4.3 PROMOTION OF THE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM TO PUBLIC EQUITY TRANSITIONS

Join us for a dynamic session that sheds light on the thriving startup landscapes in both Germany and Spain. Berlin consistently ranks among the top three startup cities in Europe, while Madrid and Barcelona secure coveted spots in the top 10. In this enlightening presentation, we will explore how both countries have recently upgraded their regulatory frameworks to support the creation and growth of startups.

The expert panel will provide invaluable insights into implementing your equity strategy across the transition in both countries. Discover how the Spanish Act to Promote the Startup Ecosystem, enacted in 2023, has revolutionized the regulatory landscape to support startups, and compare it to the German startup ecosystem.

This session is a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of startup-friendly policies in Germany and Spain and equip yourself with the knowledge to thrive in two of Europe's most dynamic startup ecosystems.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Startup ecosystem comparison: Gain a deep understanding of the startup ecosystems in Germany and Spain, and learn why Berlin is a top contender. Explore the factors that contribute to the success of these cities.
  • Navigating equity vehicles: Understand the intricate landscape of equity vehicles, spanning both private and public markets, and gain insights into their significance for startups in both countries.
  • Evolution of equity guidelines: Explore the evolving equity guideline framework, tracing its journey from the private sector to the public domain in both Germany and Spain, and grasp its implications for your startup's growth trajectory.
  • Global equity roll-out: Dive into market data and practical perspectives on executing a global equity strategy, ensuring you're well-prepared for international expansion, with a specific focus on Germany and Spain.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Speaker/Author

Christian Hyldig, Aon plc
Jaime Pavía, Cuatrecasas
Katalin Kiss, Delivery Hero

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 12:10 - 13:10
Country
Breakout series

MASTERING THE EQUITY PLAN SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL PROCESS: FROM SOUP TO NUTS

This insightful session offers a step-by-step guide to securing shareholder approval for new or amended equity plans. Gain essential insights on the recommended timeline, project plan, and key stakeholder roles. 

Key learning points:

- Navigating key developments: Stay informed about the latest developments affecting equity plans and the shareholder approval process, including proxy advisor and institutional shareholder voting policies.

- Best practices and compliance: Discover best practices and essential updates for equity plans in light of recent legal, tax, and governance changes, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements.

- Effective communication and execution: Learn strategies for effectively communicating material plan changes to executives and gaining board buy-in. Explore proxy disclosure considerations, including addressing potential stockholder risks. Additionally, delve into unique considerations related to ESPP approval and post-shareholder approval action items that demand attention.

Speaker/Author

Sinead Kelly, Baker McKenzie
Victor Flores, Baker McKenzie

Event date
Wednesday, 25 Oct 2023, 11:40 - 12:30
Country

LOOKING FORWARD, LOOKING BACK: A YEAR WITH PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE AND THE ROAD TO MANDATORY CLAWBACK POLICIES

As we approach the close of 2023, join our panel discussion for insights into the first year of Pay Versus Performance disclosure regulations and the imminent Mandatory Clawback policies. These policies, though distinct, share a common goal: enhancing the equitable distribution of equity compensation. 

Join our expert panel for a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of equity compensation policies and their impact on corporate compliance.

Key learning points:

- Reflecting on Pay Versus Performance: Gain insights into the challenges and progress made in implementing the SEC's Pay Versus Performance Disclosures. Real-life examples will illustrate successes and challenges in compliance, offering valuable lessons.

- Preparing for mandatory clawback: Discover how listed companies are gearing up for the forthcoming mandatory clawback policy, set to take effect on December 1, 2023. Learn about the financial reporting implications and the reporting requirements for compensation recovery procedures in annual reports.

- Applying lessons learned: Explore the practical lessons from the Pay Versus Performance experience and how they can inform the design and execution of the Mandatory clawback policy. Gain a comprehensive understanding of best practices to ensure compliance with these regulations and future developments.

Speaker/Author

Chris Dohrmann, FGE, Global Shares - a J.P. Morgan company
Michael Gorski, Semler Brossy
Sinead Kelly, Baker McKenzie

Event date
Wednesday, 25 Oct 2023, 09:30 - 10:30
Plan type
Country
SURVEYS AND REPORTS
1 June 2020
Conducting Share Plan Research in Compliance with the European Union GDPR
GDPR white Paper

GEO's Academic and Government Committee: Dr, Bill Castellano; Don-Tobias Jol; Woulter Seinen; Margaret Loughlin; Danyle Anderson FGE, 

Legal and regulatory
European Union

Published in June 2020, read this white paper to navigate share plan research in compliance with GDPR regulations.

GDPR is a complex and multi-faceted set of rules and many concepts and terms in the regulation remain relatively vague and ambiguous, especially in consideration of the accountabilities and limitations of research entities. Due to the voluntary nature of academic research, many researchers and organizations may be overwhelmed by GDPR and choose not to conduct research impacted by GDPR due to its complexity.

 

LIVE WEBCAST
17 October 2023, 12 - 1:15pm EDT
PAY VS. PERFORMANCE: 2023 LESSONS LEARNED AND CONSIDERATIONS YEAR TWO
Webcast

SPEAKERS: Nathan O'Connor, Equity Methods, Sinead Kelly, Baker McKenzie

Legal and regulatory
USA

The SEC's final Pay vs. Performance (PvP) rule, released in August 2022, triggered a frantic race among issuers to understand and comply with its complex requirements. As a result, the 2023 proxy season became unforgettable for proxy preparers at both issuers and service providers. Equity Methods invites you to join their webcast, where they delve into their PvP database, housing over 600 PvP disclosures.

The webcast will provide a recap and summary of actual PvP disclosures filed in this year's proxies, along with important lessons learned by practitioners. Additionally, the discussion will cover emerging best practices and highlight considerations for companies as they prepare for their second PvP disclosure in 2024.

Key Learning Points:

  • Understanding the impact of the SEC's final Pay vs. Performance rule on issuers and service providers during the 2023 proxy season.
  • Recap and analysis of actual PvP disclosures filed in proxies, offering insights into compliance and disclosure strategies.
  • Identifying best practices that have emerged from the PvP disclosures and outlining important considerations for future PvP disclosures.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.5*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit:1.25 credits


*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.
 

COST
GEO members: No charge
GEO non-members*: $85 

Become a GEO member to attend webcasts for free in the future!

*Fees are non-refundable. Recordings are available to access on-demand following the webcast.


Registration is required. Connection and login instructions are sent to registered participants prior to this webcast.

NEWS
31 March 2023
31 MARCH 2023: SHARE SCHEME REPORTING DEADLINE
external article

SOURCE: Mhc.ie

Legal and regulatory
Ireland

Companies operating equity incentive schemes must file an annual return of information with the Irish tax authorities by 31 March after the end of each tax year, and the returns in respect of 2022 activity are due by 31 March 2023. Failure to make returns may lead to penalties, including the withdrawal of approval for any 'Revenue approved' incentive schemes and no longer qualifying for share option schemes under the key employee engagement programme.

NEWS
4 April 2023
INDIA: SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EXPLAINED
external article

SOURCE: Worklaw.com

Legal and regulatory
India

Share-based employee benefits are becoming increasingly popular with many India businesses offering them to retain, reward or inspire their employees. These allow employees to participate in their company’s ownership and growth. On the other hand, helps employers to retain talent. This can be a powerful motivator for employees to work hard and contribute to the company’s success.

NEWS
18 April 2023
NEW REGULATIONS WILL FORCE COMPANIES TO ADDRESS PAY EQUITY
external article

SOURCE: Joshbersin.com

Legal and regulatory

The European Parliament has approved the Pay Transparency Directive, which mandates pay equity compliance, while Australia has also introduced broad changes to the Fair Work Act, including strengthening provisions on gender pay equity, anti-discrimination, and sexual harassment protections, and improving access to flexible work arrangements. Despite widespread awareness and disapproval of pay gaps, such as the 18% gap in the US, change remains difficult to come by.

NEWS
2 May 2023
CANADIAN EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP TRUST MODEL MISSING INCENTIVES FOR COMPANIES: EXPERT
External article

SOURCE: Benefitscanada.com

Legal and regulatory
Canada

As the Canadian government develops its legislation to permit employee ownership trusts, the fact that the proposed model doesn’t include incentives is a big blow to companies considering the option, according to one expert.