Transition Agreement, dated March 11, 2025, by and between Udemy, Inc. and Greg Brown
Exhibit 10.3
TRANSITION AGREEMENT
This Transition Agreement (Transition Agreement) is made by and between Greg Brown (Employee) and Udemy Inc. (the Company) (collectively referred to as the Parties or individually referred to as a Party).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Employee was employed by the Company;
WHEREAS, Employee signed an Employment Agreement with the Company on January 6, 2023 confirming the terms and conditions of Employees promotion to the position of Chief Executive Officer (the Employment Agreement);
WHEREAS, Employee signed a Change in Control and Severance Agreement with the Company on September 1, 2021 (the Severance Agreement);
WHEREAS, Employee signed an At-Will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and Arbitration Agreement with the Company (the Confidentiality Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Parties have decided that Employees employment with the Company will be ending; however, the Parties wish to provide for the orderly transition of Employees duties and responsibilities, and accordingly the Company has agreed to continue Employees at-will employment until June 30, 2025 (the Planned Separation Date), at which time the Parties expect that Employees employment with the Company will terminate; and
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve any and all disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions, and demands that the Employee may have against the Company and any of the Releasees as defined below, including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or in any way related to Employees employment with or separation from the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Company and Employee hereby agree as follows:
COVENANTS
1. Consideration.
a. Continued Employment. Beginning as of the Transition Agreement Effective Date and continuing until the Planned Separation Date or such earlier date as Employees employment may be terminated (the Transition Period), the Company agrees to continue to employ Employee on the terms set forth in this Transition Agreement, and Employee agrees to transition Employees day-to-day duties at the instruction and direction of the Company. Employee will continue to be paid Employees regular base salary in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices and less applicable withholdings. Employee shall also remain eligible to participate in then-available Company benefit programs at the same level as Employee would have been eligible to participate in such programs immediately prior to the start of the Transition Period, subject to the terms and conditions, including eligibility requirements, of such programs, and further subject to any modifications herein. Employee will continue to be subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement during and after the Transition Period. Employee will not be an officer of the Company during the Transition Period. Nothing in this Transition Agreement alters Employees at-will employment during the Transition Period. As a result, Employee is free to terminate Employees employment at any time, for any reason or for no reason and the Company is free to terminate Employees employment at any time, for any reason or for no reason even before the Planned Separation Date (the actual date Employees employment terminates, the Actual Separation Date).
b. Acknowledgement. Employee acknowledges that without this Transition Agreement, Employee is otherwise not entitled to the consideration listed in this Section 1.
2. Separation Agreement and Release. Following the Actual Separation Date, in exchange for Employees execution and non-revocation of the Separation Agreement and Release attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Separation Agreement) within the timeframe set forth in the Separation Agreement, the Company agrees to provide Employee with the consideration set forth in Section 1 of the Separation Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of the Separation Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Employee will be eligible to receive the consideration set forth in the Separation Agreement so long as the Separation Agreement becomes effective, regardless of whether the Actual Separation Date occurs before the Planned Separation Date. Employee acknowledges that without the Separation Agreement, Employee is otherwise not entitled to the consideration listed in Section 1 of the Separation Agreement. The Parties agree to modify the Separation Agreement pursuant to or otherwise as may be required by applicable law. Employee acknowledges and agrees that no payment or other consideration provided to Employee under the Separation Agreement constitutes, in whole or in part, a raise, a bonus, employment, or continued employment and that the Separation Agreement is not a condition of employment or continued employment.
3. Payment of Salary and Receipt of All Benefits. Employee acknowledges and represents that, other than the consideration set forth in this Agreement, the Company and its agents have (to the extent applicable) paid or provided all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation/paid time off, notice periods, premiums, leaves, housing allowances, relocation costs, interest, severance, outplacement costs, fees, reimbursable expenses, commissions, stock, stock options, vesting, and any and all other benefits and compensation due to Employee as of the Effective Date.
4. Release of Claims. In exchange for the consideration provided under this Agreement, Employee (on Employees own behalf and on behalf of Employees respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns) agrees to release any and all claims Employee may have against the Company or any of its current and former officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, benefit plans, plan administrators, professional employer organization or co-employer, insurers, trustees, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor corporations, and assigns (collectively the Releasees) as of the date Employee signs this Agreement including, but not limited to, the following: (a) claims arising under the federal or any state constitution; (b) claims for breach of contract, breach of public policy, physical or mental harm or distress; (c) any claim for attorneys fees and costs; (d) any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Employees right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company; and (e) any and all other claims arising from Employees employment relationship with the Company or the termination of that relationship. Employee agrees that, with respect to the claims released herein, Employee will not file any legal action asserting any such claims. Employee agrees that the release set forth in this Section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released. This release does not extend to: (i) any obligations incurred under this Agreement; or (ii) claims that cannot be released as a matter of law. Nothing herein releases any rights or claims Employee may have under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) or right to indemnification under the Company bylaws, the indemnity agreement between the Company and Employee, California Labor Code section 2802 or any other indemnification provision of California law or agreement with the Company or policy or practice of the Company.
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5. California Civil Code Section 1542. Employee acknowledges that Employee has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, a statute that otherwise prohibits the release of unknown claims, which provides as follows:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.
Employee, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive any rights Employee may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.
6. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information/Company Property. Employee acknowledges that, separate from this Transition Agreement, Employee remains under continuing obligations to the Company under the Employment Agreement and Confidentiality Agreement, including the provisions therein regarding nondisclosure of the Companys trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information.
7. Protected Activity Not Prohibited. Employee understands that nothing in this Transition Agreement shall in any way limit or prohibit Employee from engaging in any Protected Activity. Protected Activity includes: (i) filing and/or pursuing a charge, complaint, or report with, or otherwise communicating, cooperating, or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board (Government Agencies); and/or (ii) discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination or any other conduct that Employee has reason to believe is unlawful. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any Company trade secrets, proprietary information, or confidential information that does not involve unlawful acts in the workplace or the activity otherwise protected herein. Employee further understands that Protected Activity does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications or attorney work product. Any language in the Confidentiality Agreement regarding Employees right to engage in protected conduct that conflicts with, or is contrary to, this Section is superseded by this Transition Agreement. In addition, pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Employee is notified that an individual will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official (directly or indirectly) or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if (and only if) such filing is made under seal. In addition, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the individuals attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Finally, nothing in this Transition Agreement constitutes a waiver of any rights Employee may have under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). For purposes of clarity, nothing in this Transition Agreement shall be interpreted to impair or limit Employees participation in any legally protected activities, such as (i) forming, joining, or supporting labor unions, (ii) bargaining collectively through representatives of employees choosing, (iii) discussing wages, benefits, or terms and conditions of employment, and (iv) discussing, or raising complaints about, working conditions for the purpose of mutual aid or protection of Employee or the Companys other current or former employees, to the extent such activities are protected by Section 7 of the NLRA.
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8. No Admission of Liability. Employee understands and acknowledges that with respect to all claims released herein, this Transition Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of any and all actual or potential disputed claims by Employee unless such claims were explicitly not released by the release in this Transition Agreement. No action taken by the Company hereto, either previously or in connection with this Transition Agreement, shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any actual or potential claims or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to Employee or to any third party.
9. Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, attorneys fees, and other fees incurred in connection with the preparation of this Transition Agreement.
10. Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Transition Agreement. Employee represents and warrants that Employee has the capacity to act on Employees own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through Employee to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Transition Agreement. Each Party warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.
11. Severability. In the event that any provision or any portion of any provision hereof or any surviving agreement made a part hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Transition Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision.
12. Attorneys Fees. If either Party brings an action to enforce or effect its rights under this Transition Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation, arbitration, litigation, court fees, and reasonable attorneys fees incurred in connection with such an action.
13. Entire Agreement. This Transition Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Employee concerning the subject matter hereof and Employees employment with and separation from the Company and the events leading thereto and associated therewith, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the subject matter of this Transition Agreement, including the Employment Agreement and the Severance Agreement, but excluding the Confidentiality Agreement.
14. No Oral Modification. This Agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by Employee and the Companys Chief Executive Officer.
15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard for choice-of-law provisions, except that any dispute regarding the enforceability of the Arbitration Section of this Agreement shall be governed by the FAA.
16. Transition Agreement Effective Date. Employee understands that this Transition Agreement shall be null and void if not executed by Employee within five (5) business days of the date that Employee first receives of a copy of this Transition Agreement. This Transition Agreement will become effective on the date it has been signed by both Parties (the Transition Agreement Effective Date). In the event Employee signs this Transition Agreement and returns it to the Company in less than the five (5) business day period identified above, Employee hereby acknowledges that Employee has knowingly and voluntarily chosen to waive the time period allotted for considering this Transition Agreement.
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17. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and each counterpart shall be deemed an original and all of which counterparts taken together shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned. The counterparts of this Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile, photo, email PDF, or other electronic transmission or signature.
18. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. Employee understands and agrees that Employee executed this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Company or any third party, with the full intent of releasing all of Employees claims against the Company and any of the other Releasees. Employee acknowledges that:
(a) | Employee has read this Agreement; |
(b) | Employee has a right to consult with an attorney regarding this Agreement, and has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by an attorney of Employees own choice or has elected not to retain an attorney; |
(c) | Employee understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains; |
(d) | Employee is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement; and |
(e) | Employee has not relied upon any representations or statements made by the Company that are not specifically set forth in this Agreement. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.
GREG BROWN, an individual | ||||||
Dated: March 11, 2025 | /s/ Greg Brown | |||||
Greg Brown | ||||||
UDEMY, INC. | ||||||
Dated: March 11, 2025 | By | /s/ Sohaib Abbasi | ||||
Name: Sohaib Abbasi | ||||||
Title: Independent Chair of the Board |
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EXHIBIT A
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
This Separation Agreement and Release (the Separation Agreement) is made by and between Employee and the Company. The terms contained herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Transition Agreement unless otherwise defined herein.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Employee signed the Transition Agreement in March 2025;
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee have entered into (a) Restricted Stock Unit Agreements, dated November 15, 2021, May 15, 2022, September 21, 2022, March 18, 2023, March 15, 2024, (b) two Restricted Stock Unit Agreements dated August 6, 2022, and (c) Restricted Stock Unit Agreements for Performance-Based Restricted Stock dated March 18, 2023 and March 15, 2024 (collectively the RSU Awards), each granting Employee the right to acquire shares of the Companys common stock subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein and in the Companys 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan and, collectively with the documents described in clauses (a), (b), and (c), the Stock Agreements);
WHEREAS, Employee separated from employment with the Company effective ___________, 2025 (the Separation Date); and
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve any and all disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions, and demands that the Employee may have against the Company and any of the Releasees as defined below, including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or in any way related to Employees employment with or separation from the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Company and Employee hereby agree as follows:
COVENANTS
1. Consideration. In consideration of Employees execution and non-revocation (pursuant to Section 3 herein) of this Separation Agreement and Employees fulfillment of all of its terms and conditions, the Company agrees to provide the Employee with the consideration set forth below:
a. Separation Payment. The Company will pay Employee a lump sum approximately equivalent to twelve (12) months of Employees base salary and a prorated 2025 target annual bonus, for a total of Eight Hundred Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars ($885,000), less applicable withholding. This payment will be made to Employee on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following the Effective Date.
b. Consulting Relationship. Provided that Employee agrees to the terms of the Consulting Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B, the Company agrees to transition Employee to a consultant on the terms and conditions described in the Consulting Agreement.
c. COBRA Reimbursement. The Company shall pay the premiums for Employee to continue COBRA coverage for a period of up to the first twelve (12) full calendar months that occur after the Separation Date, provided Employee timely elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (COBRA), within the time period prescribed
pursuant to COBRA. Notwithstanding the preceding, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide such COBRA benefits without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will instead provide the Employee a taxable payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that the Employee would be required to pay to continue the Employees group health coverage in effect on the date of termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether the Employee elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence in the month following the month of the Actual Separation Date and continue for the period of months indicated in this Section.
d. Acknowledgments. Employee acknowledges that without this Transition Agreement, Employee is otherwise not entitled to the consideration listed in this Section 1. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the consideration set forth above fully satisfies and is in excess of any severance or separation benefits to which Employee is entitled, including, but not limited to, under the Change in Control and Severance Agreement between Employee and the Company, dated September 1, 2021.
2. Stock. The Parties agree that the RSU Awards and the shares of the Companys common stock subject thereto will continue to remain subject to the terms and conditions of the Stock Agreements.
3. Benefits. Employees health insurance benefits ceased on the last day of the month in which the Separation Date occurred, subject to Employees right to continue Employees health insurance under COBRA. Employees participation in all benefits and incidents of employment, including, but not limited to, vesting in stock options, and the accrual of bonuses, vacation, and paid time off, ceased as of the Separation Date.
4. Payment of Compensation and Receipt of All Benefits. Employee acknowledges and represents that the Company and its agents have paid or provided all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation/paid time off, notice periods, premiums, leaves, housing allowances, relocation costs, interest, severance, outplacement costs, fees, reimbursable expenses, commissions, stock, stock options, vesting, and any and all other benefits and compensation due to Employee prior to the Separation Agreement Effective Date.
5. Release of Claims. Employee agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Employee by the Company, its parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and each of their respective current and former officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, benefit plans, plan administrators, professional employer organization or co-employer, insurers, trustees, divisions, predecessor and successor corporations, and assigns (collectively, the Releasees). Employee, on Employees own behalf and on behalf of Employees respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby and forever releases the Releasees from, and agrees not to sue concerning, or in any manner to institute, prosecute, or pursue, any claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, demand, or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Employee may possess against any of the Releasees arising from any omissions, acts, facts, or damages that have occurred up until and including the date Employee signs this Separation Agreement, including, without limitation:
a. any and all claims relating to or arising from Employees employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship;
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b. any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Employees right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;
c. any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment, termination in violation of public policy, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract (both express and implied), breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing (both express and implied), promissory estoppel, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud, negligent or intentional misrepresentation, negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage, unfair business practices, defamation, libel, slander, negligence, personal injury, assault, battery, invasion of privacy, false imprisonment, conversion, and disability benefits;
d. any and all claims for violation of any federal, state, or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Equal Pay Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, the California Workers Compensation Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act;
e. any and all claims for violation of the federal or any state constitution;
f. any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;
g. any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the nonwithholding or other tax treatment of any proceeds received by Employee from the Company; and
h. any and all claims for attorneys fees and costs.
Employee agrees that the release set forth in this Section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released. This release does not extend to any obligations incurred under this Separation Agreement. This release does not release claims that cannot be released as a matter of law. Any and all disputed wage claims that are released herein shall be subject to binding arbitration in accordance with this Separation Agreement, except as required by applicable law. This release does not extend to any right Employee may have to unemployment compensation benefits.
6. Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA. Employee acknowledges that Employee is waiving and releasing any rights Employee may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Employee agrees that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the date Employee signs this Separation Agreement. Employee acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which Employee was already entitled. Employee further acknowledges that Employee has been advised by this writing that: (a) Employee should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Separation Agreement; (b) Employee has had more than twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Separation Agreement; (c) Employee has seven (7) days following Employees execution of this Separation Agreement to revoke this Separation Agreement; (d) this Separation Agreement shall not be effective until after the revocation period has expired; and (e) nothing in this Separation Agreement prevents or precludes Employee from challenging or seeking a
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determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties, or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. Employee acknowledges and understands that revocation must be accomplished by a written notification to the person executing this Separation Agreement on the Companys behalf that is received prior to the Effective Date. The Parties agree that changes, whether material or immaterial, do not restart the running of the 21-day period.
7. California Civil Code Section 1542. Employee acknowledges that Employee has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, a statute that otherwise prohibits the release of unknown claims, which provides as follows:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.
Employee, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive any rights Employee may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.
8. No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Employee represents that Employee has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in Employees name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees. Employee also represents that Employee does not intend to bring any claims on Employees own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any of the other Releasees.
9. Confidentiality. Subject to the Protected Activity Not Prohibited Section below, Employee agrees to maintain in complete confidence the existence of this Separation Agreement, the contents and terms of this Separation Agreement, and the consideration for this Separation Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as Separation Information), and Employee agrees that Employee will not publicize, directly or indirectly, any Separation Information. Except as required by law, and subject to the Protected Activity Not Prohibited Section below, Employee may disclose Separation Information only to Employees immediate family members, the Court in any proceedings to enforce the terms of this Separation Agreement, Employees attorney(s), and Employees accountant(s) and any professional tax advisor(s) to the extent that they need to know the Separation Information in order to provide advice on tax treatment or to prepare tax returns, and must prevent disclosure of any Separation Information to all other third parties.
10. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information/Company Property. Employee acknowledges that, separate from this Separation Agreement, Employee remains under continuing obligations to the Company under the Confidentiality Agreement, including the provisions therein regarding nondisclosure of the Companys trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information. Employees signature below constitutes Employees certification under penalty of perjury that Employee has returned all Company property, devices and equipment, and taken all necessary steps to permanently delete or destroy all information, documents, and other items provided to Employee by the Company (with the exception of a copy of any Employee Handbook and personnel documents specifically relating to Employee), developed or obtained by Employee in connection with Employees employment with the Company, or otherwise belonging to the Company.
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11. No Cooperation. Subject to the Protected Activity Not Prohibited Section below, Employee agrees that Employee will not knowingly encourage, counsel, or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so or upon written request from an administrative agency or the legislature or as related directly to the ADEA waiver in this Separation Agreement. Employee agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any such subpoena or court order or written request from an administrative agency or the legislature, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or other court order or written request from an administrative agency or the legislature. Subject to the Protected Activity Not Prohibited Section below, if approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints against any of the Releasees, Employee shall state no more than that Employee cannot provide counsel or assistance.
12. Nondisparagement. Subject to the Protected Activity Not Prohibited Section below, Employee agrees to refrain from any disparagement, defamation, libel, or slander of any of the Releasees, and agrees to refrain from any tortious interference with the contracts and relationships of any of the Releasees.
13. Protected Activity Not Prohibited. Employee understands that nothing in this Separation Agreement shall in any way limit or prohibit Employee from engaging in any Protected Activity. Protected Activity includes: (i) filing and/or pursuing a charge, complaint, or report with, or otherwise communicating, cooperating, or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board (Government Agencies); and/or (ii) discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination or any other conduct that Employee has reason to believe is unlawful. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any Company trade secrets, proprietary information, or confidential information that does not involve unlawful acts in the workplace or the activity otherwise protected herein. Employee further understands that Protected Activity does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications or attorney work product. Any language in the Confidentiality Agreement regarding Employees right to engage in protected conduct that conflicts with, or is contrary to, this Section is superseded by this Separation Agreement. In addition, pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Employee is notified that an individual will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official (directly or indirectly) or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if (and only if) such filing is made under seal. In addition, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the individuals attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Finally, nothing in this Separation Agreement constitutes a waiver of any rights Employee may have under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). For purposes of clarity, nothing in this Separation Agreement shall be interpreted to impair or limit Employees participation in any legally protected activities, such as (i) forming, joining, or supporting labor unions, (ii) bargaining collectively through representatives of employees choosing, (iii) discussing wages, benefits, or terms and conditions of employment, and (iv) discussing, or raising complaints about, working conditions for the purpose of mutual aid or protection of Employee or the Companys other current or former employees, to the extent such activities are protected by Section 7 of the NLRA.
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14. Breach. In addition to the rights provided in the Attorneys Fees Section below, Employee acknowledges and agrees that any material breach of this Separation Agreement, unless such breach constitutes a legal action by Employee challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, or of any provision of the Confidentiality Agreement shall entitle the Company immediately to recover and/or cease providing the consideration provided to Employee under this Separation Agreement and to obtain damages, except as provided by law.
15. No Admission of Liability. Employee understands and acknowledges that with respect to all claims released herein, this Separation Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of any and all actual or potential disputed claims by Employee unless such claims were explicitly not released by the release in this Separation Agreement. No action taken by the Company hereto, either previously or in connection with this Separation Agreement, shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any actual or potential claims or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to Employee or to any third party.
16. Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, attorneys fees, and other fees incurred in connection with the preparation of this Separation Agreement.
17. ARBITRATION. EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE TERMS OF THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT, THEIR INTERPRETATION, EMPLOYEES EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMS THEREOF, OR ANY OF THE MATTERS HEREIN RELEASED, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION UNDER THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT (THE FAA) AND THAT THE FAA SHALL GOVERN AND APPLY TO THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT WITH FULL FORCE AND EFFECT; HOWEVER, WITHOUT LIMITING ANY PROVISIONS OF THE FAA, A MOTION OR PETITION OR ACTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION MAY ALSO BE BROUGHT IN STATE COURT UNDER THE PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS OF SUCH STATES LAWS RELATING TO MOTIONS OR PETITIONS OR ACTIONS TO COMPEL ARBITRATION. EMPLOYEE AGREES THAT, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EMPLOYEE MAY BRING ANY SUCH ARBITRATION PROCEEDING ONLY IN EMPLOYEES INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY. ANY CLAIMS EMPLOYEE MAY BRING PURSUANT TO THE PRIVATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL ACT (PAGA) ON BEHALF OF THE LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY MUST BE ARBITRATED ONLY IN EMPLOYEES INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY WITHOUT ANY JOINDER OR REPRESENTATION OF ANY CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE VIOLATIONS THAT WERE OR COULD BE ASSERTED BY OR ON BEHALF OF ANY OTHER EMPLOYEES. ANY ARBITRATION WILL OCCUR IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, BEFORE JAMS, PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES & PROCEDURES (JAMS RULES), EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DECIDE ANY MOTIONS BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY TO THE ARBITRATION, INCLUDING MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND/OR ADJUDICATION, AND MOTIONS TO DISMISS AND DEMURRERS, APPLYING THE STANDARDS SET FORTH UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ISSUE A WRITTEN DECISION ON THE MERITS. THE PARTIES ALSO AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO AWARD ANY REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. THE ARBITRATOR MAY GRANT INJUNCTIONS AND OTHER RELIEF IN SUCH DISPUTES. THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE FINAL, CONCLUSIVE, AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE PREVAILING PARTY IN ANY ARBITRATION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ENFORCE THE ARBITRATION AWARD. THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION SHALL EACH PAY AN EQUAL SHARE OF THE
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COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SUCH ARBITRATION, AND EACH PARTY SHALL SEPARATELY PAY FOR ITS RESPECTIVE COUNSEL FEES AND EXPENSES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE ARBITRATOR MAY AWARD ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM RESOLVED IN A COURT OF LAW BY A JUDGE OR JURY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THIS SECTION WILL NOT PREVENT EITHER PARTY FROM SEEKING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF (OR ANY OTHER PROVISIONAL REMEDY) FROM ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES AND THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THEIR DISPUTE RELATING TO THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND THE AGREEMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. SHOULD ANY PART OF THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION CONFLICT WITH ANY OTHER ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ARBITRATION SECTION OF THE CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT IN THIS SECTION SHALL GOVERN.
18. Tax Consequences. The Company makes no representations or warranties with respect to the tax consequences of the consideration provided to Employee or made on Employees behalf under Section 1.c. above. Employee agrees and understands that Employee is responsible for payment, if any, of local, state, and/or federal taxes on the consideration provided to Employee under Section 1.c. above and any penalties or assessments thereon. Employee further agrees to indemnify and hold the Releasees harmless from any claims, demands, deficiencies, penalties, interest, assessments, executions, judgments, or recoveries by any government agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of (a) Employees failure to pay or delayed payment of federal or state taxes, or (b) damages sustained by the Company by reason of any such claims, including attorneys fees and costs.
19. Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Separation Agreement. Employee represents and warrants that Employee has the capacity to act on Employees own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through Employee to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Separation Agreement. Each Party warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.
20. Severability. In the event that any provision or any portion of any provision hereof or any surviving agreement made a part hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Separation Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision.
21. Attorneys Fees. Except with regard to a legal action challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, in the event that either Party brings an action to enforce or effect its rights under this Separation Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation, arbitration, litigation, court fees, and reasonable attorneys fees incurred in connection with such an action.
22. Entire Agreement. This Separation Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Employee concerning the subject matter of this Separation Agreement and Employees employment with and separation from the Company and the events leading thereto and associated therewith, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the subject matter of this Separation Agreement and Employees relationship with the Company, with the exception of the Confidentiality Agreement and the Stock Agreements.
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23. No Oral Modification. This Separation Agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by Employee and the Companys Chief Executive Officer.
24. Governing Law. This Separation Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard for choice-of-law provisions, except that any dispute regarding the enforceability of the Arbitration Section of this Separation Agreement shall be governed by the FAA.
25. Effective Date. Employee understands that this Separation Agreement shall be null and void if not executed by Employee and returned to the Company within five (5) business days of the Separation Date. Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee cannot sign this Separation Agreement prior to the Separation Date. Each Party has seven (7) days after that Party signs this Separation Agreement to revoke it. This Separation Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Employee signed this Separation Agreement, so long as it has been signed by the Parties on or after the Separation Date and has not been revoked by either Party before that date (the Effective Date).
26. Counterparts. This Separation Agreement may be executed only by Docusign, Echosign, or other similar electronic signature service.
27. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. Employee understands and agrees that Employee executed this Separation Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Company or any third party, with the full intent of releasing all of Employees claims against the Company and any of the other Releasees. Employee acknowledges that:
(a) | Employee has read this Separation Agreement; |
(b) | Employee has a right to consult with an attorney regarding this Separation Agreement, and has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Separation Agreement by an attorney of Employees own choice or has elected not to retain an attorney; |
(c) | Employee understands the terms and consequences of this Separation Agreement and of the releases it contains; |
(d) | Employee is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Separation Agreement; and |
(e) | Employee has not relied upon any representations or statements made by the Company that are not specifically set forth in this Separation Agreement. |
[Remainder of page intentionally blank; signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Separation Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.
GREG BROWN, an individual | ||||||
Dated: ________________ | ||||||
Greg Brown | ||||||
UDEMY INC. | ||||||
Dated: ________________ | By | |||||
Name: | ||||||
Title: |
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EXHIBIT B
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
This Consulting Agreement (this Agreement) is made and entered into as of _____________, 2025 (the Effective Date) by and between Udemy Inc. (the Company), and Greg Brown (Consultant) (each herein referred to individually as a Party, or collectively as the Parties).
The Company desires to retain Consultant as an independent contractor to perform consulting services for the Company, and Consultant is willing to perform such services, on the terms described below. In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Services and Compensation
Consultant shall perform the services described in Exhibit B-1 (the Services) for the Company (or its designee), and the Company agrees to pay Consultant the compensation described in Exhibit B-1 for Consultants performance of the Services.
2. Confidentiality
A. Definition of Confidential Information. Company Confidential Information means any information (including any and all combinations of individual items of information) that the Company has or will develop, acquire, create, compile, discover or own, that has value in or to the Companys business which is not generally known and which the Company wishes to maintain as confidential. Company Confidential Information includes both (i) information created by others that Consultant learns or that becomes available to Consultant through the Company or its agents; and (ii) information that Consultant creates that the Company owns pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement. Company Confidential Information also includes all information of which the unauthorized disclosure could be detrimental to the interests of the Company, whether or not such information is identified as Company Confidential Information. By way of example, and without limitation, Company Confidential Information includes any and all non-public information that relates to the actual or anticipated business and/or products, research or development of the Company, or to the Companys technical data, trade secrets, or know-how, including, but not limited to, research, product plans, or other information regarding the Companys products or services and markets therefor, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company on which Consultant called or with which Consultant becomes acquainted during the term of this Agreement), software, developments, inventions, discoveries, ideas, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, marketing, finances, and other business information disclosed by the Company, either directly or indirectly, in writing, orally or by drawings or inspection of premises, parts, equipment, or other Company property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company Confidential Information does not include general knowledge, skill, and experience that Consultant has acquired during the course of or in connection with Consultants performance of the Services or from a former employer. Company Confidential Information shall not include any such information which Consultant can establish (i) was publicly known or made generally available prior to the time of disclosure by the Company to Consultant; (ii) becomes publicly known or made generally available after disclosure by the Company to Consultant through no wrongful action or omission by Consultant; or (iii) is in Consultants rightful possession, without confidentiality obligations, at the time of disclosure by the Company as shown by Consultants then-contemporaneous written records; provided that any combination of individual items of information shall not be deemed to be within any of the foregoing exceptions merely because one or more of the individual items are within such exception, unless the combination as a whole is within such exception.
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B. Nonuse and Nondisclosure. During and after the term of this Agreement, Consultant will hold in the strictest confidence, and take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of, Company Confidential Information. Consultant will not (i) use Company Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever other than as necessary for the performance of the Services on behalf of the Company, or (ii) subject to Consultants right to engage in Protected Activity (as defined below), disclose Company Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent of an authorized representative of the Company, except that Consultant may disclose Confidential Information to the extent compelled by applicable law; provided however, prior to such disclosure, Consultant shall provide prior written notice to Company and seek a protective order or such similar confidential protection as may be available under applicable law. Consultant agrees that no ownership of Company Confidential Information is conveyed to Consultant. Without limiting the foregoing, Consultant shall not use or disclose any Company property, intellectual property rights, trade secrets or other proprietary know-how of the Company to invent, author, make, develop, design, or otherwise enable others to invent, author, make, develop, or design identical or substantially similar designs as those developed under this Agreement for any third party. Consultant agrees that Consultants obligations under this Section 2.B shall continue after the termination of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement prevents workers from engaging in protected conduct, as described in the Protected Activity Not Prohibited section below.
C. Other Client Confidential Information. Consultant agrees that Consultant will not improperly use, disclose, or induce the Company to use any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former or current employer of Consultant or other person or entity with which Consultant has an obligation to keep such proprietary information or trade secrets in confidence. Consultant further agrees that Consultant will not bring onto the Companys premises or transfer onto the Companys technology systems any unpublished document, proprietary information, or trade secrets belonging to any such third party unless disclosure to, and use by, the Company has been consented to, in writing, by such third party and the Company.
D. Third Party Confidential Information. Consultant recognizes that the Company has received, and in the future may receive, from third parties (for example, customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees, partners, and collaborators) as well as its subsidiaries and affiliates (Associated Third Parties), information which the Company is required to maintain and treat as confidential or proprietary information of such Associated Third Parties (Associated Third Party Confidential Information), and Consultant agrees to use such Associated Third Party Confidential Information only as directed by the Company and to not use or disclose such Associated Third Party Confidential Information in a manner that would violate the Companys obligations to such Associated Third Parties. By way of example, Associated Third Party Confidential Information may include the habits or practices of Associated Third Parties, the technology of Associated Third Parties, requirements of Associated Third Parties, and information related to the business conducted between the Company and such Associated Third Parties. Consultant agrees that at all times during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, Consultant owes the Company and its Associated Third Parties a duty to hold all such Associated Third Party Confidential Information in the strictest confidence, and not to use it or to disclose it to any person, firm, corporation, or other third party except as necessary in carrying out the Services for the Company consistent with the Companys agreement with such Associated Third Parties.
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3. Ownership
A. Assignment of Inventions. As between the Company and Consultant, Consultant agrees that all right, title, and interest in and to any and all copyrightable material, notes, records, drawings, designs, logos, inventions, improvements, developments, discoveries, ideas and trade secrets conceived, discovered, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice by Consultant, solely or in collaboration with others, during the term of this Agreement and arising out of, or in connection with, performing the Services under this Agreement and any copyrights, patents, trade secrets, mask work rights or other intellectual property rights relating to the foregoing (collectively, Inventions), are the sole property of the Company. Consultant also agrees to promptly make full written disclosure to the Company of any Inventions and to deliver and assign (or cause to be assigned) and hereby irrevocably assigns fully to the Company all of Consultants right, title and interest in and to the Inventions. Consultant agrees that this assignment includes a present conveyance to the Company of ownership of Inventions that are not yet in existence. Consultant understands and agrees that the decision whether or not to commercialize or market any Inventions is within the Companys sole discretion and for the Companys sole benefit, and that no royalty or other consideration will be due to Consultant as a result of the Companys efforts to commercialize or market any such Inventions.
B. Pre-Existing Materials. Subject to Section 3.A, Consultant will inform the Company, in writing, before incorporating any inventions, discoveries, ideas, original works of authorship, developments, improvements, trade secrets, and other proprietary information or intellectual property rights owned by Consultant or in which Consultant has an interest, prior to, or separate from, performing the Services under this Agreement (Prior Inventions) into any Invention or otherwise utilizing any Prior Invention in the course of performing the Services; and the Company is hereby granted a nonexclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable, worldwide license (with the right to grant and authorize sublicenses) to make, have made, use, import, offer for sale, sell, reproduce, distribute, modify, adapt, prepare derivative works of, display, perform, and otherwise exploit such incorporated or utilized Prior Inventions, without restriction, including, without limitation, as part of or in connection with such Invention, and to practice any method related thereto. Consultant will not incorporate any inventions, discoveries, ideas, original works of authorship, developments, improvements, trade secrets, and other proprietary information or intellectual property rights owned by any third party into any Invention without Companys prior written permission.
C. Moral Rights. Any assignment to the Company of Inventions includes all rights of attribution, paternity, integrity, modification, disclosure and withdrawal, and any other rights throughout the world that may be known as or referred to as moral rights, artists rights, droit moral, or the like (collectively, Moral Rights). To the extent that Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law, Consultant hereby waives and agrees not to enforce any and all Moral Rights, including, without limitation, any limitation on subsequent modification, to the extent permitted under applicable law.
D. Maintenance of Records. Consultant agrees to keep and maintain adequate, current, accurate, and authentic written records of all Inventions made by Consultant (solely or jointly with others) during the term of this Agreement, and for a period of three (3) years thereafter. The records will be in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, electronic files, reports, or any other format that is customary in the industry and/or otherwise specified by the Company. As between the Company and Consultant, the records are and will be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times and upon Companys request, Consultant shall deliver (or cause to be delivered) the same.
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E. Further Assurances. Consultant agrees to assist the Company, or its designee, at the Companys expense, in every proper way to secure the Companys rights in the Inventions in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments and all other instruments that the Company shall deem proper or necessary in order to apply for, register, obtain, maintain, defend, and enforce such rights, and in order to deliver, assign and convey to the Company, its successors, assigns and nominees the sole and exclusive rights, title, and interest in and to all Inventions, and testifying in a suit or other proceeding relating to such Inventions. Consultant further agrees that Consultants obligations under this Section 3.E shall continue after the termination of this Agreement.
F. Attorney-in-Fact. Consultant agrees that, if the Company is unable because of Consultants unavailability, dissolution, mental or physical incapacity, or for any other reason, to secure Consultants signature with respect to any Inventions, including, without limitation, for the purpose of applying for or pursuing any application for any United States or foreign patents or mask work or copyright registrations covering the Inventions assigned to the Company in Section 3.A, then Consultant hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Consultants agent and attorney-in-fact, to act for and on Consultants behalf to execute and file any papers and oaths and to do all other lawfully permitted acts with respect to such Inventions to further the prosecution and issuance of patents, copyright and mask work registrations with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Consultant. This power of attorney shall be deemed coupled with an interest, and shall be irrevocable.
4. Conflicting Obligations
Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant has no agreements, relationships, or commitments to any other person or entity that conflict with the provisions of this Agreement, Consultants obligations to the Company under this Agreement, and/or Consultants ability to perform the Services. Consultant will not enter into any such conflicting agreement during the term of this Agreement.
5. Return of Company Materials
Upon the termination of this Agreement, or upon Companys earlier request, Consultant will immediately deliver to the Company, and will not keep in Consultants possession, recreate, or deliver to anyone else, any and all Company property, including, but not limited to, Company Confidential Information, tangible embodiments of the Inventions, all devices and equipment belonging to the Company, all electronically-stored information and passwords to access such property, those records maintained pursuant to Section 3.D and any reproductions of any of the foregoing items that Consultant may have in Consultants possession or control. Consultant agrees that in discharging Consultants obligations pursuant to this section, Consultant will conduct a reasonable and good faith search for such information, property and equipment, including searching external storage devices, personal computers and email accounts, as well as cloud accounts.
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6. Term and Termination
A. Term. The term of this Agreement will begin on the Effective Date of this Agreement and will continue until the earlier of (i) December 31, 2025 or (ii) termination as provided in Section 6.B.
B. Termination. The Company may terminate this Agreement immediately and without prior notice if Consultant refuses to or is unable to perform the Services or is in breach of any material provision of this Agreement or the Separation Agreement and Release signed by Consultant.
C. Survival. Upon any termination, all rights and duties of the Company and Consultant toward each other shall cease except:
(1) The Company will pay, within thirty (30) days after the effective date of termination, all amounts owing to Consultant for Services completed and accepted by the Company prior to the termination date and related reimbursable expenses, if any, submitted in accordance with the Companys policies and in accordance with the provisions of Section 1 of this Agreement; and
(2) the sections entitled Confidentiality, Ownership, Conflicting Obligations, Return of Company Materials, Independent Contractor; Benefits, Indemnification, Limitation of Liability, Arbitration and Equitable Relief, and Miscellaneous will survive termination or expiration of this Agreement in accordance with their terms.
7. Independent Contractor; Benefits
A. Independent Contractor. It is the express intention of the Company and Consultant that Consultant perform the Services as an independent contractor to the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way be construed to constitute Consultant as an agent, employee or representative of the Company. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Consultant is not authorized to bind the Company to any liability or obligation or to represent that Consultant has any such authority. Consultant agrees to furnish (or reimburse the Company for) all tools and materials necessary to accomplish this Agreement and shall incur all expenses associated with performance. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that Consultant is obligated to report as income all compensation received by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant agrees to and acknowledges the obligation to pay all self-employment and other taxes on such income.
B. Benefits. The Company and Consultant agree that Consultant will receive no Company-sponsored benefits from the Company where benefits include, but are not limited to, paid vacation, sick leave, medical insurance and 401k participation. If Consultant is reclassified by a state or federal agency or court as the Companys employee, Consultant will become a reclassified employee and will receive no benefits from the Company, except those mandated by state or federal law, even if by the terms of the Companys benefit plans or programs of the Company in effect at the time of such reclassification, Consultant would otherwise be eligible for such benefits.
8. Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE TO CONSULTANT OR TO ANY OTHER PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS OR LOSS OF BUSINESS, HOWEVER CAUSED AND UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER
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THE COMPANY WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANYS LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID BY THE COMPANY TO CONSULTANT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR THE SERVICES, DELIVERABLES OR INVENTION GIVING RISE TO SUCH LIABILITY.
9. Arbitration and Equitable Relief
A. Arbitration. IN CONSIDERATION OF CONSULTANTS CONSULTING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY, THE COMPANYS PROMISE TO ARBITRATE ALL DISPUTES RELATED TO CONSULTANTS CONSULTING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY AND CONSULTANTS RECEIPT OF COMPENSATION AND OTHER CONSIDERATION PAID OR PROVIDED TO CONSULTANT BY THE COMPANY, AT PRESENT AND IN THE FUTURE, CONSULTANT AGREES THAT ANY AND ALL CONTROVERSIES, CLAIMS, OR DISPUTES THAT CONSULTANT MAY HAVE WITH THE COMPANY (INCLUDING ANY COMPANY EMPLOYEE, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, TRUSTEE, OR BENEFIT PLAN OF THE COMPANY, IN THEIR CAPACITY AS SUCH OR OTHERWISE), ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR RESULTING FROM CONSULTANTS CONSULTING OR OTHER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMINATION OF CONSULTANTS CONSULTING OR OTHER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY, INCLUDING ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO BINDING ARBITRATION PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT (9 U.S.C. SEC. 1 ET SEQ.) (THE FAA). THE FAAS SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS SHALL EXCLUSIVELY GOVERN AND APPLY WITH FULL FORCE AND EFFECT TO THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ITS ENFORCEMENT, AND ANY STATE COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION SHALL STAY PROCEEDINGS PENDING ARBITRATION OR COMPEL ARBITRATION IN THE SAME MANNER AS A FEDERAL COURT UNDER THE FAA. CONSULTANT FURTHER AGREES THAT, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CONSULTANT MAY BRING ANY ARBITRATION PROCEEDING ONLY IN CONSULTANTS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF, REPRESENTATIVE, OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR COLLECTIVE ACTION, LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT ANY CLAIMS THAT CONSULTANT MAY BRING PURSUANT TO THE PRIVATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL ACT (PAGA) ON BEHALF OF THE LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY MUST BE ARBITRATED ONLY IN CONSULTANTS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY WITHOUT ANY JOINDER OR REPRESENTATION OF ANY CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE VIOLATIONS THAT WERE OR COULD BE ASSERTED BY OR ON BEHALF OF ANY OTHER PERSONS. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CONSULTANT AGREES TO ARBITRATE ANY AND ALL COMMON LAW AND/OR STATUTORY CLAIMS UNDER LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CLAIMS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE, CLAIMS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS, CLAIMS RELATING TO COMPENSATION (CASH, EQUITY, OR OTHERWISE), CLAIMS RELATING TO CLASSIFICATION, AND RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY, AND CLAIMS OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. CONSULTANT ALSO AGREES TO ARBITRATE ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE INTERPRETATION OR APPLICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE, BUT NOT DISPUTES ABOUT THE ENFORCEABILITY, REVOCABILITY OR VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE OR ITS REQUIREMENT THAT CONSULTANT MUST BRING ANY ARBITRATION PROCEEDING ONLY IN CONSULTANTS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY. WITH RESPECT TO ALL SUCH CLAIMS AND DISPUTES THAT CONSULTANT AGREES TO ARBITRATE, CONSULTANT HEREBY
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EXPRESSLY AGREES TO WAIVE, AND DOES WAIVE, ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY. CONSULTANT FURTHER UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE ALSO APPLIES TO ANY DISPUTES THAT THE COMPANY MAY HAVE WITH CONSULTANT. CONSULTANT UNDERSTANDS THAT NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT REQUIRES CONSULTANT TO ARBITRATE CLAIMS THAT CANNOT BE ARBITRATED UNDER THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OR OTHER LAW THAT EXPRESSLY PROHIBITS ARBITRATION OF A CLAIM NOTWITHSTANDING THE APPLICATION OF THE FAA.
B. Administration of Arbitration. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT ANY ARBITRATION WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY JAMS PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES & PROCEDURES (THE JAMS EMPLOYMENT RULES), WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT HTTP://WWW.JAMSADR.COM/RULES-EMPLOYMENT-ARBITRATION/. IF THE JAMS EMPLOYMENT RULES CANNOT BE ENFORCED AS TO THE ARBITRATION, THEN THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THEY WILL ARBITRATE THIS DISPUTE UTILIZING JAMS COMPREHENSIVE ARBITRATION RULES AND PROCEDURES OR SUCH RULES AS THE ARBITRATOR MAY DEEM MOST APPROPRIATE FOR THE DISPUTE (THE RULES UNDER WHICH THE ARBITRATION IS ADMINISTERED, WHETHER THE JAMS EMPLOYMENT RULES, THE JAMS COMPREHENSIVE ARBITRATION RULES, OR OTHERWISE, ARE REFERRED TO HEREIN AS THE JAMS RULES). IN THE EVENT OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TERMS OF THIS SECTION AND THE JAMS RULES, THIS SECTION SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE USE OF THE JAMS EMPLOYMENT RULES DOES NOT CHANGE CONSULTANTS CLASSIFICATION TO THAT OF AN EMPLOYEE. TO THE CONTRARY, CONSULTANT REAFFIRMS THAT CONSULTANT IS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DECIDE ANY MOTIONS BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY TO THE ARBITRATION, INCLUDING MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND/OR ADJUDICATION AND MOTIONS TO DISMISS AND DEMURRERS APPLYING THE STANDARDS FOR SUCH MOTIONS SET FORTH UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ISSUE A WRITTEN DECISION ON THE MERITS. CONSULTANT ALSO AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO AWARD ANY REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, AND THAT THE ARBITRATOR MAY AWARD ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, WHERE PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE DECREE OR AWARD RENDERED BY THE ARBITRATOR MAY BE ENTERED AS A FINAL AND BINDING JUDGMENT IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF. SUBJECT TO THE FAAS EXCLUSIVE APPLICABILITY TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE, CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ADMINISTER AND CONDUCT ANY ARBITRATION HEARING OR PROCEEDING APPLYING CALIFORNIA SUBSTANTIVE AND DECISIONAL LAW AND THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA CIVIL DISCOVERY ACT. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT ANY ARBITRATION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.
C. Remedy. FOR PURPOSES OF SEEKING PROVISIONAL REMEDIES ONLY, CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE COMPANY AND CONSULTANT SHALL BE ENTITLED TO PURSUE ANY PROVISIONAL REMEDY PERMITTED BY THE CALIFORNIA ARBITRATION ACT (CALIFORNIA CODE CIV. PROC. § 1281.8), OR OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EXCEPT FOR SUCH PROVISIONAL RELIEF, CONSULTANT AGREES THAT ANY RELIEF OTHERWISE AVAILABLE TO THE COMPANY OR CONSULTANT UNDER APPLICABLE LAW SHALL BE PURSUED SOLELY AND EXCLUSIVELY IN ARBITRATION PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
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D. Administrative Relief. CONSULTANT UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS AGREEMENT DOES NOT PROHIBIT CONSULTANT FROM PURSUING AN ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIM WITH A LOCAL, STATE OR federal ADMINISTRATIVE BODY OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY SUCH AS THE DEPARTMENT OF FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING, THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION, THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD, THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR THE WORKERS COMPENSATION BOARD. THIS AGREEMENT DOES, HOWEVER, PRECLUDE CONSULTANT FROM BRINGING ANY ALLEGED WAGE CLAIMS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS ENFORCEMENT. LIKEWISE, THIS AGREEMENT DOES PRECLUDE CONSULTANT FROM PURSUING A COURT ACTION REGARDING ANY SUCH CLAIM, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW.
E. Voluntary Nature of Agreement; Enforcement. CONSULTANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT CONSULTANT IS EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT ANY DURESS OR UNDUE INFLUENCE BY THE COMPANY OR ANYONE ELSE. CONSULTANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT CONSULTANT HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT CONSULTANT HAS ASKED ANY QUESTIONS NEEDED FOR CONSULTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE TERMS, CONSEQUENCES AND BINDING EFFECT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND IT, INCLUDING THAT CONSULTANT IS WAIVING CONSULTANTS RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT CONSULTANT HAS BEEN PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN attorney OF CONSULTANTS CHOICE BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT. THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT IS TO BE ENFORCED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. ACCORDINGLY, CONSULTANT AGREES THAT IF A COURT OR OTHER BODY OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION FINDS THAT ANY PROVISION OR PORTION OF THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT IS INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE, SUCH PROVISION OR PORTION, AS APPLICABLE, SHALL BE ENFORCED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY APPLICABLE LAW OR, IF NECESSARY, SEVERED, AND THE REMAINDER OF THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT WILL CONTINUE WITH FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.
10. Miscellaneous
A. Governing Law; Consent to Personal Jurisdiction. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions of California or any other jurisdiction, except that any dispute regarding the enforceability of the arbitration section of this Agreement shall be governed by the FAA. To the extent that any lawsuit is permitted under this Agreement, the Parties hereby expressly consent to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in California.
B. Assignability. This Agreement will be binding upon Consultants heirs, executors, assigns, administrators, and other legal representatives, and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns. The Associated Third Parties are intended third-party beneficiaries to this Agreement with respect to Consultants obligations in Section 2.D. There are no intended third-party beneficiaries to this Agreement, except as expressly stated. Except as may otherwise be provided in this Agreement, Consultant may not sell, assign or delegate any rights or obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company may assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any successor to all or substantially all of the Companys relevant assets, whether by merger, consolidation, reorganization, reincorporation, sale of assets or stock, or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, the Companys successors and assigns are authorized to enforce the Companys rights under this Agreement.
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C. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Exhibits herein, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior written and oral agreements, discussions, or representations between the Parties. Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant is not relying on any statement or representation not contained in this Agreement. To the extent any terms set forth in any exhibit or schedule conflict with the terms set forth in this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control unless otherwise expressly agreed by the Parties in such exhibit or schedule.
D. Headings. Headings are used in this Agreement for reference only and shall not be considered when interpreting this Agreement.
E. Severability. If a court or other body of competent jurisdiction finds, or the Parties mutually believe, any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof, to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to effect the intent of the Parties, and the remainder of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect.
F. Modification, Waiver. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, will be effective unless in a writing signed by the Parties. Waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement will not operate as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.
G. Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted by this Agreement to be given to a Party shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (i) if delivered personally or by commercial messenger or courier service, (ii) when sent by confirmed facsimile, electronic mail, or electronic signature or (iii) if mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), to the Party at the Partys address written below or at such other address as the Party may have previously specified by like notice. If by mail, delivery shall be deemed effective three business days after mailing in accordance with this Section 10.G.
(1) | If to the Company, to: |
Udemy, Inc.
600 Harrison Street, Third Floor
San Francisco, CA 94107
Attention: General Counsel
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(2) If to Consultant, to the address for notice on the signature page to this Agreement or, if no such address is provided, to the last address of Consultant provided by Consultant to the Company.
H. Attorneys Fees. In any court action at law or equity that is brought by one of the Parties to this Agreement to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing Party will be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees, in addition to any other relief to which that Party may be entitled.
I. Signatures. This Agreement may be signed in two counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, with the same force and effectiveness as though executed in a single document.
J. Protected Activity Not Prohibited. Consultant understands that nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit or prohibit Consultant from filing a charge or complaint with, or otherwise communicating, cooperating, or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by, any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (Government Agencies), without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company. In addition, Consultant understands that nothing in this Agreement, including its definition of Confidential Information, prevents Consultant from discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts, such as harassment or discrimination or any other conduct that Consultant have reason to believe is unlawful. Notwithstanding the preceding, Consultant agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any Company trade secrets, proprietary information, or confidential information that does not involve unlawful acts or the activity otherwise protected herein. Consultant further understands that Consultant is not permitted to disclose the Companys attorney-client privileged communications or attorney work product. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Consultant is notified that an individual will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official (directly or indirectly) or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if (and only if) such filing is made under seal. In addition, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the individuals attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.
[Remainder of page intentionally blank; signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Consulting Agreement as of the date first written above.
CONSULTANT | UDEMY INC. | |||||||
By: | By: | |||||||
Name: | Greg Brown | Name: | ||||||
Title: | ||||||||
Address for Notice: | ||||||||
EXHIBIT B-1
SERVICES AND COMPENSATION
1. Contact. Consultants principal Company contact:
Name: Hugo Sarrazin
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Email: [*******]
2. Services. The Services will include, but will not be limited to, the following: Consultant shall provide general business advisory services for up to ten (10) hours per month as reasonably requested by the Company.
3. Compensation. Consultant will continue to vest in the outstanding restricted stock unit awards granted to Consultant by the Company for so long as this Agreement remains in effect and Consultant remains a service provider to the Company, consistent with the terms and conditions of the Companys 2021 Equity Incentive Plan and the applicable restricted stock unit award agreements between the Company and Consultant.
This Exhibit B-1 is accepted and agreed upon as of ____________, 2025.
CONSULTANT | UDEMY INC. | |||||||
By: | By: | |||||||
Name: | Greg Brown | Name: | ||||||
Title: |