Compensation Plan

Important Notice

Please note that our compensation plans are subject to change as the company grows and evolves. These plans reflect our current startup stage, and we may adapt them in the future to better meet the needs of both the company and its employees. Any changes will be communicated transparently.

Our Compensation Philosophy

Equity & Partnership at Waanverse Labs

At Waanverse Labs, we believe in rewarding our team not just with a salary, but with a real stake in the company's future. As a startup, we're building something ambitious, and we want everyone on the team to be partners in that journey. While we may not be able to offer the high salaries of established corporations yet, we offer something potentially far more valuable: equity ownership through stock options.

Partnership Become a true partner in our growth journey, not just an employee.

Long-Term Value Potential for significant financial upside as the company grows and succeeds.

Alignment Your financial success is directly tied to the company's success. We all win together.

Our Two Compensation Approaches

We recognize that different roles and contributions require different compensation structures. We offer two primary compensation plans:

1. One-Time, Project-Based Compensation

This plan is designed for specific, non-recurring roles or projects, often involving external experts or consultants. It's a straightforward approach for clearly defined tasks with a beginning and an end.

How it Works:

Scope Definition: We clearly define the scope of work, deliverables, and expected timeline *before* the project begins.
Fixed Payment: A fixed payment amount is agreed upon upfront, based on the project's complexity, the expertise required, and market rates.
Payment Schedule: Payment may be made in installments, tied to specific milestones, or upon final completion of the project, as agreed upon in the contract.
No Long-Term Obligation: Once the project is successfully completed and payment is made, the contract concludes. There are no ongoing obligations for either party.
Clear Contract: A written contract outlines all terms and conditions, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding.

Typical Roles for This Plan:

Legal consultations and contract drafting
One-time marketing campaigns or strategy consulting
Specialized software development or design projects
Project-based administrative or operational support

Benefits of this Plan:

Budget Control: Allows us to manage expenses effectively for short-term needs.
Access to Expertise: Enables us to bring in specialized skills without long-term commitments.
Clear Expectations: Provides clear deliverables and payment terms for both parties.

2. Stock Option Compensation (For Long-Term Team Members)

This is our primary compensation plan for full-time employees and long-term contributors who are vital to Waanverse Labs' growth and success. It's designed to reward dedication, incentivize long-term commitment, and align everyone's interests with the company's overall performance.

How it Works:

Stock Option Grant: Eligible employees are granted the option to purchase a specific number of company shares at a predetermined price (the "strike price"). This grant is typically outlined in a formal Stock Option Agreement.
Strike Price: The strike price is usually set at the fair market value of the company's stock at the time the options are granted. This means you're getting the opportunity to buy shares at their current value, even if the company's value increases significantly in the future.
Vesting Schedule: Stock options don't become yours immediately. They "vest" over time, meaning you earn the right to purchase them according to a set schedule. Our standard vesting schedule is:
- 4-Year Vesting Period: Options vest over four years.
- 1-Year Cliff: You receive no options for the first year of employment. This is the "cliff."
- Monthly Vesting After Cliff: After the first year, the remaining options vest monthly over the following three years. For example, if you are granted 4,800 options, you would vest 100 options per month after the first year (4800 / 48 months = 100 options/month).
Exercising Options: Once your options have vested, you have the right (but not the obligation) to "exercise" them – meaning you can purchase the shares at the strike price.
Holding or Selling Shares: After exercising your options and purchasing the shares, you own them outright. You can hold onto them, hoping their value will continue to increase, or you can sell them. However, as a private company, there isn't a public market for Waanverse Labs shares yet.
Liquidity Events: The most common ways to realize the value of your shares are through:
- Acquisition: If Waanverse Labs is acquired by another company, your shares would typically be purchased as part of the deal.
- Initial Public Offering (IPO): If Waanverse Labs goes public (lists its shares on a stock exchange), you would be able to sell your shares on the open market.

Key Terms Explained:

Strike Price: The predetermined price at which you can purchase your shares when your options vest.
Vesting Schedule: The timeline over which you earn the right to purchase your stock options.
Cliff: A period of time (usually one year) before any options vest.
Exercise: The act of purchasing your shares at the strike price after they have vested.
Liquidity Event: An event (like an acquisition or IPO) that allows you to sell your shares for cash.
Stock Option Agreement: The legal document that outlines all the terms and conditions of your stock option grant.

Why Choose Stock Options?

Stock options offer the potential for significant financial rewards if Waanverse Labs is successful. While there's inherent risk in joining a startup, the potential upside can be far greater than a traditional salary. Here's why we believe in this model:

Ownership Mentality: Stock options make you a part-owner, fostering a stronger sense of commitment and shared purpose.
Long-Term Incentive: The vesting schedule encourages long-term dedication and contribution to the company's growth.
Potential for High Returns: If the company's value increases significantly, your stock options could become extremely valuable.
Tax Advantages (Potentially): Depending on your specific circumstances and local tax laws, stock options may offer tax advantages compared to traditional salary. *Consult with a tax advisor for personalized advice.

Potential Upside & Risk:

It's important to understand both the potential rewards and the risks associated with stock options:

Potential Upside: If Waanverse Labs is acquired or goes public, your stock options could be worth significantly more than the strike price, potentially leading to substantial financial gains.

Risk: As a startup, there's no guarantee of a liquidity event. If the company doesn't succeed, your stock options could become worthless. This is the inherent risk of joining an early-stage company.

We believe the potential rewards outweigh the risks, and we're committed to building a company that creates significant value for our team members.

Joining the Waanverse Labs Team

We're looking for passionate, driven individuals who are excited to build something groundbreaking. If you're willing to embrace the challenges and rewards of a startup environment, we encourage you to explore opportunities at Waanverse Labs.

We are committed to transparency and open communication. We encourage all prospective and current team members to ask questions about our compensation plans and to seek independent financial and legal advice to fully understand the implications of stock options.

Disclaimer: This compensation plan overview is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Specific terms and conditions will be outlined in individual contracts and Stock Option Agreements.