Your Role in Building MetaCTO's Future
Understanding Your Phantom Equity Grant & Career Path

by Chris Fitkin

Why Phantom Equity?
Definition
Briefly define Phantom Equity
Our Choice
Why we chose it: non-dilutive, performance-aligned, cash payout on exit
Your Position
You're not just an employee — you're a co-creator of value
Recognizing What You've Already Built
600
Shares Granted
shares granted in Year 0 = 13.5% of the total equity pool
0
Other Roles
No other role received phantom equity this early or this large
3
Key Contributions
Your strategic product vision, team leadership, and execution laid the foundation
Your Equity Growth Path
Note: 100% performance-tied, vested with you through Change in Control
Total Comp View
Cash + Equity Comp grows 4× over 5 years
Fully modeled out: salary, bonus, 401k, equity value
Callout: Equity becomes 3x your base by Year 5
Exit Value Scenarios
Low Scenario
Exit Value: $80M
Your Equity (2,190 shares): ~$1.7M
Target Scenario
Exit Value: $240M
Your Equity (2,190 shares): $5.2M
High Scenario
Exit Value: $400M
Your Equity (2,190 shares): ~$8.7M
Visual: Range bar with "you are here" marker and projected trajectory
How We Get There
Revenue
$4M → $50M
EBITDA
18% → 40%
Profit
$720K → $20M
Mult
7× → 12×
You drive:
Product-led growth, scalable systems, user engagement → valuation multiple
Expectations and Assumptions
Y1–2
Mature product vision, systemize product ops, grow team
Y3 Promotion
Lead cross-functional strategic product org as VP
Y4–5
Prepare for scale and potential acquirer engagement
We assume:
  • You're here through exit
  • You lead product innovation + execution
  • You help recruit and mentor rising leaders
Performance/Retention Bonus
90 Additional Shares
Reserved for Year 5
Requirements
Stay through exit & meet growth milestones
No Cliff
Rewards long-haul leadership
Summary & Commitment
Current Position
You already own more phantom equity than any other role
Career Path
You have a clear path to VP of Product
Financial Outcome
Exit could mean $5M+ in equity value for you personally
Our Investment
We're investing in you long-term, starting from Day 0
Call to Action: Let's align on expectations, cadence of check-ins, and mutual growth.