SeedBlink provides EIC Accelerator companies with a complete Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) setup and management service — enabling deep tech founders to attract, incentivize, and retain the specialized talent critical to scaling breakthrough innovations. Recruiting and retaining top engineering and scientific talent is one of the core challenges for EIC-backed companies. A well-structured ESOP is one of the most effective tools available, yet many founders lack the infrastructure to design, implement, and administer one compliantly across European jurisdictions.
Activities included:
- ESOP program design with guidance from SeedBlink's network of local European legal and tax advisors
- AI-assisted setup via built-in Equibot assistance for plan structuring
- Definition of vesting schedules, cliffs, timeframes, and option pool allocation
- Contract generation and e-signature management for all option grants
- Dedicated employee portal providing each team member with real-time visibility into their equity, vesting status, and exit scenarios
- Automated communications, reporting, and centralized documentation
- Ongoing platform management with compliance workflows built in
- Early exit functionality for vested shares, under founder control
Target beneficiaries: EIC Accelerator companies at any stage seeking to implement or professionalize their equity incentive programmes for key employees and co-founders.
Outcome: A fully operational, legally compliant ESOP — reducing administrative workload by up to 50% and strengthening the company's ability to attract and retain top European talent.
Format: Fully digital, available on a rolling basis at seedblink.com/ESOP-management.
The ESOP Setup & Management service is offered at €3,000 per year, covering full platform access including program setup, employee portal, automated vesting management, contract and e-signature workflows, reporting, and ongoing administration. This annual subscription includes unlimited option grants and employee onboarding. ESOP design support from local European legal and tax advisors is available as an optional add-on and priced separately based on jurisdiction and complexity. No equity or success fees are charged for this service.
The service is available on a rolling basis with no fixed application deadlines. EIC beneficiaries can register and set up their ESOP at any time through seedblink.com/esop-management. The annual fee of €3,000 is payable upon subscription and renews yearly. Legal and tax advisory services for ESOP design, where required, are provided through SeedBlink's European partner network and priced separately depending on jurisdiction and program complexity. SeedBlink reserves the right to assess each company's requirements prior to onboarding and to adjust the scope of advisory services accordingly.
Human Resources & Talent
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