Your stock options shouldn't be a privilege
reserved for unicorn employees
Free calculators to understand your true exercise cost. Transparent financing to help you exercise without risking your savings. Built for the 99% of startup employees that incumbents ignore.
Why employees choose Optioning
We're building stock option financing that puts employees first.
Most providers only finance unicorn employees. We believe every startup employee deserves access to stock option financing, regardless of company stage or option value.
Choose between a non-recourse loan or a profit-split model. We offer flexible structures so you can pick what works best for your situation and risk tolerance.
Our financing is non-recourse. If your company fails or the stock loses value, you owe us nothing. We only succeed when you succeed.
No lengthy paperwork or weeks of waiting. Our streamlined application process gets you a decision fast so you can exercise before your window closes.
Know your true exercise cost
before you commit
Our free stock option tax calculator shows you the complete picture — exercise cost, AMT, federal and state taxes, FICA — so there are no surprises.
- ✓ISO and NSO support with real AMT calculations
- ✓State-specific tax rates for all 50 states
- ✓QSBS eligibility and LTCG savings analysis
- ✓Shareable results — send to your advisor or spouse
Example: 10,000 ISOs at $1.50 strike, $15.00 FMV
Actual results may vary. Calculate yours for free.
How it works
From understanding your options to exercising them — in three simple steps.
Calculate your cost
Use our free calculator to understand the full cost of exercising — exercise price plus all taxes. No surprises.
Compare your options
See how self-funding compares to financing. Understand the trade-offs between a non-recourse loan and a profit-split structure.
Apply in minutes
Submit a simple application, upload your option agreement, and get a quote. We handle the complexity so you don't have to.
The stock option problem is massive
Most startup employees leave money on the table because they can't afford the exercise cost plus taxes. We're here to change that.
$60B+
Annual stock option value at risk
55%
Of options go unexercised
76%
Of employees never exercise
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