Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2015 Stock Plan
Exhibit 10.9(a)
OUSTER, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2015 STOCK PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
1. Grant of Option. Pursuant to the option grant summary tab (the Notice) on the website to which this Stock Option Agreement is associated, Ouster, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), hereby grants to the person (Optionee) named in the Notice, an option (the Option) to purchase the total number of shares of Common Stock (the Shares) set forth in the Notice, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice (the Exercise Price) subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Ouster, Inc. Amended and Restated 2015 Stock Plan (the Plan) adopted by the Company, which is incorporated in this Stock Option Agreement (which includes the Country-Specific Addendum, as applicable) (this Agreement) by reference. By his or her electronic acceptance of this Option on the Notice, Optionee agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Agreement and the Notice. Optionee has reviewed this Agreement, the Plan and the Notice in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to accepting the Option and fully understands all provisions of the Notice, this Agreement and the Plan. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator of the Plan upon any questions arising under the Plan or the Option. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, the terms used in this Agreement or the Notice shall have the meanings defined in the Plan.
2. Designation of Option. This Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code only to the extent so designated in the Notice, and to the extent it is not so designated or to the extent this Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, it is intended to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
Notwithstanding the above, if designated as an Incentive Stock Option, in the event that the Shares subject to this Option (and all other incentive stock options granted to Optionee by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, including under other plans) that first become exercisable in any calendar year have an aggregate fair market value (determined for each Share as of the date of grant of the option covering such Share) in excess of USD$100,000, the Shares in excess of USD$100,000 shall be treated as subject to a nonstatutory stock option, in accordance with Section 5(c) of the Plan.
3. Exercise of Option. This Option shall be exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting/Exercise Schedule set out in the Notice and with the provisions of Section 7(c) of the Plan as follows:
(a) Right to Exercise.
(i) This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share.
(ii) In the event of Optionees death, Disability or other termination of Continuous Service Status, the exercisability of this Option is governed by Section 5 below, subject to the limitations contained in this Section 3.
(iii) In no event may this Option be exercised after the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice.
(b) Method of Exercise.
(i) This Option shall be exercisable by execution and delivery of the Exercise Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A or of any other form of written notice approved for such purpose by the Company which shall state Optionees election to exercise this Option, the number of Shares in respect of which this Option is being exercised, and such other representations and agreements as to the holders investment intent with respect to such Shares as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Such written notice shall be signed by Optionee and shall be delivered to the Company by such means as are determined by the Company in its discretion to constitute adequate delivery. The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price for the purchased Shares.
(ii) As a condition to the grant, vesting and exercise of this Option and as further set forth in Section 10 of the Plan, Optionee hereby agrees to make adequate provision for the satisfaction of (and will indemnify the Company and any Subsidiary or Affiliate for) any applicable taxes or tax withholdings, social contributions, required deductions, or other payments, if any (Tax-Related Items), which arise upon the grant, vesting or exercise of this Option, ownership or disposition of Shares, receipt of dividends, if any, or otherwise in connection with this Option or the Shares, whether by withholding, direct payment to the Company, or otherwise as determined by the Company in its sole discretion. Regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate takes with respect to any or all applicable Tax-Related Items, Optionee acknowledges and agrees that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains Optionees responsibility and may exceed any amount actually withheld by the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate. Optionee further acknowledges and agrees that Optionee is solely responsible for filing all relevant documentation that may be required in relation to this Option or any Tax-Related Items (other than filings or documentation that is the specific obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate pursuant to Applicable Law), such as but not limited to personal income tax returns or reporting statements in relation to the grant, vesting or exercise of this Option, the holding of Shares or any bank or brokerage account, the subsequent sale of Shares, and the receipt of any dividends. Optionee further acknowledges that the Company makes no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items and does not commit to and is under no obligation to structure the terms or any aspect of the Option to reduce or eliminate Optionees liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Optionee also understands that Applicable Laws may require varying Share or option valuation methods for purposes of calculating Tax-Related Items, and the Company assumes no responsibility or liability in relation to any such valuation or for any calculation or reporting of income or Tax-Related Items that may be required of Optionee under Applicable Laws. Further, if Optionee has become subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, Optionee acknowledges that the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
(iii) The Company is not obligated, and will have no liability for failure, to issue or deliver any Shares upon exercise of this Option unless such issuance or delivery would comply with the Applicable Laws, with such compliance determined by the Company in consultation with its legal counsel. Furthermore, Optionee understands that the Applicable Laws of the country in which Optionee is residing or working at the time of grant, vesting, and/or exercise of this Option (including any rules or regulations governing securities, foreign exchange, tax, labor or other matters) may restrict or prevent exercise of this Option. This Option may not be exercised until such time as the Plan has been approved by the holders of capital stock of the Company, or if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of consideration for such Shares would constitute a violation of any Applicable Laws, including any applicable U.S. federal or state securities laws or any other law or regulation, including any rule under Part 221 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. As a condition to the exercise of this Option, the Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty to the Company as may be required by the Applicable Laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred to Optionee on the date on which this Option is exercised with respect to such Shares, subject to Applicable Laws.
(iv) Subject to compliance with Applicable Laws, this Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of the appropriate written notice of exercise accompanied by the Exercise Price and the satisfaction of any applicable obligations described in Section 3(b)(ii) above.
4. Method of Payment. Unless otherwise specified by the Company in its sole discretion to comply with Applicable Laws or facilitate the administration of the Plan, payment of the Exercise Price shall be by cash or check or, following the initial public offering of the Companys Common Stock, by Cashless Exercise pursuant to which the Optionee delivers an irrevocable direction to a securities broker (on a form prescribed by the Company and according to a procedure established by the Company).
Optionee understands and agrees that, if required by the Company or Applicable Laws, any cross-border cash remittance made to exercise this Option or transfer proceeds received upon the sale of Shares must be made through a locally authorized financial institution or registered foreign exchange agency and may require Optionee to provide to such entity certain information regarding the transaction. Moreover, Optionee understands and agrees that the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown and cannot be predicted with certainty and may decrease in value, even below the Exercise Price. Optionee understands that neither the Company nor any Subsidiary or Affiliate is responsible for any foreign exchange fluctuation between local currency and the United States Dollar or the selection by the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate in its sole discretion of an applicable foreign currency exchange rate that may affect the value of the Option (or the calculation of income or Tax-Related Items thereunder).
5. Termination of Relationship. Following the date of termination of Optionees Continuous Service Status for any reason (the Termination Date), Optionee may exercise this Option only as set forth in the Notice and this Section 5. If Optionee does not exercise this Option within the period set forth in the Notice or the periods set forth below, this Option shall terminate in its entirety. In no event may any Option be exercised after the Expiration Date of this Option as set forth in the Notice. For the avoidance of doubt and for purposes of this Option only, termination of Continuous Service Status and the Termination Date will be deemed to occur as of the date Optionee is no longer actively providing services as an Employee or Consultant (except, in certain circumstances, to the extent Optionee is on a Company-approved leave of absence and subject to any Company policy or Applicable Laws regarding such leaves) and will not be extended by any notice period or garden leave that may be required contractually or under Applicable Laws, unless otherwise determined by the Company in its sole discretion.
(a) General Termination. In the event of termination of Optionees Continuous Service Status other than as a result of Optionees Disability or death or Optionees termination for Cause, Optionee may, to the extent Optionee is vested in the Optioned Stock, exercise this Option during the period set forth in the Notice.
(b) Termination upon Disability of Optionee. In the event of termination of Optionees Continuous Service Status as a result of Optionees Disability, Optionee may, but only within the period set forth in the Notice, exercise this Option to the extent Optionee is vested in the Optioned Stock.
(c) Death of Optionee. In the event of termination of Optionees Continuous Service Status as a result of Optionees death, or in the event of Optionees death within 3 month(s) following Optionees Termination Date, this Option may be exercised at any time within the period set forth in the Notice by any beneficiaries designated in accordance with Section 17 of the Plan or, if there are no such beneficiaries, by the Optionees estate, or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent Optionee is vested in the Optioned Stock.
(d) Termination for Cause. In the event of termination of Optionees Continuous Service Status for Cause, this Option (including any vested portion thereof) shall immediately terminate in its entirety upon first notification to Optionee of such termination for Cause. If Optionees Continuous Service Status is suspended pending an investigation of whether Optionees Continuous Service Status will be terminated for Cause, all Optionees rights under this Option, including the right to exercise this Option, shall be suspended during the investigation period.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Sections 5(a) (c) above, in no event will this Option terminate prior to the earlier of the nine (9)-month anniversary of the date the Common Stock becomes a Listed Security (as defined in the Plan) or the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice.
6. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by him or her. The terms of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Optionee.
7. Lock-Up Agreement. If so requested by the Company or the underwriters in connection with the initial public offering of the Companys securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Optionee shall not sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company however or whenever acquired (except for those being registered) without the prior written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for 180 days from the effective date of the registration statement, plus such additional period, to the extent required by FINRA rules, up to a maximum of 216 days from the effective date of the registration statement, and Optionee shall execute an agreement reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by the underwriters at the time of such offering.
8. Effect of Agreement. Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof (and has had an opportunity to consult counsel regarding the Option terms), and hereby accepts this Option and agrees to be bound by its contractual terms as set forth herein and in the Plan. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions and interpretations of the Administrator regarding any questions relating to this Option. In the event of a conflict between the terms and provisions of the Plan and the terms and provisions of the Notice and this Agreement, the Plan terms and provisions shall prevail. If the Country-Specific Addendum applies to Optionee, in the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan and the Country-Specific Addendum, the terms of the Country-Specific Addendum shall control.
9. Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right, without Optionees consent, to cancel or forfeit outstanding grants or impose other requirements on Optionees participation in the Plan, on this Option and the Shares subject to this Option and on any other Award or Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable in order to comply with Applicable Laws or facilitate the administration of the Plan. Optionee agrees to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing. Furthermore, Optionee acknowledges that the Applicable Laws of the country in which Optionee is residing or working at the time of grant, holding, vesting, and exercise of the Option or the holding or sale of Shares received pursuant to the Option (including any rules or regulations governing securities, foreign exchange, tax, labor, or other matters) may subject Optionee to additional procedural or regulatory requirements that Optionee is and will be solely responsible for and must fulfill. If applicable, such requirements may be outlined in but are not limited to the Country-Specific Addendum (the Addendum) attached hereto, which forms part of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision herein, Optionees participation in the Plan shall be subject to any applicable special terms and conditions or disclosures as set forth in the Addendum. The Optionee also understands and agrees that if the Optionee works, resides, moves to, or otherwise is or becomes subject to Applicable Laws or Company policies of another jurisdiction at any time, certain country-specific notices, disclaimers and/or terms and conditions may apply to him as from the date of grant, unless otherwise determined by the Company in its sole discretion.
10. Electronic Delivery and Translation. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to Optionees current or future participation in the Plan, this Option, the Shares subject to this Option, any other Company Securities or any other Company-related documents, by electronic means. By accepting this Option, whether electronically or otherwise, Optionee hereby (i) consents to receive such documents by electronic means, (ii) consents to the use of electronic signatures, and (iii) if applicable, agrees to participate in the Plan and/or receive any such documents through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company, including but not limited to the use of electronic signatures or click-through electronic acceptance of terms and conditions. To the extent Optionee has been provided with a copy of this Agreement, the Plan, or any other documents relating to this Option in a language other than English, the English language documents will prevail in case of any ambiguities or divergences as a result of translation.
11. No Acquired Rights or Employment Rights. In accepting the Option, Optionee acknowledges that the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, is discretionary in nature, and may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time. The grant of the Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Options, other Awards or benefits in lieu of Options, even if Options have been granted repeatedly in the past, and all decisions with respect to future grants of Options or other Awards, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company. In addition, Optionees participation in the Plan is voluntary, and the Option and the Shares subject to the Option are extraordinary items that do not constitute regular compensation for services rendered to the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate and are outside the scope of Optionees employment contract, if any. The Option and the Shares subject to the Option are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation and are not part of normal or expected salary or compensation for any purpose, including but not limited to calculating severance payments, if any, upon termination.
Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to constitute or create a contract of employment, nor shall it constitute or create the right to remain associated with or in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate for any particular period of time. This Agreement shall not interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate to terminate Optionees employment or service at any time, subject to Applicable Laws.
12. Data Privacy. In accepting this Option, Optionee acknowledges and consents to the collection, use, processing and transfer of personal data as described below. The Company, its parents, its Subsidiaries and Optionees employer (all together, the Company Entities), hold certain personal information, including Optionees name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social security number or other employee tax identification number, employment history and status, salary, nationality, job title, and any equity compensation grants or Shares awarded, cancelled, purchased, vested, unvested or outstanding in Optionees favor, for the purpose of managing and administering the Plan (Data). The Company Entities will transfer Data to any third parties assisting the Company in the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. The Company Entities may also make the Data available to public authorities where required under locally applicable law. These recipients may be located in Optionees country or elsewhere, which Optionee separately and expressly consents to, accepting that outside Optionees location, data protection laws may not be as protective as within. Such third parties are currently assisting the Company in the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. From time to time and without notice, the Company Entities may retain additional or different third parties for any of the purposes mentioned. Optionee hereby authorizes the Company Entities and all such third parties to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering and managing participation in the Plan, including any requisite transfer of such Data as may be required for the administration of the Plan on behalf of Optionee to a third party with whom Optionee may have elected to have payment made pursuant to the Plan. Optionee may, at any time, review Data, require any necessary amendments to it or withdraw the consent herein in writing by contacting the Company through its local H.R. Director; however, withdrawing the consent may affect Optionees ability to participate in the Plan and receive the benefits intended by this Option. Data will only be held as long as necessary to implement, administer and manage Optionees participation in the Plan and any subsequent claims or rights.
If Optionee resides in the UK or the European Union, the Company Entities will hold, collect and otherwise process certain data as set out in the applicable Companys GDPR-compliant data privacy notice, which will be or has been provided to Optionee separately. All personal data will be treated in accordance with applicable data protection laws and regulations.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Acknowledgment. Optionee agrees and acknowledges that Optionees rights to any Shares underlying this Option will vest only as Optionee provides services to the Company over time, that the grant of this Option is not as consideration for services Optionee rendered to the Company prior to Optionees date of hire, and that nothing in the Notice, the Agreement or the Plan confers upon Optionee any right to continue Optionees employment or other service relationship with the Company for any period of time, nor does it interfere in any way with Optionees right or the Companys right to terminate that relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause, subject to Applicable Laws. The Company has granted the Option to Optionee in its sole discretion. The granting of the Option does not confer on Optionee any right or entitlement to receive another Option or any other equity-based award at any time in the future or in respect of any future period. In addition, the granting of such Option does not confer on Optionee any right or entitlement to receive compensation in any specific amount for any future period, and does not diminish in any way the Companys discretion to determine the amount, if any, of Optionees compensation. In addition, the Option is not part of Optionees fees, base salary or wages and will not be taken into account in determining any other service-related rights Optionee may have, such as rights to pension or severance pay.
(b) Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement, and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state of California, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California or the federal courts of the United States located in California and no other courts.
(c) Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous discussions, understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between them relating to the subject matter hereof.
(d) Amendments and Waivers. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement. No delay or failure to require performance of any provision of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of that provision as to that or any other instance.
(e) Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Company may assign any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement. No other party to this Agreement may assign, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement, except with the prior written consent of the Company.
(f) Notices. Any notice, demand or request required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient when delivered personally or by overnight courier or sent by email, or 48 hours after being deposited in the U.S. mail (or similar foreign mail delivery) as certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, addressed to the party to be notified at such partys address as set forth on the signature page, as subsequently modified by written notice, or if no address is specified on the signature page, at the most recent address set forth in the Companys books and records.
(g) Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under Applicable Law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of the Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(h) Construction. This Agreement is the result of negotiations between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto.
(i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Execution of a facsimile or scanned copy will have the same force and effect as execution of an original, and a facsimile or scanned signature will be deemed an original and valid signature.
Country-Specific Addendum
This Addendum includes additional country-specific notices, disclaimers, and/or terms and conditions that apply to individuals who are working or residing in the countries listed below and that may be material to Optionees participation in the Plan. Such notices, disclaimers, and/or terms and conditions may also apply, as from the date of grant, if the Optionee moves to or otherwise is or becomes subject to the Applicable Laws or Company policies of the country listed. However, because foreign exchange regulations and other local laws are subject to frequent change, Optionee is advised to seek advice from his or her own personal legal and tax advisor prior to accepting or exercising an Option or holding or selling Shares acquired under the Plan. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Optionees acceptance of the Option or participation in the Plan. Unless otherwise noted below, capitalized terms shall have the same meaning assigned to them under the Plan, the Notice and the Stock Option Agreement. This Addendum forms part of the Stock Option Agreement and should be read in conjunction with the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan.
Securities Law Notice: Unless otherwise noted, neither the Company nor the Shares are registered with any local stock exchange or under the control of any local securities regulator outside the United States. The Stock Option Agreement (of which this Addendum is a part), the Notice, the Plan, and any other communications or materials that Optionee may receive regarding participation in the Plan do not constitute advertising or an offering of securities outside the United States, and the issuance of securities described in any Plan-related documents is not intended for public offering or circulation in Optionees jurisdiction.
FRANCE
The following provisions are added as Sections 14, 15 and 16 of the Agreement:
14. Tax Information. The Shares subject to the Option and the Option itself are not intended to be French tax-qualified equity awards.
15. Exchange Control Information. Optionee must declare to the customs and excise authorities any cash and securities Optionees import or export without the use of a financial institution when the value of such cash or securities exceeds a certain amount. Optionee should consult with Optionees professional advisor. In addition, if Optionee is a French resident, Optionee may hold Shares in the Company outside France provided Optionee declares all foreign bank and brokerage accounts on an annual basis (including the accounts that were open and those that were closed during the tax year) on a specific form in Optionees income tax return.
16. French Language Provision. By signing and returning this Agreement, Optionee confirms having read and understood the documents relating to the Agreement which were provided to Optionee in English language. Optionee accepts the term of those documents accordingly.
En signant et renvoyant ce Contrat vous confirmez ainsi avoir lu et compris les documents relatifs au ce Contrat qui vous ont été communiqués en langue anglaise. Vous en acceptez les termes en connaissance de cause.
GERMANY
The following provisions are added as Sections 14 and 15 of the Agreement:
14. Tax Indemnity.
(a) Optionee agrees to indemnify and keep indemnified the Company, any Subsidiary and his/her service company, if different, from and against any liability for or obligation to pay any Tax-Related Item that is attributable to (1) the grant or exercise of, or any benefit derived by Optionee from, the Option, (2) the acquisition by Optionee of the Shares on exercise of the Option, or (3) the disposal of any Shares.
(b) The Option cannot be exercised until Optionee has made such arrangements as the Company may require for the satisfaction of any Tax-Related Item that may arise in connection with the exercise of the Option and/or the acquisition of the Shares by the Optionee. The Company shall not be required to issue, allot or transfer Shares until Optionee has satisfied this obligation.
15. Exchange Control Information. Cross-border payments in excess of 12,500 must be reported monthly to the German Federal Bank. If Optionee uses a German bank to transfer a cross-border payment in excess of 12,500 in connection with the sale of Shares acquired under the Plan, the bank will make the report for Optionee. In addition, Optionee must report any receivables, payables, or debts in foreign currency exceeding an amount of 5,000,000 on a monthly basis. Finally, Optionee must report on an annual basis if Optionee holds Shares that exceed 10% of the total voting capital of the Company.
HONG KONG
The following provisions are added as Sections 14, 15, 16 and 17 of the Agreement:
14. Warning. The Option and Shares issued at exercise do not constitute a public offering of securities under Hong Kong law and are available only to employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company, its parent, subsidiary or affiliate. The Agreement, including this Addendum, the Plan and other incidental award documentation have not been prepared in accordance with and are not intended to constitute a prospectus for a public offering of securities under the applicable securities legislation in Hong Kong, nor has the award documentation been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong. The Option is intended only for the personal use of each eligible employee, consultant and non-employee director of Optionees employer, the Company, its parent or any subsidiary or affiliate and may not be distributed to any other person. If Optionee is in any doubt about any of the contents of the Agreement, including this Addendum, or the Plan, Optionee should obtain independent professional advice.
15. Sale of Shares. In the event the Option vests and is exercised within six (6) months of the Date of Grant, Optionee agrees that Optionee will not dispose of any Shares acquired prior to the six (6)-month anniversary of the Date of Grant.
16. Nature of Scheme. The Company specifically intends that the Plan will not be an occupational retirement scheme for purposes of the Occupational Retirement Schemes Ordinance.
17. Privacy. The processing of a Optionees personal data shall be handled in such a manner as to comply with the Section 33 of the Hong Kong Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
INDIA
Definitions. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Plan or the Agreement, the following definitions will have the meaning given to them for Options granted to Employees resident in India.
Employee means any person permanently employed by the Company or any Indian Subsidiary of the Company or a director, whether whole-time or not, of the Company or any Indian Subsidiary of the Company, within the meaning of the Employees Stock Option Plan or Scheme Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance of the Government of India on October 11, 2001. The term Employee, however, will not include an individual who is a Promoter (or belongs to the Promoter Group) or a director of the Company or any Indian Subsidiary of the Company who either by himself/herself or through his/her Relative or through a corporate entity, holds, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the equity of the Company.
Relative means immediate relative, namely ones spouse, parent, brother, sister or child of the person or spouse.
FEMA means the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 of India, the rules and regulations notified thereunder and any amendments thereto. The restrictions under FEMA, as referred to in this Agreement and as existing on the date of this Agreement, will be read to include the amendments made to FEMA subsequent to the date of this Agreement and will be deemed to have always included such amendments.
Indian Subsidiary means (x)(i) that private limited company organized under the laws of India (ii) that employs or contracts with (as applicable) the Optionee, for so long as the holding-subsidiary relationship exists between the Company and the Subsidiary, as per the provisions of Section 4 of the Indian Companies Act, 1956.
Promoter the person or persons who are in over-all control of the Indian Subsidiary, who are instrumental in the formation of the Indian Subsidiary or program pursuant to which the shares were offered to the public, or the person or persons named in the offer document as promoter(s), provided that a director or officer of the Indian Subsidiary, if he is acting as such only in his professional capacity, will not be deemed to be a Promoter. Where a Promoter of the Indian Subsidiary is a body corporate, the promoters of that body corporate will also be deemed to be Promoters of the Indian Subsidiary.
Promoter Group means a Relative of the Promoter, persons whose shareholding is aggregated for the purpose of disclosing in the offer document shareholding of the promoter group.
All references to Continuous Service Status in the Agreement and the Plan will mean the absence of any interruption or termination of service as an Employee only.
The following supplements Section 1 of the Agreement:
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Plan, Options in the form of Shares granted to residents of India may only be granted to Employees who are, on the date of grant, resident in India in accordance with the provisions of FEMA and satisfy the provisions in FEMA regarding eligibility, as applicable.
The following supplements Section 12 of the Agreement:
In addition, if the Indian Subsidiary has 100 or more employees, then the Indian Industrial Employment (Standing Order) Act of 1946 applies, which requires that employees, including Optionee, have rights of access to Data.
The following provisions are added as Sections 14, 15, 16 and 17 of the Agreement:
14. Foreign Assets Reporting Information. Optionee is required to declare foreign bank accounts and any foreign financial assets (including Shares subject to the Option held outside India) in his or her annual tax return. It is Optionees responsibility to comply with this reporting obligation and Optionee should consult with his or her personal tax advisor in this regard.
15. Exchange Control Information. Regardless of the method of exercise used to purchase the Shares, Optionee understands that Optionee must repatriate any proceeds from the sale of Shares acquired under the Plan or the receipt of any dividends to India within 90 days of receipt. Optionee must obtain a foreign inward remittance certificate (FIRC) from the bank where Optionee deposits the foreign currency and maintain the FIRC as evidence of the repatriation of funds in the event the Reserve Bank of India or Optionees employer requests proof of repatriation.
16. Tax Information. The amount subject to tax at exercise may be dependent upon a valuation of Shares from a Merchant Banker in India. The Company has no responsibility or obligation to obtain the most favorable valuation possible or obtain valuations more frequently than required under Indian tax law.
17. Currency Exchange Rates. Except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, all monetary values under this Agreement including, without limitation, the Fair Market Value per Share and the Exercise Price shall be stated in U.S. Dollars. Any changes or fluctuations in the exchange rate at which amounts paid by Optionee in currencies other than U.S. Dollars are converted into U.S. Dollars or amounts paid to Optionee in U.S. Dollars are converted into currencies other than U.S. Dollars shall be borne solely by Optionee.
TAIWAN
The following provisions are added as Sections 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Agreement:
14. Optionee should be aware that the tax consequences in connection with the grant of the Option, the exercise of the Option and the disposition of the Shares vary from country to country and are subject to change from time to time and understand that Optionee may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of the grant of the Option and Optionees disposition of the Shares. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ATTORNEY OR ADVISOR. OPTIONEE REPRESENTS THAT OPTIONEE IS NOT RELYING ON THE COMPANY AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES FOR ANY TAX ADVICE.
15. Optionee fully understands that the offer of the Option has not been and will not be registered with or approved by the Financial Supervisory Commission of the Republic of China pursuant to relevant securities laws and regulations and the Option may not be offered or sold within the Republic of China through a public offering or in circumstances which constitute an offer within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Law of the Republic of China that requires a registration or approval of the Financial Supervisory Commission of the Republic of China.
16. Optionee acknowledges and agrees that he or she may be required to do certain acts and/or execute certain documents in connection with the grant of the Option, the exercise of the Option and the disposition of the Shares, including but not limited to obtaining foreign exchange approval for remittance of funds and other governmental approvals within the Republic of China. Optionee shall pay his/her own costs and expenses with respect to any event concerning a holder of the Option, or Shares purchased thereby, arising as a result of the Plan.
17. Optionee acknowledges that any agreement in connection with the Option is between Optionee and the Company, and that Participants local employer is not a party to such agreements.
18. Exchange Control Information. An Optionee that is Taiwan resident (those who are over 20 years of age and holding a Republic of China citizens ID Card, Taiwan Resident Certificate or an Alien Resident Certificate that is valid for a period of no less than one year) may acquire and remit foreign currency (including proceeds from the sale of Shares) into and out of Taiwan up to US$5,000,000 per year. If the transaction amount is TWD$500,000 or more in a single transaction, Optionee must submit a foreign exchange transaction form and also provide supporting documentation (including the contracts for such transaction, approval letter, etc.) to the satisfaction of the remitting bank. If the transaction amount is US$500,000 or more, Optionee may be required to provide additional supporting documentation (including the contracts for such transaction, approval letter, etc.) to the satisfaction of the remitting bank. Optionee acknowledges that Optionee is advised to consult Participants personal advisor to ensure compliance with applicable exchange control laws in Taiwan.
THAILAND
The following provision is added as Section 14 of the Agreement:
14. Exchange Control Information. When Optionee sells Shares issued to Optionee at exercise of the Option, Optionee must immediately repatriate all cash proceeds to Thailand and then convert such proceeds to Thai Baht within 360 days of repatriation. If the amount of Optionees proceeds is US$20,000 or more, Optionee must specifically report the inward remittance to the Bank of Thailand on a foreign exchange transaction form. If Optionee fails to comply with these obligations, Optionee may be subject to penalties assessed by the Bank of Thailand. Optionee should consult Optionees personal advisor before taking action with respect to remittance of proceeds from the sale of Shares into Thailand. Optionee is responsible for ensuring compliance with all exchange control laws in Thailand.
EXHIBIT A
OUSTER, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2015 STOCK PLAN
EXERCISE AGREEMENT
This Exercise Agreement (this Agreement) is made as of [ ● ], by and between Ouster, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and [ ● ] (Purchaser). To the extent any capitalized terms used in this Agreement are not defined, they shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Companys Amended and Restated 2015 Stock Plan (the Plan) and the Option Agreement (as defined below).
1 Exercise of Option. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Purchaser hereby elects to exercise his or her option to purchase [ ● ] shares of the Common Stock (the Shares) of the Company under and pursuant to the Plan, the Notice and the Stock Option Agreement (including the Country-Specific Addendum, if applicable) granted [ ● ] (the Option Agreement). The purchase price for the Shares shall be USD$[ ● ] per Share for a total purchase price of USD$ [ ● ]. The term Shares refers to the purchased Shares and all securities received in connection with the Shares pursuant to stock dividends or splits, all securities received in replacement of the Shares in a recapitalization, merger, reorganization, exchange or the like, and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property to which Purchaser is entitled by reason of Purchasers ownership of the Shares.
2 Time and Place of Exercise. The purchase and sale of the Shares under this Agreement shall occur at the principal office of the Company simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the payment of the aggregate exercise price by any method listed in Section 4 of the Option Agreement, and the satisfaction of any applicable tax, withholding, social insurance contributions, required deductions or other payments, all in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(b) of the Option Agreement. The Company shall issue the Shares to Purchaser by entering such Shares in Purchasers name as of such date in the books and records of the Company or, if applicable, a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company, against payment of the exercise price therefor by Purchaser. The Company will deliver to Purchaser a stock certificate or, upon request in the case of uncertificated securities, a notice of issuance, for the Shares as soon as practicable following such date.
3 Limitations on Transfer. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the Shares purchased under this Agreement are subject to (i) the transfer restrictions set forth in Section 13 of the Plan, (ii) the terms and conditions that apply to the Companys Common Stock, as set forth in the Companys Bylaws, including (without limitation) certain transfer restrictions set forth in Section 7.9 of the Companys Bylaws, as may be in effect at the time of any proposed transfer (the Bylaw Provisions), and (iii) any other limitation or restriction on transfer created by Applicable Laws. Purchaser shall not assign, encumber or dispose of any interest in the Shares except to the extent permitted by, and in compliance with, Section 13 of the Plan, the Bylaw Provisions, Applicable Laws, and the provisions below.
(a) Transfer Restrictions; Right of First Refusal. Before any Shares held by Purchaser or any transferee of Purchaser (either being sometimes referred to herein as the Holder) may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of law), the Company shall first, to the extent the Companys approval is required by the Plan or any applicable Bylaw Provisions, have the right to approve such sale or transfer, in full or in part, and shall then have the right to purchase all or any part of the Shares proposed to be sold or transferred, in each case, in its sole and absolute discretion (the Right of First Refusal). If the Holder would like to sell or transfer any Shares, the Holder must provide the Company or its assignee(s) with a Notice (as defined below) requesting approval to sell or transfer the Shares and offering the Company or its assignee(s) a Right of First Refusal on the same terms and conditions set forth in this Section 3(a). The Company may either (1) exercise its Right of First Refusal in full or in part and purchase such Shares pursuant to this Section 3(a), (2) decline to exercise its Right of First Refusal in full or in part and permit the transfer of such Shares to the Proposed Transferee (as defined below) in full or in part or (3) decline to exercise its Right of First Refusal in full or in part and, to the extent the Companys approval is required by the Plan or any applicable Bylaw Provisions, decline the request to sell or transfer the Shares in full or in part.
(i) Notice of Proposed Transfer. The Holder of the Shares shall deliver to the Company a written notice (the Notice) stating: (A) the Holders intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (B) the name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee (Proposed Transferee); (C) the number of Shares to be sold or transferred to each Proposed Transferee; (D) the terms and conditions of each proposed sale or transfer, including (without limitation) the purchase price for such Shares (the Purchase Price); and (E) the Holders offer to the Company or its assignee(s) to purchase the Shares at the Purchase Price and upon the same terms (or terms that are no less favorable to the Company).
(ii) Exercise of Right of First Refusal. At any time within 30 days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) shall deliver a written notice to the Holder indicating whether the Company and/or its assignee(s) elect to permit or reject the proposed sale or transfer, in full or in part, and/or elect to accept or decline the offer to purchase any or all of the Shares proposed to be sold or transferred to any one or more of the Proposed Transferees, at the Purchase Price, provided that if the Purchase Price consists of no legal consideration (as, for example, in the case of a transfer by gift), the purchase price will be the fair market value of the Shares as determined in good faith by the Company. If the Purchase Price includes consideration other than cash, the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by the Company in good faith.
(iii) Payment. Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the election of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness, or by any combination thereof within 60 days after receipt of the Notice or in the manner and at the times set forth in the Notice.
(iv) Holders Right to Transfer. If any of the Shares proposed in the Notice to be sold or transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are both (A) not purchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section 3(a) and (B) approved by the Company to be sold or transferred, then the Holder may sell or otherwise transfer any such Shares to the applicable Proposed Transferee at the Purchase Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is consummated within 120 days after the date of the Notice; provided that any such sale or other transfer is also effected in accordance with the Bylaw Provisions, the transfer restrictions set forth in the Plan and any Applicable Laws and the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that the Plan, the Bylaw Provisions and the provisions of the Option Agreement and this Agreement, including this Section 3 and the waiver of statutory information rights in Section 8 shall continue to apply to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. The Company, in consultation with its legal counsel, may require the Holder to provide an opinion of counsel evidencing compliance with Applicable Laws. If the Shares described in the Notice are not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period, or if the Holder proposes to change the price or other terms to make them more favorable to the Proposed Transferee, a new Notice shall be given to the Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again have the right to approve such transfer and be offered the Right of First Refusal.
(v) Exception for Certain Family Transfers. Anything to the contrary contained in this Section 3(a) notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all of the Shares during Holders lifetime or on Holders death by will or intestacy to Holders Immediate Family or a trust for the benefit of Holders Immediate Family shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section 3(a). Immediate Family as used herein shall mean lineal descendant or antecedent, spouse (or spouses antecedents), father, mother, brother or sister (or their descendants), stepchild (or their antecedents or descendants), aunt or uncle (or their antecedents or descendants), brother-in-law or sister-in-law (or their antecedents or descendants) and shall include adoptive relationships, or any person sharing Holders household (other than a tenant or an employee). In such case, the transferee or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Bylaw Provisions and the provisions of the Option Agreement and this Agreement, including this Section 3 and Section 8, and there shall be no further transfer of such Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section 3, the Plan, and the Bylaw Provisions.
(b) Companys Right to Purchase upon Involuntary Transfer. In the event of any transfer by operation of law or other involuntary transfer (including death or divorce, but excluding a transfer to Immediate Family as set forth in Section 3(a)(v) above) of all or a portion of the Shares by the record holder thereof, the Company shall have an option to purchase any or all of the Shares transferred at the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of transfer (as determined by the Company in its sole discretion). Upon such a transfer, the Holder shall promptly notify the Secretary of the Company of such transfer. The right to purchase such Shares shall be provided to the Company for a period of 30 days following receipt by the Company of written notice from the Holder.
(c) Assignment. The right of the Company to purchase any part of the Shares may be assigned in whole or in part to any holder or holders of capital stock of the Company or other persons or organizations.
(d) Restrictions Binding on Transferees. All transferees of Shares or any interest therein will receive and hold such Shares or interest subject to the Plan, the Bylaw Provisions, the provisions of the Option Agreement and this Agreement, including, without limitation, Sections 3 and 8 of this Agreement, Section 7 of the Option Agreement and Section 13 of the Plan. Any sale or transfer of the Shares shall be void unless the provisions of this Agreement are satisfied.
(e) Termination of Rights. The transfer restrictions set forth in Section 3(a) above and Section 13 of the Plan, the Right of First Refusal granted the Company by Section 3(a) above and the right to repurchase the Shares in the event of an involuntary transfer granted the Company by Section 3(b) above shall terminate upon (i) the first sale of Common Stock of the Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) (other than a registration statement relating solely to the issuance of Common Stock pursuant to a business combination or an employee incentive or benefit plan) or (ii) any transfer or conversion of Shares made pursuant to a statutory merger or statutory consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation or corporations if the common stock of the surviving corporation or any direct or indirect parent corporation thereof is registered under the Exchange Act. Upon termination of such transfer restrictions, the Company will remove any stop-transfer notices referred to in Section 6(b) below and related to the restrictions in this Section 3 and a new stock certificate or, in the case of uncertificated securities, notice of issuance, for the Shares not repurchased shall be issued, on request, without the legend referred to in Section 6(a)(ii) below and delivered to Holder.
(f) Lock-Up Agreement. The lock-up provisions set forth in Section 7 of the Option Agreement shall apply to the Shares issued upon exercise of the Option hereunder and Purchaser reaffirms Purchasers obligations set forth therein.
4 Investment and Taxation Representations. In connection with the purchase of the Shares, Purchaser represents to the Company the following:
(a) Purchaser is aware of the Companys business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Shares. Purchaser is purchasing the Shares for investment for Purchasers own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act or under any applicable provision of state law. Purchaser does not have any present intention to transfer the Shares to any other person or entity.
(b) Purchaser understands that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act by reason of a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of Purchasers investment intent as expressed herein.
(c) Purchaser further acknowledges and understands that the securities must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Purchaser further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the securities.
(d) Purchaser is familiar with the provisions of Rule 144, promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permits limited public resale of restricted securities acquired, directly or indirectly, from the issuer of the securities (or from an affiliate of such issuer), in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Purchaser understands that the Company provides no assurances as to whether he or she will be able to resell any or all of the Shares pursuant to Rule 144, which rule requires, among other things, that the Company be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, that resales of securities take place only after the holder of the Shares has held the Shares for certain specified time periods, and under certain circumstances, that resales of securities be limited in volume and take place only pursuant to brokered transactions. Notwithstanding this Section 4(d), Purchaser acknowledges and agrees to the restrictions set forth in Section 4(e) below.
(e) Purchaser further understands that in the event all of the applicable requirements of Rule 144 are not satisfied, registration under the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration exemption will be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rule 144 is not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to Rule 144 will have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such persons and their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so at their own risk.
(f) Purchaser represents that Purchaser is not subject to any of the Bad Actor disqualifications described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i) to (viii) under the Securities Act. Purchaser also agrees to notify the Company if Purchaser becomes subject to such disqualifications after the date hereof.
(g) Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchasers purchase or disposition of the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted any tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.
(h) If Purchaser is not a U.S. person as defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act, Purchaser understands that the issuance of the Shares may be made in reliance upon Purchasers representation to the Company, and by execution of this Agreement, Purchaser hereby confirms, that: (i) Purchaser is not a U.S. person as such term is defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act; (ii) the Shares will be acquired for investment for Purchasers own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof in the United States or to a United States resident, and that such Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same; and (iii) Purchaser agrees to resell the Shares only in accordance with the provisions of Regulation S, pursuant to registration under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an available exemption from registration, and agrees not to engage in hedging transactions with regard to the Shares unless in compliance with the Securities Act. By executing this Agreement, Purchaser further represents that Purchaser does not have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such person or to any third person in the United States or to a United States resident, with respect to any of the Shares. If Purchaser is not a United States person (as defined by Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Purchaser hereby represents that he/she has satisfied himself/herself as to the full observance of the laws of its jurisdiction in connection with any invitation to subscribe for the Shares, including (i) the legal requirements within its jurisdiction for the purchase of the Shares, (ii) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase, (iii) any government or other consents that may need to be obtained, and (iv) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, redemption, sale or transfer of the Shares. Purchasers subscription and payment for and continued beneficial ownership of the Shares will not violate any applicable securities or other laws of Purchasers jurisdiction.
5 Voting Provisions. As a condition precedent to entering into this Agreement, at the request of the Company, Purchaser shall become a party to any voting agreement to which the Company is a party at the time of Purchasers execution and delivery of this Agreement, as such voting agreement may be thereafter amended from time to time (the Voting Agreement), by executing an adoption agreement or counterpart signature page agreeing to be bound by and subject to the terms of the Voting Agreement and to vote the Shares in the capacity of a Common Holder and a Stockholder, as such terms may be defined in the Voting Agreement.
6 Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.
(a) Legends. Any stock certificate or, in the case of uncertificated securities, any notice of issuance, for the Shares shall bear the following legends (as well as any legends required by the Company or applicable state and federal corporate and securities laws):
(i) THE SECURITIES REFERENCED HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH SALE OR DISTRIBUTION MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.
(ii) THE SECURITIES REFERENCED HEREIN MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH AND MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY AT NO CHARGE.
(iii) THE TRANSFER OF THE SECURITIES REFERENCED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE COMPANYS BYLAWS AND STOCK PLAN, COPIES OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE COMPANY AT ITS PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS. THE COMPANY SHALL NOT REGISTER OR OTHERWISE RECOGNIZE OR GIVE EFFECT TO ANY PURPORTED TRANSFER OF SECURITIES THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS.
(iv) Any legend required by the Voting Agreement, as applicable.
(b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Purchaser agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate stop transfer instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.
(c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.
7 No Employment Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, to terminate Purchasers employment or consulting relationship, for any reason, with or without cause, subject to Applicable Laws or the terms of any service agreement between Purchaser and the Company (or a parent or subsidiary of the Company).
8 Waiver of Statutory Information Rights. Purchaser acknowledges and understands that, but for the waiver made herein, Purchaser would be entitled, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, to inspect for any proper purpose, and to make copies and extracts from, the Companys stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records, and the books and records of subsidiaries of the Company, if any, under the circumstances and in the manner provided in Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (any and all such rights, and any and all such other rights of Purchaser as may be provided for in Section 220, the Inspection Rights). In light of the foregoing, until the first sale of Common Stock of the Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Purchaser hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives the Inspection Rights, whether such Inspection Rights would be exercised or pursued directly or indirectly pursuant to Section 220 or otherwise, and covenants and agrees never to directly or indirectly commence, voluntarily aid in any way, prosecute, assign, transfer, or cause to be commenced any claim, action, cause of action, or other proceeding to pursue or exercise the Inspection Rights. The foregoing waiver applies to the Inspection Rights of Purchaser in Purchasers capacity as a stockholder and shall not affect any rights of a director, in his or her capacity as such, under Section 220. The foregoing waiver shall not apply to any contractual inspection rights of Purchaser under any written agreement with the Company.
9 Miscellaneous.
(a) Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement, and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state of California, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California or the federal courts of the United States located in California and no other courts.
(b) Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous discussions, understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between them relating to the subject matter hereof.
(c) Amendments and Waivers. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement. No delay or failure to require performance of any provision of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of that provision as to that or any other instance.
(d) Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Company may assign any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement. No other party to this Agreement may assign, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement, except with the prior written consent of the Company.
(e) Notices. Any notice, demand or request required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient when delivered personally or by overnight courier or sent by email, or 48 hours after being deposited in the U.S. mail (or similar foreign mail service) as certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, addressed to the party to be notified at such partys address as set forth on the signature page, as subsequently modified by written notice, or if no address is specified on the signature page, at the most recent address set forth in the Companys books and records.
(f) Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under Applicable Law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of the Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(g) Construction. This Agreement is the result of negotiations between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto.
(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Execution of a facsimile or scanned copy will have the same force and effect as execution of an original, and a facsimile or scanned signature will be deemed an original and valid signature.
(i) Electronic Delivery. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to this Agreement or any notices required by applicable law or the Companys Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws by email or any other electronic means. Purchaser hereby consents to (i) conduct business electronically (ii) receive such documents and notices by such electronic delivery and (iii) sign documents electronically and agrees to participate through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
(j) California Corporate Securities Law. THE SALE OF THE SECURITIES WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT OF THIS AGREEMENT HAS NOT BEEN QUALIFIED WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF BUSINESS OVERSIGHT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE ISSUANCE OF THE SECURITIES OR THE PAYMENT OR RECEIPT OF ANY PART OF THE CONSIDERATION THEREFOR PRIOR TO THE QUALIFICATION IS UNLAWFUL, UNLESS THE SALE OF SECURITIES IS EXEMPT FROM QUALIFICATION BY SECTION 25100, 25102 OR 25105 OF THE CALIFORNIA CORPORATIONS CODE. THE RIGHTS OF ALL PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT ARE EXPRESSLY CONDITIONED UPON THE QUALIFICATION BEING OBTAINED, UNLESS THE SALE IS SO EXEMPT.
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The parties have executed this Exercise Agreement as of the date first set forth above.
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