Employment Contract Review Checklist

Compensation: $165K — verify against market. Equity: 0.4% at Series B needs context — check cap table dilution and 409A strike price. Flag: no double-trigger acceleration on change of control. Non-Compete (HIGH RISK): 2-year statewide ban is extremely broad. Negotiate: reduce to 6 months, limit to direct competitors only. IP Assignment (HIGH RISK): broad clause likely captures your side projects. Negotiate: add standard carve-out. No Severance: negotiate at minimum 4–8 weeks at this level. Top 5: 1) IP carve-out. 2) Non-compete scope reduction. 3) Severance clause. 4) Equity acceleration. 5) Strike price confirmation. Consult an employment attorney before signing.