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Earn-In Ownership
How future owners earn equity over time by hitting performance milestones, and how owners design earn-in agreements that actually work.
For Future OwnersFor Business OwnersFor Professionals
Earn-in ownership lets a future owner acquire equity over time by hitting agreed-upon performance milestones — revenue, EBITDA, tenure, or operational targets. It is one of the most flexible pathways for operators who bring strong skills but limited cash.
Key points
- Equity vests over 3–7 years, tied to milestones
- Common triggers: revenue, EBITDA, customer retention, tenure
- Governance during the earn-in period is negotiated up front
- Buyout mechanics protect both sides if the relationship ends
- Often used in succession and management-buy-in scenarios
Read the full Earn-In Ownership guide
A complete walkthrough with structure, examples, FAQs, and what to watch for.
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