---
title: "Share options guide"
id: "26343"
type: "page"
slug: "share-options-guide"
published_at: "2022-05-19T13:43:15+00:00"
modified_at: "2025-07-15T15:08:39+00:00"
url: "https://seedlegals.com/ebooks/share-options-guide/"
markdown_url: "https://seedlegals.com/ebooks/share-options-guide.md"
---

# The founder's guide to share option schemes

Keen to share equity with your team but don’t know where to start? Download our free ebook to learn how to set up an employee share option scheme with the right terms for your team.

## Build the best team, reward performance and protect your business

It’s increasingly popular for UK startups to reward employees with share options. For founders, it’s a cost-effective way to **attract talent, top up salaries and incentivise peak performance**. For employees, they get a real stake in your company’s growth and success.

But it’s a tricky balance for founders. How do you avoid granting too much equity or giving it away without getting value in return? You don’t want to lose control of your company or make it harder to get investment.

That’s where a share option scheme comes in. When you design your own option scheme, you can set the parameters and customise the terms to fit your company exactly. Plus, there are incredible tax advantages for you and your employees with an EMI option scheme.

## Win-win schemes for exceptional teams

Employee share option schemes are a powerful tool for attracting talent and keeping your team on board and working hard.

Download the guide to learn

✔ Which option schemes are suitable for UK startups

✔ If your company is eligible for an EMI scheme

✔ How tax works for companies and options holders

✔ How to set conditions in your option scheme

✔ How to decode the lingo, with our options jargon buster

## Our expert team is here to help

#### Unlimited support for members

- Talk to us your way – chat, phone, email, video call
- Get unlimited help – no billable hours, no extra cost
- Ask us anything – we’re here 9am to 6pm Mon – Fri

[Talk to an Expert](https://seedlegals.com/talk-to-an-expert/)

## We’ve helped over 60,000 companies

From food to FinTech and beyond, join thousands of startups who use SeedLegals to start, raise and grow faster.

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[More customer stories](/customers/)

- The reality is you’re on a journey; fundraising is so much about the narrative. SeedLegals allows you to tell the right story at the right time with the right legal documents for different types of investors. ##### Louise Doherty Founder & CEO, Yoller
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