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Luke Humphries celebrated his impressive Players Championship final victory against Luke Littler by taking a swig of his water bottle before chucking some of the contents over crowd members. The world No. 1 beat Littler 11-7 in an epic final marred by whistling from some fans in attendance. Humphries threw down the gauntlet with the World Darts Championship looming large, producing a controlled display to outclass the newly-crowned Grand Slam of Darts champion. The 29-year-old overcame disappointing whistling from the Minehead crowd to lift his seventh major title and retain his Players Championship crown. Humphries was fending off an inspired run of momentum from Littler, with both players throwing high-quality legs as the score reached 7-6 in favour of the former. The reigning world champion - an honour earned by bettering Littler at Ally Pally in January - won the next leg before looking visibly frustrated by the distraction attempts. Humphries had to step away from the oche to recompose himself, wearing an annoyed expression on his focused face. With a stern voice, the match referee announced: "Stop whistling, thank you." But Humphries momentarily paid the price, missing his doubles as Littler took advantage to make it 8-7 before the final break. Yet, he proved why he is atop the PDC rankings after re-emerging from the back, winning three legs on the spin to triumph on the Butlins stage. A joyous Humphries celebrated his latest success with multiple muscle flexes, fist pumps and many a friendly embrace with his rival and good friend, Littler. He then got his own back on the crowd after having a gulp of water, first pretending to throw his drink over those at the front of the masses in attendance. Humphries followed up by actually lobbing some of his refreshment towards the crowd, which also seemed to soak at least one camera operator below. It was all in jest, though, after a pleasant, good-spirited showdown, which the whistling incident didn't marr completely. MORE TO FOLLOW We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football . Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport - the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account - providing real news in real time. We're also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport - offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk .Palantir Technologies ( PLTR 6.22% ) has had an incredible run in 2024. The company has become one of the most talked about platforms fueling the artificial intelligence (AI) narrative, shares of the stock have gained more than 300% this year alone, and it's become a member of the S&P 500 index. But with just a few weeks left in the year, Palantir might have one last big milestone achievement up its sleeve. Below, I'm going to explain why Dec. 13 is an important date for Palantir investors. Let's break down what investors should be on the lookout for and assess if the stock is a good buy right now. What is happening on Dec. 13? This year, Dec. 13 falls on a Friday. And while Friday the 13th is usually affiliated with bad luck or superstition, Palantir investors may have some more good news headed their way. Next Friday, the Nasdaq-100 index is going to be reconstituted. This means that a new selection of companies will be added to the coveted index, replacing stocks that have fallen out of eligibility. This is important, because the Nasdaq-100 is generally affiliated growth stocks and lucrative opportunities beyond the S&P 500. Will Palantir join the Nasdaq-100? On Sept. 6, Palantir announced that it had officially earned entry into the S&P 500. Since the date of that announcement, shares of Palantir have soared by 138% as of market close on Dec. 5. A few months later, Palantir announced that it was changing the stock exchange on which it trades -- moving from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to the Nasdaq. PLTR data by YCharts Since joining the Nasdaq on Nov. 26, shares of Palantir have gained about 10% (as of market close Dec. 5). That's a pretty dramatic move in only seven trading days. In the press release regarding this announcement, management expressed that "upon transferring, Palantir anticipates meeting the eligibility requirements of the Nasdaq-100 Index." While history is no guarantee of future results, the stock's performance following its entry into the S&P 500 and its transition to the Nasdaq serve as a decent proxy for what investors could expect should the company earn a spot on the Nasdaq-100 on Dec. 13. Does joining the Nasdaq-100 make Palantir stock a buy? I think there is a good chance Palantir will be added to the Nasdaq-100 next week and, should that occur, I'd be shocked if the stock doesn't move even higher. But while becoming a member of the Nasdaq-100 is a respectable milestone, such an achievement alone does not make Palantir stock a buy. Instead, investors should look at a combination of the company's growth outlook, Wall Street's take on the company's trajectory, and valuation. As far as Palantir's outlook and Wall Street's opinion are concerned, the company appears well on its way to continue accelerating its top line while growing margins and minting higher profits over the next several years. The primary catalyst fueling this growth is Palantir's Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), which has become a game-changing product development for the company over the last couple of years. As such, some of Wall Street's most respected analysts including Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities and Mariana Pérez Mora of Bank of America remain bullish on the stock. The only real concern I have surrounding an investment in Palantir at its current price comes down to valuation. To put it bluntly, a price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 63.5 and a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 149 are not even close to reasonable. In my eyes, the stock has run up so much that it's due for a pullback sooner rather than later. But with that said, I see any potential sell-off as one that will be short-lived, as it will probably be driven by investors taking profits as opposed to panic-induced selling should Palantir face some sort of crisis -- which, as of now, doesn't look likely. While the prospects of inclusion on the Nasdaq-100 is exciting, it's really just another potential milestone in what I see as a long line of more accomplishments to be achieved for Palantir over many years. All told, I'd encourage investors to monitor Palantir and look to use a strategy leveraging dollar-cost averaging over a long-term horizon.The renowned host Magaly Medina recently confirmed news that shocked her audience: her program ‘Magaly TV, the firm ‘ will take a short break at the end of this year. This announcement puts an end to rumors about the continuity of the television space through the signal atv which is one of the most followed on Peruvian television. Magaly Medina announces pause in her program ‘Magaly TV, la firma’ As Magaly Medina explained, both she and the production team need some time to rest after a year of intense work. Although he assured that this break will be short, he highlighted the importance of recharging energy to return strongly next year. “With great regret, but we are going on vacation at the end of the year. Before I took January, February and March 15, like the kids at school, and now they want to bring me the fortnight of January,” commented the popular ‘Urraca’ in one of her recent broadcasts. The official return date of ‘ Magaly TV, the firm ‘ is scheduled for mid-January 2025. The presenter clarified that this decision does not affect her commitment to ATV, although she regretted that the contract with the channel no longer allows her to enjoy the extensive vacation periods that she used to have in the past. The announcement generated a wave of comments on social networks from Magaly Medina’s followers. Many lamented the temporary hiatus and expressed their appreciation for the entertainment and . content that characterizes the program. “Don’t leave, without you, there is no gossip”, “We can’t live without you” and “What will we see every night?” were some of the phrases that flooded the publications related to the topic. Other users even joked that Magaly Medina should not take vacations to continue bringing the latest news from the Peruvian show to their homes. Join our entertainment channel
Trump says anyone investing $1 billion in US will receive expedited permitsWASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning "things do change." Here's a look at some of the issues covered: Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. "I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich." He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump's role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: "I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I'm the president. But I'm not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. "Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee," Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, "No," and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. At another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. "I want her to do what she wants to do," he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, "I'm not looking to go back into the past." Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. "I think you have to do it," he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end "birthright" citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — though such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and were shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, "I want to work something out," indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not "want to be breaking up families" of mixed legal status, "so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back." Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he "absolutely" would remain in the alliance "if they pay their bills." Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies' commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated "fairly" on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin's invasion. "Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure," Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump called for an immediate cease-fire. Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged. "I haven't spoken to him recently," Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to "impede the negotiation." Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy, including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: "Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious" that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump's pick for FBI chief, then "he's going to be taking somebody's place, right? Somebody is the man that you're talking about." Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. "We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient," he said. He added that "we're not raising ages or any of that stuff." He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would "probably" not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, "Well, I commit. I mean, are — things do — things change. I think they change." Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had "concepts" of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called "lousy health care." He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for "better health care for less money."
Report: John Butler hired as Nebraska defensive coordinator, two more coaches hired
Unions attack 2.8% Government pay rise proposal for NHS workers and teachers
The first COVID-19 mRNA manufacturing facility in the Southern Hemisphere is now open in Victoria, Australia, backed by the state and federal Labor governments. The new mRNA manufacturing facility aims to produce up to 100 million vaccine doses per year for COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). However, their production is still subject to regulatory approval. Health Minister Mark Butler and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan opened what they described as a cutting-edge facility at Monash University’s Clayton campus. Moderna’s Australia operations will create 140 highly skilled direct jobs and up to 500 jobs during construction. The government says the new facility will “turbocharge” the growth of Australia’s sovereign mRNA manufacturing industry. “The opening of Moderna’s manufacturing facility in Victoria makes Australia one of very few countries in the world, and the only country in the Southern Hemisphere, with an end-to-end mRNA manufacturing capability.” Allan said she was proud her state was making vaccines that Australia and the world could rely on going forward. “This is exactly what economic growth looks like: more investment, more jobs and more opportunity for all,” she said. “There are now three world-leading centres of medical research—Boston, London, and Victoria.” The government said that subject to regulatory approval, the Moderna facility would produce its first mRNA vaccines in 2025. Butler described the facility as a major step forward to protect Australians against “future pandemics.” He said the facility would create highly skilled jobs, support local industry, and promote research collaboration. Meanwhile, acting Economic Growth Minister Danny Pearson added, “We’ll never have to fight to get our fair share of vaccines again because the Southern Hemisphere’s first end-to-end mRNA vaccine facility has opened in Victoria—setting a new benchmark in innovation and economic growth. “With an election around the corner, the government would rather put Australians’ health at risk, than lose the publicity from opening the new mRNA factory.” New South Wales Libertarian MP John Ruddick explained why he didn’t take the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and raised concerns about the state government continuing to push it. “It was rushed. It was coerced. It was an experimental new type of vac—mRNA,” he said on Dec. 4. “We are grateful to the Australian and Victorian governments who have been pivotal in bringing this to fruition,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud that Moderna has been able to deliver this landmark facility to produce vaccines in Australia for Australians, a significant investment into the country’s biosecurity by our company.” Meanwhile, Moderna Chief Legal Officer Shannon Klinger said the company was committed to enhancing public health infrastructure. “And this facility exemplifies how our technology can support public health resilience in Australia and beyond,” he said. “The MTC-M represents the first commercial-scale end-to-end mRNA manufacturing facility in the Southern Hemisphere. “We look forward to delivering innovative science and comprehensive public health solutions from our operations in this country, advancing healthcare for Australians and the region.”College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta. Alabama left out of playoff as committee rewards SMU's wins over Crimson Tide's strong schedule The College Football Playoff committee took wins over strength of schedule, taking SMU over Alabama for the final at-large spot in the field. The field was expanded from four to 12 teams this season, but that didn’t save the committee from controversy. SMU showed it could compete against a traditional power, losing to Clemson 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal in the ACC title game on Saturday. Alabama had some ups and downs in its first season under coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide had quality wins against Georgia and South Carolina, but lost at Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Big Ten wins playoff selection derby, followed by SEC despite notable Alabama omission College football’s conference shakeup left concerns about two super conferences dominating the playoff field. They weren’t totally unfounded, or 100% born out. The Big Ten, not the Southeastern Conference, was the biggest winner. The ACC scored, too. The Big Ten led the initial 12-team playoff field with four making the cut, topped by a No. 1 Oregon team that was part of the Pac-12 exodus. Then came the SEC — and one notable omission. ACC runner-up SMU got the nod over college football blue-blood Alabama, another blemish in Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Nick Saban’s championship-or-bust successor. Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns, both career highs, and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 for their sixth straight victory. Darnold added another highlight to his brilliant first season with the Vikings following Cousins' departure in free agency to Atlanta with a 22-for-28 performance and no turnover-worthy plays despite heavy first-half pressure. Jordan Addison had eight catches for 133 yards and three scores and Justin Jefferson racked up seven receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Cousins threw two more interceptions without a touchdown in his return to Minnesota. Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sights PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley has broken LeSean McCoy's Eagles franchise record for rushing yards in a season. Barkley has 1,623 yards. He surpassed McCoy's mark of 1,607 yards with a 9-yard run in Sunday's 22-16 win over Carolina. Barkley finished the game with 124 yards, within a yard of his season average. He has four games left and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's 40-year-old NFL record of 2,105 yards. Dickerson set that record in a 16-game season and Barkley has one more game. Eagles fans serenaded Barkley with “MVP!” chants and McCoy congratulated him on social media. Saints QB Derek Carr injures left hand on dive in 4th quarter of win over Giants EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr injured his left hand late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 14-11 victory over the New York Giants when he went airborne while trying for a first down and crashed to the turf. Carr tried to leap over a Giants tackler and landed at the New Orleans 39-yard line, extending his non-throwing hand to break his fall. He was on the turf for a minute or two before walking to the medical tent. He was examined and slowly walked to an area where X-rays are done. The injury could hurt the already slim playoff hopes of the Saints. Tamar Bates scores 29 points to help Missouri beat No. 1 Kansas 76-67 COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67. Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the 8-1 Tigers. Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The 7-2 Jayhawks have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night. Scottie Scheffler ends his big year in the Bahamas with his 9th victory NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler ended his biggest year with another victory. Scheffler was coming off a two-month break and looked as good as ever. He shot 63 in the Hero World Challenge and set tournament records at Albany with a 72-hole total of 263 and a six-shot victory. Tom Kim was the runner-up and Justin Thomas finished third. Scheffler ends his year with nine victories in 21 tournaments. That includes the holiday tournament in the Bahamas and the Olympic gold medal in Paris. It's the third-highest winning percentage in the last 40 years. Tournament host Tiger Woods had two better years. Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive in ski racing return at age 40 COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive again in her ski racing return at 40 years old. Vonn is still getting her ski equipment dialed in and getting used to going full speed again on her new titanium knee. That’s why all that she's reading into being more than two seconds behind in a pair of lower-level super-G races Sunday is that she’s right there. This after nearly six years away from ski racing and an abbreviated prep period. She was 2.19 seconds behind in the first race and 2.06 in the second. Both were won by her American teammate Lauren Macuga. Plane circles MetLife Stadium with message to co-owner John Mara to fix the Giants' 'dumpster fire' EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — A small plane circled MetLife Stadium roughly 90 minutes before New York was to play host to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, asking Giants co-owner John Mara to overhaul the team that has made the playoffs twice since winning the Super Bowl in February 2012. “Mr. Mara, enough. Please fix this dumpster fire!” the message read as it was towed behind the rear of a small plane.ZETA COURT UPDATE: The Zeta Global Holdings Class Action Deadline is January 21 –Investors with Losses are Urged to Contact BFA Law (NYSE:ZETA)
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NonePUNTERS have been issued a major warning about a popular Irish drink that's a big hit during the festive season. It comes as shoppers are stocking up their shelves and fridges ahead of Christmas day. One of the most popular drinks around this time of year is Bailey's, the Irish cream liqueur that's a staple in winter months. But fans of the drink have been warned that once opened, Bailey's doesn't last forever. Producers have recommended that after opening, you should consume the drink within six months. That's not the only warning that has been issued to consumers of the liqueur. Tradespeople from mybuilder.com have said that pouring Bailey's down the sink is common mistake, according to the Mirror . Once the bottle has been opened, it can be easy to forget about it long after the festive season has ended. This leads to half full bottles of Bailey's being left unconsumed. Many of them are often poured down the sink as a result, but foodies have been warned not to make this common mistake. The building experts explained that the large fat content in the drink could be disastrous for plumbing. They said: "Cream liqueur drinks, such as the popular Christmas favourite, Baileys, can be a problem for your plumbing at Christmas. "While it may be delicious to drink, it doesn’t keep for long, and often ends up down the sink. "However, this sort of beverage should never be disposed of in this way. "Cream liqueurs have a large fat content, and as such, fall into the category of FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases). "FOG should never go down the sink, as it sticks to pipes and can cause blockages. "It’s also what’s responsible for ‘fatbergs’ in our sewers." They also stressed that turkey fat should not be poured down the sink as it could cause similar problems. They said: "As with Baileys, turkey fat is classed as FOG. Half the population admit to pouring FOG down the drain, but don’t be one of them. "The problem with pouring leftover fat down the drain is it will cool, which can lead to blockages and fatbergs in your pipes." The team gave a handy tip that could avoid disaster and save punters hundreds on Christmas day. "Calling out a plumber on Christmas Day is not easy – both in terms of availability and on the wallet. "Emergency callouts can be four times as expensive as a regular one – and even more at Christmas."
Election battlelines are being drawn – and not by AlbaneseRenewable energy pioneer gears up for growth via acquisitionNone
Nevada 90, Oklahoma St. 78Palantir's Stock Quadrupled in 2024. Can It Repeat in 2025? - The Motley Fool
Are you a founder or an entrepreneur facing the challenges of retaining key talent and ensuring long-term commitment in your company? A vesting schedule offers a practical solution. Let's say you and a friend start a startup and decide that ownership will only accrue as the business grows. However, if either of you leaves early, you will forfeit some shares to ensure fairness and commitment. This situation represents a vesting schedule. Vesting schedules guarantee the gradual acquisition of ownership based on continuous contributions or time and safeguard the company in the event of an early departure by reclaiming shares. Simply put, a vesting schedule rewards employees who remain w while reducing benefits for those who leave early. Key Takeaways What is a vesting schedule? An employer establishes a vesting schedule, which allows employees to gradually earn rights to specific benefits or assets. It allocates incentives, options, to reward loyal employees who remain with the company for long. Employees who leave before the vesting period may forfeit their full ownership rights to employer-provided assets. Exclusive ownership rights accrue depending on the length of an employee’s contract. Vesting agreements also govern a company's acquisition and outline the treatment of equity. These agreements include provisions for "acceleration," which triggers the partial or complete vesting of shares upon specific events like a merger or acquisition. This ensures that employees or stakeholders can benefit from their equity more rapidly under defined circumstances. Why Cofounders need a vesting schedule Cofounders require vesting schedules to safeguard the startup's equity structure, foster long-term dedication, and guarantee the acquisition of shares through significant contributions. Without a vesting schedule, a founder who leaves early could retain a large portion of equity, regardless of their contribution, which may lead to imbalance and investor concerns arising from early departures. Importance of vesting schedule Below are some of the benefits of the vesting schedule: Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Written by seasoned experts, who have over 16 years of experience in Free Zones development. . Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Vesting schedules . Employees must remain with the company for a certain period to fully realize the value of their stock options or equity grants. It also ensures that founders earn their equity stake over time through continued contributions. The incentive motivates founders to work hard to build the company. Vesting aligns incentives by tying the founders' share of rewards to their ongoing participation. Vesting protects the companies if a founder becomes uncooperative or negligent. Buying back unvested shares reduces the potential impact of disengaged founders who stop adding value, instead of keeping them with a large share. Additionally, it safeguards the company and other shareholders from the influence of inactive founders. Vesting manages risk for employees as their equity, or options, grows in value over time. It gives an incentive to work hard for the company's growth and protect their investment. Vesting despite minimal contributions. With a vesting schedule, they only get a part of the shares tied to their time served. How vesting schedules work for founders : This is the starting point for the vesting schedule. The individual begins to accumulate ownership rights over time. : The vesting period is the duration over which the individual earns ownership. People often express it in terms of years, and a common structure involves a vesting period of four years. : This is . Some vesting schedules include a “cliff” period at the beginning, during which no ownership is granted. At the end of the cliff period, a significant portion or all of the benefits may vest at once. : Ownership usually vests gradually over time after the cliff period (if applicable). A common schedule involves vesting 25% after the first year, followed by an additional 6.25% each quarter until the fourth year, marking the achievement of 100% ownership. : If the individual leaves the company or fails to meet certain conditions before the vesting is complete, they may forfeit all or part of the unvested benefits. Types of vesting schedules Milestone-based vesting is a type of vesting in which employees receive stock options and benefits upon reaching specific company performance milestones. For instance, if you are an employee in a company's sales and marketing unit, you may receive stock options after attaining a specific objective. This type of vesting allows employees to earn their stock options over time, following a cliff or a set schedule. A cliff occurs when the vesting schedule grants the employee's first option, followed by quarterly or monthly grants of the remaining options. This is . It requires employees to remain with the company for a certain period and achieve a specific goal before they can exercise their stock options. Which contracts typically contain a vesting schedule? The following types of contracts typically contain vesting schedules: Vesting schedule clauses to consider These clauses ensure companies retain control over unvested assets and protect themselves from granting benefits prematurely. The management of a founder's equity at a departing company is contingent upon their reason for leaving and the terms of the vesting agreement. For a "for cause" termination (e.g., misconduct or breach of contract), they usually forfeit any unvested equity, and the company may have the right to repurchase some or all vested shares at a predetermined price. If, on the other hand, the founder is fired "without cause" (for example, by mutual agreement or restructuring), they keep the vested equity but lose the unvested shares, unless the agreement has special rules like accelerated vesting under certain conditions, like a change in company control or performance milestones. Standard vesting schedules in startups Typical vesting schedule for Cofounders According to experts, the . Under this arrangement, founders stay with the company for at least one year before earning any shares. After the first year, they vest 25% of their shares, with the remaining 75% vesting gradually over the next three years, either monthly or quarterly. This schedule ensures founders are committed to the company's long-term success and motivated to grow the business, creating value for investors. investor, suggests that since some founders contribute more at the early stages, while others might have a more significant role in the later stages, a customized vesting schedule that reflects these differences is important This approach can help ensure that each founder’s equity stake accurately reflects their contribution to the company. Alternatives to the standard schedule Below are some alternative vesting options that fit specific startup needs: : This vesting period is over an extended interval, often between 4 to 10 years or more. Matthew Pauley, a Senior Lecturer of Entrepreneurship and Sustainability at Middlesex University, . Below are some of his mentions. Advantages Disadvantages This is a vesting period within a brief duration, usually 1 to 3 years. Advantages Disadvantages Best practices for setting up a Cofounders vesting schedule The best practices for setting up a Cofounders' vesting schedule differ from those for employees because Cofounders already own shares, while employees can buy them at a set price. Since cofounders take on the most risk regarding money and time, they often benefit more from special terms and conditions that may apply to their vesting agreements. If a co-founder leaves a startup before their shares fully vest, the company backs their unvested shares, often at or below fair market value. Additionally, the company often applies the right of first refusal to co-founders' shares. This enables the other founders or investors to prevent a cofounder from selling their shares to a third party, thereby limiting the exit option to selling the shares back to the company or its founders. Establishing fair and balanced Terms Establishing fairness in equity distribution involves transparent discussions, clear expectations, and often legal agreements to prevent disputes. Ensuring trust, motivation, and long-term collaboration among cofounders is essential. An equity distribution guarantees the recognition and value of all founders' contributions, skills, and sacrifices, thereby directly boosting their morale and commitment to the startup's success. Factors that enable fair equity distribution include contributions, risk tolerance, and future potential. Customizing the Vesting Schedule Based on Roles To ensure fairness, align incentives, and foster long-term commitment and collaboration, a founding team may adjust the schedule for different roles to reflect the varying levels of involvement, contributions, and risk taken by each co-founder.n. Below are some instances that mandate customizing vesting schedules: These aim to ensure fairness, encourage accountability, support startup goals, and reflect risk and sacrifice. Getting legal advice Consulting legal experts when drafting vesting agreements is important to ensure fairness, legal compliance, and the protection of all parties' interests. Well-crafted agreements prevent misunderstandings and lay a solid foundation for the startup's growth. A legal expert can help you customize the vesting schedules, set the cliff periods and forfeiture clauses, outline tax implications, and properly exit scenarios. Involving legal experts early helps you concentrate on building your startup with confidence that equity agreements are fair. Pros and Cons of Cofounders Vesting Schedules Advantages of Vesting Schedules Potential Drawbacks and Pitfalls to Avoid FAQs About Cofounders Vesting Schedules How does a vesting schedule work for cofounders? The vesting schedule gradually distributes co-founder equity over time, ensuring they earn ownership by remaining involved with the company. Typically, the company releases equity in increments, such as monthly or annually, following an initial "cliff" period where no equity vests. If a cofounder leaves early, they forfeit unvested shares. What is the standard vesting schedule for startups? The most common vesting schedule for startups is a four-year plan with a one-year cliff. Founders must stay with the company for at least one year to earn any shares, at which point 25% of their equity vests. Over the next three years, the remaining 75% vests gradually, typically monthly or quarterly. Can we modify vesting schedules? Yes, the vesting schedule can be modified under specific circumstances, including the need to adhere to legal regulations, a significant change in the company's direction, a change in a role or responsibilities, or in case of a merger or acquisition. Amid this, its important to legally document any changes to maintain transparency. I suggest a written agreement that details the modifications, including the reasons for the changes and any impact on the original vesting schedule. What is a Cliff Period in a Vesting Schedule? A cliff period is a specific period that must elapse before an employee's benefits become vested. The clause ensures that team members stay with a startup for a set initial period (typically one year) before earning any equity. It protects the startup from prematurely granting shares to individuals who leave early, ensuring commitment and reducing risk for cofounders and investors. How Does Accelerated Vesting Work? Accelerated vesting enables employees to access unvested stock options before their standard vesting schedule. It usually happens upon specific events, such as employment termination, acquisition, merger, or initial public offering (IPO). Conclusion Summary of Key Points In summary, an employer establishes a vesting schedule as a timeline that enables employees to gradually acquire rights to specific benefits or assets. It guarantees the gradual acquisition of ownership through contributions or time, and safeguards the company in the event of an early departure by reclaiming shares. The vesting schedule's importance includes talent retention, company protection, and risk management. Common clauses include accelerated vesting, vesting frequency, and termination clauses. If a cofounder leaves your startup before their shares fully vest, your startup can buy back unvested shares, often at or below fair market value. Furthermore, vesting agreement terms and conditions may benefit cofounders more because they take on the most financial and time risk. In the meantime, co-founders' shares frequently have the right of first refusal, which enables other founders or investors to prevent a co-founder from selling their shares to a third party, leaving only the option to sell the shares back to the company or its founders. Before you opt for a vesting schedule, understand that it can be long-term or short-term, depending on your startup’s vision and what is fair. Final Thoughts on Choosing a Vesting Schedule While vesting schedules are essential, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of different vesting schedules and seek professional advice to implement a fair, legally sound schedule that aligns with your startup’s goals. Ensure fairness, legal compliance, and the protection of all parties' interests by consulting legal experts when drafting vesting agreements. A legal expert can help you customize a fair vesting schedule, considering tax implications and exit scenarios. This allows you to concentrate on building your startup.None