Re:Immediate Vest (Score 1)

I never said it was common, but I have heard of it. IIRC, the CEO of the storage startup I worked for a few years ago had this type of arrangement. As to your second point, believe what you want. But I've seen some creative compensation in my time in this industry. I would imagine you've seen even more than me, so I don't understand the incredulity. And as for the difference, maybe it is minor to you, but it appears to be rather significant to me. A definite ownership stake (equity) vs. the right to obtain an ownership stake (options). These are hardly identical.