Definition
Vesting acceleration that requires two events—typically an acquisition plus termination—before unvested shares become immediately vested. Single trigger's more reasonable younger sibling.
Example Usage
His double trigger acceleration meant he only got his unvested shares when the acquirer both bought the company and laid him off six months later.
Origin
Evolved from single trigger provisions that created perverse incentives in acquisitions
Fun Fact
Double trigger is now standard because single trigger created situations where founders got acquired then immediately quit with all their stock, infuriating acquirers.
Source: Executive compensation and M&A legal structures
Related Terms
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See “double trigger acceleration” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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