Alternatives to executing scheme documents on Vestd
This article outlines the options available if you want to use your own scheme documentation on the Vestd platform
This article outlines the options available if you want to use your own scheme documentation on the Vestd platform.
Many companies choose to use their own share scheme documents on Vestd rather than our standard precedents. There are several ways to do this, and a quick conversation with us is usually the best way to confirm the most suitable approach. That said, the most common alternatives are set out below.
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Upload a PDF of your externally executed agreement
This option is typically chosen where your existing agreements are deeds and you or your lawyers prefer not to adapt them. You can execute the documents and circulate them for signing externally and then upload the final PDF to Vestd for record‑keeping.
Convert your existing agreement into a Vestd template
Vestd can convert your existing agreement into a template so that all new agreements are automatically generated by the platform. This is usually preferred by companies expecting to issue a larger number of agreements (10+).
Historically, this required your lawyer to adapt the agreement so it could be accepted as a contract on the platform. This involved:
- Adding consideration so the document operates as a contract
- Adjusting any clauses that grant a Power of Attorney (which normally require deed execution)
- Updating the signature section so the agreement can be electronically offered and accepted
Support for executing option agreements as witnessed deeds
The platform now supports digitising customer option agreements as deeds. This removes a common blocker for customers whose bespoke agreements must remain deeds or contain forced‑execution clauses.
Digital acceptance remains the simplest route where possible, as it avoids the need for witnesses. However, executing as a deed is now fully supported for customers who require it.
To process an agreement as a deed on the platform, the document must include the correct deed placeholders. These allow the platform to collect all required signatures and witness details.
A deed requires four signatures in total:
- Company signature
- Company witness signature
- Recipient signature
- Recipient witness signature
The corresponding signature dates must also be captured. Additional mandatory fields (such as witness occupation or address) will be confirmed once the final list is provided.
Tip💡: See our Custom Option Agreements guide for more information on adding placeholders
The deed flow will only work if the correct placeholders are present in the document. Once confirmed, these placeholders can be added to your template so the platform can collect all required information.
Digital acceptance remains the simplest route where possible, as it avoids the need for witnesses. However, executing as a deed is now fully supported for customers who require it.
Generate an agreement from the platform and tweak as needed
You can generate an agreement using Vestd’s standard templates and then adjust specific clauses to reflect any unusual or bespoke commercial terms you need to include.
Our team, content and app can help you make informed decisions. However, any guidance and support should not be considered as 'legal, tax or financial advice.'