Employee participation schemes are a key instrument for startups to retain talented teams over the long term and allow employees to share in the company’s success. Especially during the growth phase, when financial resources are often limited, they provide an attractive way to motivate employees and create incentives without putting additional pressure on liquidity.
This presentation introduces practical participation models — from ESOP and VSOP to profit participation rights — and examines the respective legal and tax advantages and disadvantages of each approach. The focus is on the question of which model is best suited to which stage of a company’s development and what needs to be considered during implementation.
A particular focus will be placed on profit participation rights (Genussrechte): They will be presented as a possible legally and tax-efficient alternative that avoids many of the typical disadvantages of traditional participation models. Using practical examples, the presentation will demonstrate concrete structuring options and implementation approaches.
The event is aimed at founders, managing directors, and anyone involved in introducing or optimising employee participation schemes. There will be ample opportunity for questions and open discussion afterwards.