SeedBlink launches ESOP Design program in collaboration with Gugushev & Partners

• ESOP Design is the first all-in-one solution for employee equity compensation for startups tailored to the specific legal and tax environment in Bulgaria.
• Adding on to the benefits of the introduction of Variable Capital Company (VCC), this launch will further simplify the setup and management of employee ownership plans for local startups.
• Previously restricted to the senior management of public multinationals, ESOPs today are becoming an integral part of startup benefits and/or bonus packages.

SeedBlink, in collaboration with Gugushev & Partners Law Office, announced today the launch of ESOP Design, an all-in-one solution developed for the first time in Bulgaria for startups that want to integrate employee equity compensation into their growth strategy.

This program simplifies the process of creating and managing Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) for Bulgarian companies by leveraging the experience of legal, tax, and digital management specialists, providing founders with the tools and expertise to implement effective ESOPs tailored to Bulgaria's specific legal and tax environment.

The ESOP Design partnership aligns with SeedBlink's strategic commitment to promote equity ownership in Europe. In 2024, SeedBlink is intensifying its efforts to scale equity management platform Nimity, simplifying the stock option plans, funding process and investor communication.

In Bulgaria, this launch will further simplify the process for starting companies adding on to the benefits from the efforts of local institutions to promote flexibility with the recent changes to the Commercial Law, i.e. the introduction of the new legal entity - Variable Capital Company (VCC), which will facilitate capital changes based on the company’s corporate development, including employees receiving shares.

"The desire to involve employees in the success of startups is more relevant than ever. ESOP Design addresses this need by making it easier for businesses to set up, launch and manage employee ownership plans, thereby attracting, engaging, and motivating top-performing talent.” says Angel Hadjiev, SEE Director at SeedBlink.

Restricted to the senior management of the largest public multinationals until recently in Bulgaria, ESOPs today also positively impact the startup’s image in the eyes of potential investors and encourage employees to give back to the ecosystem.

”By cultivating ESOPs into the startup ecosystem, we are aligning interests and nurturing the next generation of business angels in Europe. We plan to expand the concept with partners in more European countries in the coming months.” adds Angel Hadjiev

Victor Gugushev, Senior Partner at Gugushev & Partners, states, "ESOPs fosters a culture of accountability, retain skilled professionals, and bolster entrepreneurship. The ESOP Design program is designed to make the content of such a program understandable and to simplify its creation, implementation and management. We are happy to contribute to SeedBlink and Nimity's strategic goal."

ESOP Design: simplifying employee participation

Bulgarian entrepreneurs interested in the ESOP Design initiative can take part in an online event on April 18, 5PM. (participation is free, provided you register before the event using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8517072837900/WN_GYwxX9KKRxm2uQsbfvboSw). They will explore the impact that Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) can have on company culture and growth. It will also provide an opportunity for industry professionals and leaders to discuss fostering a culture of success and innovation within their organizations.

Since launching its equity management solution, Nimity, last June, SeedBlink brought over 10,000 company representatives and shareholders onto the platform. In addition, it has efficiently integrated over 2,500 company capitalization tables and facilitated ESOPs for over 500 beneficiaries. These accomplishments support SeedBlink's positioning as the only European platform that combines financing, equity management and secondary transactions for private equity into a single ecosystem.

***

About SeedBlink  

SeedBlink's mission is to simplify and grow equity ownership in Europe. Through its range of products, financial services, and extensive network, it offers an equity management and tech-focused venture investment platform that enables European startups and their stakeholders to access, manage, and trade equity.  

SeedBlink SA is registered in the Register of the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF), under number PJR28FSFPR/400001 as of November 3, 2022, with an EU passport as per the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) register of crowdfunding service providers. Contact us by email: hello@seedblink.com. 

About Gugushev & Partners Law Office

Gugushev & Partners is a leading law firm that through provision of high-quality legal services and a unique business-oriented approach grew to be highly recognized on the Bulgarian market by international legal directories, businesses and peers on both local and international levels. Their team finds the optimal solutions and innovative ways to achieve effective results and has worked with many startups from their incorporation, to decisions on expansion, mergers and acquisitions or sale.