How ESO Fund's 3-Step Process Works
A simple, transparent process guided by real experts from start to finish.
Introduce Yourself
Schedule your free 15-minute Intro Call with an ESO Fund Partner.
Read More DetailsHide DetailsWhat happens on the call:
- Provide equity information securely.
- We outline exactly what documents we’ll need later.
- Your information is protected by a mutual NDA.
Schedule a CallPersonalized Offer
We review your situation and provide a tailored non-recourse funding offer.
Read More DetailsHide DetailsHow your offer is prepared:
- ESO reviews your company and grant information.
- We may follow up with emails/calls for clarifications.
- A background check ensures eligibility before moving forward.
Typical timeline: 3–10 days
(faster if urgent).
Close & Fund
Finalize your deal with ESO Fund. Simple, transparent, and non-recourse.
Read More DetailsHide DetailsFinal steps before funding:
- Review and sign your funding agreement via DocuSign.
- Confirm final details during a Zoom closing.
- ESO provides the funding for your exercise or liquidity.
Typical timeline: 7–14 days
(as little as 24 hours if urgent).
Most clients complete funding within 1–2 weeks, with faster options available when needed. Funding is always subject to approval, as not every situation qualifies.
Why Employees Choose ESO Fund
The core principles behind how we fund employee equity.
Non-Recourse Funding
No exit, no repayment.
ESO Fund structures all funding as non-recourse. That means repayment only happens if your company reaches liquidity. Unlike loans, there’s no personal liability, no collateral, and no risk to your credit or assets.
Maintain Ownership
Your shares stay in your name.
We don’t require transfers or pledges of your stock. You maintain ownership, voting rights, and potential upside. Our role is to fund your exercise or liquidity, not to take your shares away.
Aligned Partnership
We only succeed when you do.
ESO Fund stays with you from funding through exit. Our returns are outcome-dependent, so our interests are fully aligned with yours. We’re built as a long-term equity partner, not a transactional lender.
Human Guidance
Work directly with an ESO Partner.
Every client engages with a real person, not just a portal. From your Intro Call through IPO, an experienced ESO Fund Partner guides you through the process and answers your questions.
When to Use ESO Fund
The most common situations where employees partner with ESO Fund.
Expiration
Don't lose your options when you leave.
ESO Fund helps you cover the cost of exercising before they expire, so you keep the upside.
- Exercise before your 90-day window closes.
- Retain ownership without out-of-pocket costs.
- Flexibility to pursue new opportunities.
Tax Savings
Use timing to your advantage.
By exercising early with ESO Fund’s support, you can minimize taxes and maximize long-term gains.
- Start the clock on Long-Term Capital Gains.
- Exercise before a company fundraise increases the FMV.
- Capture benefits while QSBS eligible.
Liquidity
Access cash while maintaining future upside
Turn your equity into usable funds today while maintaining future growth potential.
- Liquidity for existing shares
- Liquidity for vested RSUs
- Unlock cash for life needs like housing or diversification.
How Pricing Works
ESO Fund’s funding is non-recourse, meaning if your company doesn’t reach liquidity, you owe nothing. We structure each offer based on your company, your equity, and the funding amount.
Instead of charging interest or fees, we share in a percentage of your equity plus our money back only if there’s a successful exit.
Most clients complete funding within 1–2 weeks. Urgent cases can be expedited as quickly as 24 hours.
No. Unlike a secondary sale, our process does not require board or company approval because your shares remain in your name.
Yes. Because we don’t take your stock as collateral, we run a standard background and credit check to ensure eligibility.
Nothing, our funding is non-recourse. If there’s no liquidity event, you owe us nothing.
Just your company name and equity details. We handle most of the research and due diligence ourselves. I
Every client is paired with an ESO Fund Partner who guides you from intro call to closing, not just an automated portal.
