Employee participation programs such as ESOPs (Employee Stock Option Plans) and PSOPs (Phantom Stock Option Plans) offer many benefits: They boost motivation and retention, encourage entrepreneurial thinking within the team, and make companies more attractive to talent. However, in practice, legal, tax, and structural challenges often arise that should be considered at an early stage.

 In our webinar, hosted together with LEXR Law Switzerland AG, we provide insights into the differences and benefits of ESOPs and PSOPs, including a clear explanation of key terms and common contract clauses. We also address the tax and financial implications for companies and employees, and highlight common pitfalls that should be taken into account to ensure the successful implementation of such programs

1. Introduction to the topic – "Why employee participation in the first place?" 
2. Benefits and differences between ESOPs and PSOPs
3. Key terms and common clauses  
4. Tax and financial implications for employees and companies
5. Q&A 

Speaker

Michele Vitali 

Michele leads theStartup Financing and VC Transactions team at LEXR, specializing in guiding founders, startups, and investors through every phase of a company’s journey. From incorporation and early financing rounds to employee participation models, venture loan agreements, and complex restructurings, Michele brings both legal expertise and a deep understanding of business. As an entrepreneur himself, he knows firsthand the challenges founders face, allowing him to provide practical, business-savvy solutions.

With degrees in both law and business administration, Michele combines a hands-on, solution-oriented approach with a communicative and approachable style that clients value. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating a complex restructure, Michele’s here to make the journey smoother.

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Tom Schlup 

After holding various finance and controlling positions and working for many years as an M&A and corporate finance manager, Tom has supported more than one hundred start-up companies over the past three years as part of the SEF.Growth growth program and has served on the jury of the Swiss Economic Award as well as on the Innosuisse Covid Credit Board.

In his current role as a fractional/interim CFO and advisor at FS Partners AG, Tom primarily supports start-ups and SMEs in their strategic financial planning, financing matters, and operational financial management. Thanks to his broad experience, Tom is well familiar with the typical challenges—particularly those faced by digital and SaaS-based business models—and helps companies apply their strategic and management tools effectively.