Benefit as a Benefit Corporation
Is your business making the world a better place but struggling to communicate its public benefit to consumers and investors? Consider filing as a Benefit Corporation or pursuing B Corp Certification to differentiate your company from the crowd.
Forming under this new entity type – available with slight variations in more than a dozen states – empowers corporations to create a material positive impact on society and the environment without fear of breaching fiduciary duties. Directors and officers are protected from liability to consider non-financial interests and preserve the company’s mission during ownership and capital changes. While the company gains flexibility in financing and liquidity situations, shareholders are also protected through corporate accountability measures. Similarly, companies with qualifying corporate structures that meet certain performance standards may apply for B Corp Certification.
Setting up your business to do well by doing good isn’t just socially responsible. It can help differentiate your brand, preserve your social mission, satisfy consumers and attract investors.
The Human Capitalist Series P.1: The Basics
We’re excited to introduce a multipart and ongoing series about the basics of (and some advanced topics related to) equity for startup employees and contractors. The “Human Capital” aspect of any enterprise, especially a technology company, is its most valuable asset, and we hope to highlight the…
The Human Capitalist Series P.2: Stock Options
Stock options are the most common form of equity incentive for early-stage startups. A stock option grants the option holder the right to purchase a specific number of shares of the company within a fixed period of time at a preset “exercise” price, generally following the satisfaction…
The Human Capitalist Series P.3: How Are Stock Options Taxed, and Which Are Better, Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options?
The U.S. federal taxation of stock options for U.S. taxpayers depends on whether the options are classified as incentive stock options (ISOs) or nonstatutory stock options (NSOs). Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) ISOs may provide a tax advantage to the holder if (i) the optionee does not sell…