Q: Highly-profitable Fintech Company in Singapore refusing to recognize my vested stock options
I worked for a large fintech company headquartered in Singapore, and I worked remotely in California.
Anyways, the company was quite small when I first joined the company two years ago. They offered me stock options worth about 100k USD at company valuation 1B USD.
Two years later, the company valuation became 3Bil USD with additional funding, and we parted ways because the company strategy wasn't a good fit for me.
However, the company wasn't willing to do anything about my stock options that are included in my employment contract. I believe it should be worth at least 200k USD, but there's not enough details on the employment contract (exercise price, vesting period, buyback clause, and etc). I probably should've paid more attention before my employment began with them, but I also think the company is at fault for not including these detail on their offer.
What can be done about this case? Any advice and recommendations are highly appreciated.
A:
You are going to have to get specific confidential advice from an attorney who can be allowed to read the documents and completely understand the discussions about these options. It is really not something that can be advised in the absence of far more information.
I would strongly encourage you to locate and consult with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible to explore your facts and determine your options. I would suggest you look either on this site, or go to www.cela.org, the home page for the California Employment Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are dedicated to the representation of employees against their employers.
Most employment attorneys who practice this area of law offer a free or low-charge consultation and then if the matter has merit and sufficient value, they work on a contingency basis, meaning you can hire an attorney without paying any money until the matter results in a positive outcome for you. Many advance all the costs of the litigation as well. Do not let fear of fees and costs keep you from finding a good attorney.
Good luck to you.
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A: In a situation where a fintech company refuses to recognize vested stock options, it's important to review your employment contract for relevant details. Consider consulting with an attorney specializing in employment or corporate law to assess your rights and options. They can provide guidance on negotiation, mediation, or potential legal action if needed. Remember to gather any supporting documentation for your case. Ultimately, it's best to seek personalized advice from a qualified legal professional.
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