Atom — The 6D Stock Options Design Platform.
Atom is the contemplation-to-execution platform that helps you simulate, test, and confront the math behind your stock options strategy before distributing a single grant. Use Contemplation on your values and your vision as your neutrons and split that atom.
“Don’t design a boring stock options plan. Craft a unique stock options strategy. Its purpose is to align the mental energies of the team members towards a common set of values and vision.”
Values, not valuation, inspire people.
If your vision says “let’s become a billion-dollar company,” you are essentially saying you have no vision beyond making money. But that is usually not true. You have been swayed by an environment that wants you to believe it is the valuation that matters.
Stock options have two objectives - emotional and financial. The emotional objective is addressed by granting options to people who resonate with your values and vision so they feel a sense of shared mission. The financial objective ensures those options provide an attractive monetary benefit.
Use Atom as your Contemplation engine to bring both objectives together, so you never have to choose between inspiration and math.
Six dimensions. One contemplated strategy.
When you start to design a stock options strategy, you must consider six dimensions of your policy. Sometimes these dimensions act like forces running in opposite directions. Your job is to find the right balance for your company.
Why
Define whether you wish to reward past contribution, incentivise future growth, or both. Gracias options for the past; Growth options for the future.
Who
Determine which roles are critical to achieving your vision. Rate criticality from A to E. But rate the role, not the person.
How Many
Calculate Intended Benefit Through Options (IBO) using their market worth and criticality.
What Price
Set the exercise price anchored to fair market value or at a discount based on your own vision.
What Conditions
Design vesting schedules, cliffs, and exercise conditions that inspire commitment, not demand compliance. Conditions must reflect your culture.
How Often
Follow an appropriate grant cadence so new joiners are included promptly and the board approves specific grants on a regular rhythm.
Your four-step path to objective clarity.
Begin with your vision
Don't start with the shareholders' resolution. Start with who you are and what you stand for. Define your values and let your non-financial vision drive the entire strategy.
Enter the Sandbox
Upload employee data, set criticality ratings, and create multiple grant scenarios. This is your Contemplation tool. Spend many hours here.
Confront the math
Atom analyses your inputs and forces you to see dilution, accounting charges, and employee benefit side by side. Take a close look at the numbers.
Commit with conviction
Choose your final scenario. Make sure it aligns with who you are and what you stand for. Lock in the numbers.
Built for companies who refuse to copy-paste.
Sandbox Scenario Modelling
Create multiple what-if scenarios—compare total options, dilution impact, and accounting charges side by side before committing to a single number.
Gracias & Growth Separation
Distinguish clearly between past-reward and future-incentive grants. Different letters, different terms, different messaging. No ambiguity.
Intent-Level Breakdowns
Grant allocations per individual force you to contemplate who truly deserves what—and why. No blanket percentages. Every number is deliberate.
Financial Projection Integration
Link your sandbox scenarios to projected equity share values so each grant target is grounded in real financial math, not wishful thinking.
Legal Documentation Engine
Once your contemplated strategy is final, export shareholder resolutions, board resolutions, scheme documents, and grant letters seamlessly.
Ready to split the atom?
Enrol in the Stock Options School. Learn the philosophy, master the 6D framework, and design your stock options strategy in the Sandbox. All included with your subscription.