Definition
Exercising unvested options early, usually subject to repurchase.
Examples
Early exercise can start the capital gains holding period sooner.
Origin
Modern business/startup term; used as practical shorthand in product, growth, and investing.
Use it in Nautis
Track early exercise alongside everything else in your startup.
Nautis brings planning, fundraising, finance, and operations into one AI-native workspace — so concepts like early exercise stop being spreadsheet trivia and start showing up where decisions get made.