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    Vesting Schedule

    Timeline over which equity is earned by an employee or founder.

    Reviewed by Christian Espinosa, Founder, Blue Goat CyberLast reviewed May 5, 2026

    Definition

    Vesting is the process by which equity (founder shares, options, RSUs) becomes non-forfeitable over time. The standard schedule is 4 years with a 1-year cliff: 25% vests at the 1-year anniversary, then monthly thereafter.

    What this means in practice

    Founder vesting reassures investors that co-founders are committed; without it, a founder who leaves in year one keeps a huge chunk of the company.

    Primary references

    3 sources
    Link health: 1 verified 2 bot-blocked· last checked 2026-05-09
    Carta·1PitchBook·1NVCA·1
    1. 1
      Carta: vesting
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      Cartacarta.com
    2. 2
      PitchBook - MedTech Coverage
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      PitchBookpitchbook.com
    3. 3
      NVCA Model Documents
      Verified
      NVCAnvca.org

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