage grants have no acceleration clause at all
- Read your specific agreement rather than assuming a market standard
- Ask your equity administrator directly if you're unsure
What's the difference between single- and double-trigger acceleration for me?
Single-trigger vests you immediately on the acquisition alone. Double-trigger requires both the acquisition and your termination (or a significant negative change) within a set window — meaning you don't get acceleration if you keep your job after the deal.
- Double-trigger is more common and generally favors the acquiring company
- Single-trigger benefits you more but is rarer, especially for early hires
- Negotiate this specifically if you're joining pre-acquisition talks
The Lovie Advantage
Internal Link: Lovie Cap Table Management flags acceleration clauses directly on each grant, so employees and founders both know exactly what happens to unvested equity before a deal, not after it's already closing.
Trying to understand standard (non-accelerated) vesting mechanics instead? See Internal Link: How a Vesting Schedule Actually Works. For background on how these clauses are typically drafted, the National Venture Capital Association's model legal documents is a useful reference.
Check for Acceleration Clauses
See whether your specific agreement includes single- or double-trigger acceleration. Start Free with Lovie