Eventbrite's Compensation Committee approved the accelerated vesting and payment of certain equity awards and 2025 cash bonuses for four named executive officers, including CEO Julia Hartz. This action, taken on December 18, 2025, is intended to mitigate negative tax consequences related to "excess parachute payments" under Section 280G of the tax code, which could arise from the company's pending merger with Bending Spoons US Inc.
Key Details
- Total Accelerated Compensation: The aggregate value of the accelerated cash and shares for the four executives is estimated at over $17.7 million.
- CEO Compensation: CEO Julia Hartz will receive accelerated compensation valued at approximately $12.5 million, consisting of a $131,250 cash bonus and 2,782,923 shares.
- Purpose: The move aims to preserve corporate tax deductions for Eventbrite and reduce or eliminate potential excise taxes for the executives in connection with the merger.
- Contingency: The payments are subject to a repayment agreement. Executives must return the after-tax portion of the accelerated payments if they terminate employment before the original vesting dates, unless the merger is successfully consummated.