Document:

Exhibit 10.1

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”)
is made and entered into as of February 25, 2022 by and between Jasper Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”),
and Ronald Martell (the “Executive”).

 

RECITALS

 

THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the
basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:

 

A. The
Corporation desires that the Executive be employed by the Corporation to carry out the duties and responsibilities described below, all
on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

B. The
Executive desires to accept such employment on such terms and conditions.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the
above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Employment
and Duties.

 

1.1 Employment.
The Corporation does hereby hire, engage and employ the Executive on an at-will basis, subject to the terms and conditions expressly set
forth in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, Sections 5 and 6 of this Agreement. The Executive does hereby accept and agree
to such hiring, engagement and employment on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

1.2 Duties;
Appointment to Board of Directors. The Executive shall serve the Corporation as its Chief Executive Officer and President and
shall perform and have the responsibilities, duties, status and authority customary for such positions in an organization of the size
and nature of the Corporation, subject to the corporate policies of the Corporation as in effect from time to time (including, without
limitation, the Corporation’s business conduct and ethics policies, as they may be amended from time to time). In this position,
the Executive shall report to the Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) and shall render such administrative,
financial and other executive and managerial services to the Corporation and its affiliates as the Board may from time to time direct.
In addition, upon the commencement of the Executive’s employment with the Corporation, the Executive will be appointed to the Board,
and, so long as the Executive is the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the Corporation shall recommend that its stockholders
vote to maintain the Executive’s position as a member of the Board at each applicable meeting of its stockholders.

 

     

     

    

 

1.3 No
Other Employment; Time Commitment. For so long as the Executive is employed with the Corporation, the Executive shall both (i)
devote the Executive’s full business time, energy and skill to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Corporation
and (ii) hold no other employment or consulting positions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may serve on managing or advisory
boards of non-profit entities and up to three (3) managing or advisory boards of for-profit companies (which number shall be reduced to
two (2) managing or advisory boards of for-profit companies as of the date six (6) months following the Effective Date (as defined below)),
so long as such service does not interfere with the Executive’s duties to, or otherwise create a conflict of interest with respect
to, the Corporation. The Board shall have the right to require the Executive to resign from any board or similar body on which the Executive
may then serve if the Board determines that such activity interferes with the effective discharge of the Executive’s duties and
responsibilities to the Corporation or that any business related to such service is then in competition with any business of the Corporation
or any of its affiliates, successors or assigns.

 

1.4 No
Breach of Contract. The Executive hereby represents to the Corporation: (i) that the execution and delivery of this Agreement
by the Executive and the Corporation and the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute
a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which the Executive is a party or otherwise bound;
(ii) that the Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to
any other person or entity which would prevent, or be violated by, the Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out the Executive’s
duties hereunder; and (iii) that the Executive is not bound by any confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement with any other
person or entity which would prevent, or be violated by, the Executive (x) entering into this Agreement or (y) carrying out
the Executive’s duties hereunder.

 

1.5 Location.
The Executive’s principal place of employment initially shall be the offices of the Corporation’s headquarters, currently
located in Northern California. The Executive acknowledges that business travel may be required from time to time in the course of performing
the Executive’s duties for the Corporation.

 

2. Term.
The Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall commence as of such date as may be mutually agreed upon by the Executive and
the Corporation, which in no event shall be later than March 15, 2022 (the “Effective Date”). The period from the Effective
Date until the termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement is hereinafter referred to as “the term of this
Agreement” or “the term hereof.” Until the occurrence of the Effective Date, this Agreement shall be null and void and
without force or effect.

 

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3. Compensation.

 

3.1 Base
Salary. During the term hereof, the Executive’s base salary (the “Base Salary”) shall be paid in accordance
with the Corporation’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time, but not less frequently than in monthly installments.
As of the Effective Date, the Executive’s Base Salary shall be at an annualized rate of $675,000. During the term hereof, the Compensation
Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) will annually review and adjust the Executive’s rate of
Base Salary.

 

3.2 Incentive
Bonus. During the term hereof, in addition to the Base Salary, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive
bonus (“Incentive Bonus”) for each fiscal year with a target amount of 50% of Base Salary. The actual amount of any
Incentive Bonus earned by the Executive each year shall be determined in good faith by the Compensation Committee in its reasonable discretion,
based on the achievement of performance objectives established for that particular fiscal year by the Compensation Committee, in consultation
with the Executive. The Incentive Bonus earned for each fiscal year (if any) shall be paid as soon as practicable following the Board’s
certification of financial results for the applicable calendar year, subject to the Executive’s continued employment by the Corporation
or its affiliates through the applicable payment date.

 

3.3 Equity Compensation. Pursuant
to the Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan or an inducement equity plan adopted by the Corporation (either as may
be amended or restated from time to time, the “Plan”) and subject to the approval of the Board or the
Compensation Committee, the Executive will receive an option to purchase a number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock
equal to 4.5% of the number of shares of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock, measured as of the date of the grant (the
“Option”). The Option will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Corporation’s
standard form of option agreement for executive option grants, and the shares subject to the Option will vest over four years, with
25% of the shares vesting on the first anniversary of the Effective Date and the remaining shares vesting in equal monthly
installments over the subsequent three years, subject to the Executive’s continued service with the Corporation through the
applicable vesting date. In addition, in the event the Corporation closes an equity financing of at least $50 million after the
Effective Date, then, promptly following the closing of such financing, the Executive shall be granted an additional option (the
“True-Up Option”) covering such number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock equal to 1.0% of the
number of shares of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock, measured as of the date of grant. The True-Up Option will be
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Corporation’s standard form of option agreement for executive option
grants, and the shares subject to the True-Up Option will vest over four years, with 25% of the shares vesting on the first
anniversary of the date of grant and the remaining shares vesting in equal monthly installments over the subsequent three years,
subject to the Executive’s continued service with the Corporation through the applicable vesting date.

 

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4. Benefits.

 

4.1 Retirement,
Welfare and Fringe Benefits. During the term hereof, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in all employee retirement
and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Corporation to the Corporation’s
executive employees generally, in accordance with the terms of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to
time.

 

4.2 Reimbursement
of Expenses. During the term hereof, the Executive shall be authorized to incur reasonable expenses to facilitate performance
of his duties under this Agreement. The Executive shall be eligible for reimbursement of such expenses, subject to the Corporation’s
expense reimbursement policies and the discretion of the Board.

 

4.3 Vacation
and Other Leave. During the term hereof, the Executive shall accrue paid time off and other leave in accordance with the applicable
policies of the Corporation.

 

4.4 Indemnification.
The Executive shall be provided indemnification, and coverage under the Corporation’s D&O liability insurance policies, to the
same extent as other executive officers of the Corporation.

 

5. Termination
of Employment.

 

5.1 Generally.
The Executive’s employment by the Corporation, and the term hereof, may be terminated at any time (i) by the Corporation with or
without Cause (as defined in Section 5.4), (ii) by the Corporation in the event that the Executive has incurred a Disability (as defined
in Section 5.4), (iii) by the Executive for any reason, or (iv) due to the Executive’s death.

 

5.2 Notice
of Termination. Any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement (other than because of the Executive’s
death) shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party, which termination shall be
effective (i) no less than thirty (30) days following delivery of such notice in the event of a termination by the Executive for any reason
or (ii) immediately in the event of a termination by the Corporation. The notice of termination shall indicate the specific provision(s)
of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination.

 

5.3 Benefits
Upon Termination.

 

(a) Upon
any termination of the Executive’s employment with the Corporation (the date of termination, the “Severance Date”),
the Corporation shall pay to the Executive (or the Executive’s estate, if applicable) (i) any Base Salary that had accrued but had
not been paid (including accrued and unpaid vacation time) on or before the Severance Date; (ii) any reimbursement due to the Executive
pursuant to Section 4.2 for expenses incurred by the Executive on or before the Severance Date; and (iii) any other amounts required under
applicable law (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”). The treatment (including, without limitation, the cancellation
or vesting thereof and/or the entitlement of the Executive thereto) of any outstanding equity awards then held by the Executive as of
the Severance Date shall be subject to the applicable terms of the Plan and the applicable award agreements.

 

(b) If,
during the term hereof the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Corporation without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason
(an “Involuntary Termination”), the Corporation shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations payable
in accordance with Section 5.3(a)) an amount equal to 18 months of the Executive’s Base Salary at the rate in effect on the Severance
Date (collectively, the “Severance Benefit”). The Corporation shall pay (or provide, as applicable) the Severance Benefit
to the Executive in substantially equal installments during the 18-month period commencing on the Executive’s Involuntary Termination
in accordance with the Corporation’s payroll cycle; provided, however, that amounts that otherwise would be scheduled to be paid
during the Release Period (as defined in Section 5.4(a)) shall accrue and shall be paid on the first payroll date following the expiration
of the Release Period.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Section 5.3, if the Executive’s termination of employment is not a “Separation from Service”
within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the regulations
and other published guidance thereunder (including §1.409A-1(h)), then, if required in order to comply with the provisions of Section
409A of the Code, payment of the Severance Benefit shall be delayed until such a Separation from Service occurs. The treatment (including,
without limitation, the cancellation or vesting thereof and/or the entitlement of the Executive thereto) of any outstanding equity awards
then held by the Executive as of the Severance Date shall be subject to the applicable terms of the Plan and the applicable award agreements.

 

(d) Notwithstanding
the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if the Executive is found to have breached the Executive’s obligations under Section
6 of this Agreement, (i) the Executive shall no longer be entitled to, and the Corporation shall no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining
unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit as of the date of such breach, and (ii) the Executive shall, at the request of the Corporation,
repay any portion of the Severance Benefit previously paid or provided to the Executive. (For purposes of determining repayment of benefits,
if any, the Executive shall repay the Corporation its costs incurred to provide such benefits.) Any disputes with respect to the application
of this Section 5.3(d) will be subject to Section 17 hereof; provided that during the pendency of any such dispute, the Corporation
will be entitled to withhold any payments pursuant to this Section 5.3 so long as the Corporation believes, in good faith, that it is
reasonably likely to prevail in such dispute.

 

(e) The
foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect: (i) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due terminated employees
under group insurance coverage consistent with the terms of the applicable Corporation welfare benefit plan; (ii) the Executive’s
rights under COBRA to continue participation in medical, dental, hospitalization and such other benefit plans covered by COBRA; or (iii) the
Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due in accordance with the terms of the Corporation’s 401(k) plan (if any).

 

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5.4 Release;
Exclusive Remedy.

 

(a) As
a condition precedent to any Corporation obligation to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3(b) and Section 5.3(c), the Executive shall,
upon or within sixty (60) days following termination of employment with the Corporation (such 60-day period being referred to as the “Release
Period”), provide the Corporation with a valid, executed general release in the Corporation’s standard form, and such
release agreement shall have not been revoked by the Executive, and shall have become non-revocable, pursuant to, or in accordance with,
any revocation rights afforded by applicable law prior to the expiration of the Release Period.

 

(b) The
Executive agrees that the payments and benefits contemplated by Section 5.3 shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination
of employment during the term of this Agreement and the Executive covenants not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity,
with respect to any termination of employment. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive agrees that, irrespective of the terms of the Severance
Plan, Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under the Severance Plan, and Executive hereby disclaims any rights
that Executive might otherwise have to receive payments or benefits under the Severance Plan.

 

5.5 Certain
Defined Terms. In the event of a conflicting definition between this Agreement and any other agreement between the Corporation
and the Executive, the definitions of Cause and Good Reason contained in this Agreement shall govern unless such other agreement states
otherwise by specifically making reference to this Agreement.

 

(a) As
used herein, “Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Severance Plan.

 

(b) As
used herein, “Disability” shall mean a disability that qualifies the Executive for benefits under the Corporation’s
long-term disability plan.

 

(c) As
used herein, “Good Reason” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Severance Plan.

 

(d) As
used herein, “Severance Plan” shall mean the Corporation’s Severance Plan for Vice Presidents and Executive Committee
Members (as the same may be amended or restated from time to time).

 

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5.6 Resignation
from Directorships and Officerships. The termination of the Executive’s employment with the Corporation for any reason shall
be treated as the Executive’s resignation from (i) any director, officer or employee position the Executive has with the Corporation
and any of its respective affiliates, and (ii) all fiduciary positions (including as a trustee) the Executive holds with respect to any
employee benefit plans or trusts established by the Corporation or any of its affiliates, in each case unless otherwise determined by
the Board or one of its committees. The Executive agrees that this Agreement shall serve as written notice of resignation in this circumstance.
Furthermore, the Executive agrees to execute any documents evidencing such resignations that the Corporation reasonably requests.

 

6. Proprietary
Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement. As a condition of employment with the Corporation, the Executive shall be required
to sign and comply with the Corporation’s form of Proprietary Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement, as such form may
be amended from time to time to reflect changes in applicable law (the “Confidentiality Agreement”).

 

7. Non-Disparagement.
The Executive agrees that at no time during employment with the Corporation or thereafter shall the Executive make, or cause or assist
any other person to make, any statement or other communication to any third party which impugns or attacks, or is otherwise critical of,
the reputation, business or character of the Corporation, any Corporation affiliate, or any of their respective directors, officers, representatives,
agents or employees. Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary; in no event shall any party be prohibited from providing
truthful testimony in connection with a legal proceeding or governmental investigation. In addition, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit
the Executive from reporting a suspected violation of law to the appropriate governmental agency or authority.

 

8. Defense
of Claims. The Executive agrees that, during the term hereof and following the termination of the Executive’s employment,
upon request from the Corporation, the Executive will cooperate with the Corporation in the defense of any claims or actions that may
be made by or against the Corporation that affect the Executive’s prior areas of responsibility, except if the Executive’s
reasonable interests are adverse to the Corporation in such claim or action. The Corporation agrees that it shall reimburse the reasonable
out of pocket costs and attorney fees the Executive actually incurs in connection with the Executive providing such assistance or cooperation
to the Corporation, in accordance with the Corporation’s standard policies and procedures as in effect from time to time, provided
that the Executive shall have obtained prior written approval from the Corporation for any travel or legal fees and expenses incurred
by the Executive in connection with the Executive’s obligations under this Section 7. In addition, if the Executive no longer is
providing services to the Corporation, the Corporation shall reimburse the Executive for time spent providing such assistance at an hourly
rate equal to the Executive’s most recent annual Base Salary divided by 2080, rounded down to the nearest whole dollar.

 

9. Source
of Payments. All payments provided under this Agreement, other than payments made pursuant to a plan which provides otherwise,
shall be paid in cash from the general funds of the Corporation, and no special or separate fund shall be established, and no other segregation
of assets shall be made, to assure payment. The Executive shall have no right, title or interest whatsoever in or to any investments which
the Corporation may make to aid the Corporation in meeting its obligations hereunder. Any payments provided under this Agreement shall
be treated as amounts owed to an unsecured creditor of the Corporation.

 

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10. Withholding.
Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Corporation may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be)
from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other
taxes or other amounts as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

11. Clawback.
The Executive agrees that compensation payable to the Executive shall be subject to recapture or clawback pursuant to applicable policies
of the Corporation, as may be adopted from time to time, as well as applicable law, and the Executive shall reimburse the Corporation
for any amount previously paid by the Corporation to the Executive that is subject to recapture or clawback.

 

12. Assignment;
Binding Effect.

 

(a) By
the Executive. This Agreement and any and all rights, duties, obligations or interests hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable
by the Executive.

 

(b) By
the Corporation. This Agreement and all of the Corporation’s rights and obligations hereunder shall not be assignable by the
Corporation except as incident to a reorganization, merger or consolidation, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s
assets.

 

(c) Binding
Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto, any successors to or assigns of the
Corporation and the Executive’s heirs and the personal representatives of the Executive’s estate.

 

13. Number
and Gender. Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any
gender shall include all other genders.

 

14. Section
Headings. The section headings and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience
only and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.

 

15. Governing
Law. This Agreement, and all questions relating to its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement, as well as the legal
relations hereby created between the parties hereto, shall be governed by and construed under, and interpreted and enforced in accordance
with the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts executed solely in California and to be performed entirely within that
State

 

16. Survival
of Certain Provisions. Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 shall survive any termination or expiration
of this Agreement.

 

17. Entire
Agreement. This Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement embody the entire agreement of the parties hereto respecting the matters
within its scope. As of the date hereof, this Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements of the parties hereto that
directly or indirectly bear upon the subject matter hereof. Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals or understandings
relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to be of no force or effect, and the parties to any such other negotiations, commitments,
agreements or writings shall have no further rights or obligations thereunder. There are no representations, warranties, or agreements,
whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein.

 

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18. Modifications,
Waivers. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by an instrument in writing signed
by both parties hereto. The waiver by either party of compliance with any provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not operate
or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by such party of a provision of this
Agreement.

 

19. Arbitration.
The Executive and the Corporation agree that to the extent permitted by law, any dispute or controversy arising out of, relating to, or
in connection with this Agreement, or the interpretation, validity, construction, performance, breach, or termination thereof, or the
Executive’s employment by the Corporation or any termination thereof, will be settled by arbitration to be held at a location in
San Francisco, California in accordance with then applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association specifically designed for the
resolution of employment disputes. The Executive acknowledges that a copy of such rules in effect as of the date hereof has been provided
to the Executive. The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in such dispute or controversy. The decision of the arbitrator
will be final, conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s decision in
any court having jurisdiction. The Corporation shall pay the costs associated with arbitration (arbitration fee and location fee, if any);
provided, however, that each party shall bear its own legal fees and expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the arbitrator shall be
permitted to award costs associated with arbitration in the event the arbitrator determines a claim is frivolous.

 

20. Notices.
All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing (including in electronic
formats) and shall be deemed to have been duly given and made if (i) delivered by hand, (ii) otherwise delivered against receipt therefor,
(iii) sent to an email address of record, or (iv) sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested.
Any notice shall be duly addressed to the parties as follows:

 

if to the Corporation:

 

Jasper Therapeutics, Inc.

2200 Bridge Parkway Suite #102

Redwood City, CA 94065

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

 

if to the Executive, to the address (or e-mail address) most recently
on file in the

personnel records of the Corporation.

 

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21. Code
Section 280G. If any payment or benefit Executive would receive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, including accelerated
vesting of any equity compensation (“Payment”) would (a) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning
of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and (b) but for this sentence, be subject
to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive
and/or retain (as applicable) either (i) the Payments in full, or (ii) the Payments reduced such that there is no Excise Tax, whichever
results in the greater after-tax payment to the Executive (inclusive of applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes,
and the Excise Tax). If a reduction in Payments constituting “parachute payments” is necessary, reduction shall occur in the
following order: (x) cash payments shall be reduced first and in reverse chronological order such that the cash payment owed on the latest
date following the occurrence of the event triggering such excise tax will be the first cash payment to be reduced; and (y) accelerated
vesting of stock awards shall be cancelled/reduced next and in the reverse order of the date of grant for such stock awards (i.e., the
vesting of the most recently granted stock awards will be reduced first), with full-value awards reversed before any stock option or stock
appreciation rights are reduced; and (z) employee benefits shall be reduced last and in reverse chronological order such that the benefit
owed on the latest date following the occurrence of the event triggering such excise tax will be the first benefit to be reduced. In no
event will Executive have any discretion with respect to the ordering of Payment reductions. The Corporation shall appoint a nationally
recognized accounting firm to make the determinations required hereunder and perform the foregoing calculations and the Corporation shall
bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such accounting firm required to be made hereunder. Any good faith determinations
of the accounting firm made hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Corporation and the Executive.

 

22. Code
Section 409A.

 

(a) This
Agreement is intended to meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted and construed consistent with that
intent. Each payment provided hereunder, whether part of a severance benefit or otherwise, is intended to be a separate payment for purposes
of Section 409A of the Code, including Treasury Regulation 1.409A-2(b)(2).

 

(b) Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that the right to any payment (including the provision of benefits) hereunder or
under any other plan or agreement of the Corporation or any Corporation affiliate covering Executive, provides for the “deferral
of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code, the payment shall be paid (or provided) in accordance with
the following:

 

(i) If
the Executive is a “Specified Employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code on the date of the Executive’s
Separation from Service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) (the “Separation Date”), then no payment of
non-qualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) otherwise to be made as a result of the Executive’s
Separation from Service shall be made or commence during the period beginning on the Separation Date and ending on the date that is six
months following the Separation Date or, if earlier, on the date of the Executive’s death. The amount of any payment that would
otherwise be paid to the Executive during this period shall instead be paid to the Executive on the first day of the first calendar month
following the end of such six-month period.

 

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(ii) Payments
with respect to reimbursements of expenses or benefits or provision of fringe or other in-kind benefits shall be made on or before the
last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the relevant expense or benefit is incurred. The amount of expenses
or benefits eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision during a calendar year shall not affect the expenses or benefits eligible
for reimbursement, payment or provision in any other calendar year.

 

23. Blue-Pencil.
If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, or as applied to any circumstances, under the
laws of any jurisdiction which may govern for such purpose, then such provision shall be deemed, to the extent allowed by the laws of
such jurisdiction, to be modified or restricted to the extent and in the manner necessary to render the same valid and enforceable, either
generally or as applied to such circumstance, or shall be deemed excised from this Agreement, as the case may require, and this Agreement
shall be construed and enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, as if such provision had been originally incorporated herein as
so modified or restricted, or as if such provision had not been originally incorporated herein, as the case may be.

 

24. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature
appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one
or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories.

 

25. Legal
Counsel. Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity
to consult with legal counsel of their choice. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement,
is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample
opportunity to do so. This Agreement has resulted from negotiations and discussions between the parties and no one party shall be treated
as drafting this Agreement for purposes of interpreting any provision hereof.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation and
the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth above.

 

	 	“CORPORATION”
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ William Lis
	 	Name:	William Lis
	 	Title:	Executive Chairperson of the Board
	 	 	 
	 	“EXECUTIVE”
	 	 	 
	 	/s/ Ronald Martell
	 	Ronald Martell

  

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

 

 

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  NLIGHT, INC.  EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT  This Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of August 31,  2020 (the “Effective Date”) by and between nLIGHT, Inc. (the “Company”), and Joseph Corso  (“Executive”).    1. Duties and Scope of Employment.  (a) Positions and Duties.  As of the Effective Date, Executive will serve as the  Company’s Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations and report to the  Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”).  Executive will render business and professional  services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the  Company, as will reasonably be assigned to Executive by the CEO   (b) Obligations.  During the period of time in which Executive is employed with  the Company (such period, the “Employment Term”), Executive will perform Executive’s duties  faithfully and to the best of Executive’s ability and will devote Executive’s full business efforts and  time to the Company.  For the duration of the Employment Term, Executive agrees not to (i) actively  engage in any other employment, occupation, or consulting activity for any direct or indirect  remuneration or (ii) serve on other boards of directors, in all cases, without the prior approval of the  Board.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may, without additional approval by the Board, (i)  engage in religious, charitable or other community activities and (ii) provide limited transition  assistance services to Executive’s immediately prior employer, provided that, with respect to (i) and  (ii) the services and activities do not materially interfere with Executive’s performance of Executive’s  duties as provided in this Agreement and the services and activities do not adversely affect the  business, reputation or public stock price of the Company.  Executive further agrees to comply with  all Company policies, including, for the avoidance of any doubt, any insider trading policies and  compensation clawback policies currently in existence or that may be adopted by the Company during  the Employment Term.  2. At-Will Employment.  The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the  Company remains “at-will” employment and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or  notice.  Executive understands and agrees that neither Executive’s job performance nor promotions,  commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis  for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of Executive’s employment  with the Company.  However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance  payments and benefits depending on the circumstances of Executive’s termination of employment  with the Company.    3. Compensation.  (a) Base Salary.  The Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $230,000 as  compensation for Executive’s services.  The annual base salary will be paid periodically in accordance  with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings.   Executive’s annual base salary will be subject to periodic review by the Company’s board of directors  DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-2-  or its compensation committee (either, the “Committee”) and adjustments may be made by the  Committee.      (b) Target Bonus.  Executive will be eligible to receive an annual target bonus of  40% of Executive’s annual base salary (the “Target Bonus”) upon achievement of performance  objectives to be determined by the Committee.  Executive’s Target Bonus will be subject to periodic  review by the Committee and adjustments may be made by the Committee.    The amount of any  Target Bonus to be paid to Executive, if any, and the timing of such payment will be: (i) determined  in the sole discretion of the Committee pursuant to the terms of the Company’s bonus plan governing  such opportunity and (ii) subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the  payment date.  (c) Equity.  Executive will be eligible to receive Company equity awards pursuant  to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time, and as soon as  practicable following the start of Executive’s employment, subject to Committee approval, the  Company will issue to Executive, (i) an initial one-time grant of 50,000 time-based restricted stock  units (“RSUs”) (the “Initial Grant”) and (ii) a first-year grant of 33,333 time-based RSUs and 16,666  performance-based RSUs (the “First Year Grant”) under the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.  The time-based RSUs contained in the Initial Grant and the First Year Grant will vest in equal parts  over a four-year period, commencing on the first year anniversary of Executive’s employment start  date, and the performance-based RSUs will vest over a three year period with 50% vesting on a  determination date following the second year anniversary of Executive’s employment start date upon  achievement of certain performance targets and the remaining 50% vesting on the next anniversary  thereof upon achievement of certain performance targets, in all cases, subject to terms of the applicable  plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time, except as otherwise provided herein to  the contrary.  The Committee will determine in its discretion whether Executive will be granted any  additional Company equity awards and the terms of any such additional Company equity award in  accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to  time, except as otherwise provided herein to the contrary.  (d) Relocation Expenses.  Company will pay to Executive a relocation allowance  of $25,000 to assist with Executive’s relocation to the Camas area (the “Relocation Allowance”).  The  Relocation Allowance will be paid in Executive’s first paycheck and is subject to repayment in the  event that Executive’s employment with the Company ends prior to the first year anniversary of the  employment start date as a result of Executive’s termination of his employment or the Company’s  termination of Executive’s employment for Cause.    4. Employee Benefits.  Executive will be entitled to participate in employee benefit plans  and programs of the Company, if any, on the same terms and conditions as other similarly-situated  employees to the extent that Executive’s position, tenure, salary, age, health and other qualifications  make Executive eligible to participate in the plans or programs, subject to the rules and regulations  applicable thereto.  The Company reserves the right to cancel or change the benefit plans and programs  it offers to its employees at any time.  5. PTO.  Executive will be entitled to paid time off (PTO) in accordance with the  Company’s PTO policy, with the timing and duration of specific days off mutually and reasonably  agreed to by the parties.  DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-3-  6. Expenses.  The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, entertainment  or other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance  of Executive’s duties under this Agreement, in accordance with the Company’s expense  reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.   7. Severance and Change in Control Benefits.   (a) Non-CIC Qualified Termination.  Subject to Section 9, on a Non-CIC Qualified  Termination, Executive will be eligible to receive the following payments and benefits from the  Company:  (i) Continuing Salary Severance.  The Company will pay Executive  continuing payments of severance pay at a rate equal to Executive’s Base Salary for a period of 6  months.  The severance will be paid, less applicable withholdings, in installments over the severance  period in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll procedures, with the first installment to be  paid on the first regular payroll date of the Company following the date on which the Release (as  defined below) becomes irrevocable (subject to Section 9 of this Agreement).  (ii) COBRA Coverage.  Subject to Section 7(d), the Company will pay the  premiums for COBRA coverage for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents at the rates then  in effect for active employees, subject to any subsequent changes in rates that are generally applicable  to the Company’s active employees (the “COBRA Coverage”), until the earlier of (A) a period of 6  months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive  and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon  which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA.  (iii) Equity Vesting.  None of the then-unvested shares subject to each of  Executive’s then-outstanding Equity Awards will be entitled to accelerated vesting and, in the case of  options and stock appreciation rights, accelerated exercisability.  However, upon a Qualified  Termination, (A) any then-unvested portion of the Initial Grant will remain outstanding and continue  to vest in accordance with Section 3(c) above and be paid out as set forth in the applicable plan or  arrangement governing such Initial Grant as if Executive was employed on each such vesting and  payment date (subject to any acceleration of vesting provided herein or in the applicable plan or  arrangement governing such Initial Grant) and (B) any additional then-unvested portion of Executive’s  other then-outstanding Equity Awards will remain outstanding for 3 months or until the occurrence of  a Change in Control (whichever is earlier) so that any benefits due on a CIC Qualified Termination as  set forth in Section 7(b)(iii) below can be provided if a Change in Control occurs within 3 months  following the applicable Qualified Termination (provided that in no event will Executive’s stock  options or similar Equity Awards remain outstanding beyond the Equity Award’s maximum term to  expiration).  If no Change in Control occurs within 3 months following an applicable Qualified  Termination, any unvested portion of Executive’s Equity Awards (other than the Initial Grant, which  for the avoidance of doubt, shall continue to remain outstanding as provided herein) automatically will  DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-4-  be forfeited permanently on the date that is 3 months following such Qualified Termination.  (b) CIC Qualified Termination.  Subject to Section 9, on a CIC Qualified  Termination, Executive will be eligible to receive the following payments and benefits from the  Company:  (i) Salary Severance.  The Company will pay Executive a lump-sum  payment equal to 12 months of Executive’s Base Salary on the first regular payroll date of the  Company following the date on which the Release becomes irrevocable (subject to any delay as  required under Section 9 below).    (ii) COBRA Coverage.  Subject to Section 7(d), the Company will provide  COBRA Coverage until the earlier of (A) a period of 12 months from the date of Executive’s  termination of employment, (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents  becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for  coverage under COBRA.  (iii) Equity Vesting.  100% of the then-unvested shares subject to each of  Executive’s then-outstanding Equity Awards will immediately vest and, in the case of options and  stock appreciation rights, will become exercisable (for the avoidance of doubt, no more than 100% of  the shares subject to the then-outstanding portion of an Equity Award may vest and become  exercisable under this provision).  In the case of an Equity Award with performance-based vesting,  unless otherwise specified in the applicable Equity Award agreement governing such award, all  performance goals and other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at the greater of actual  performance measured as of the date of termination or 100% of target levels.  Any restricted stock  units, performance shares, performance units, and/or similar full value awards that vest under this  paragraph will be settled on the date on which the Release becomes irrevocable (subject to any delay  as required under Section 9 below).    (c) Change in Control Benefit.  Pursuant to the contractual arrangements in effect  with Executive prior to the Effective Date, 100% of any then-unvested portion of Executive’s Existing  Equity Awards shall immediately vest and become exercisable in full upon a “change in control” (as  defined in the Company’s 2001 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the “2001 Plan”)) as long as  Executive remains a Service Provider (as defined in the 2001 Plan) through such time.  For the  avoidance of doubt, no more than 100% of the total number of shares granted pursuant to any Existing  Equity Award may become vested and exercisable upon such “change in control.”  (d) Termination other than a Qualified Termination.  If the termination of  Executive’s employment with the Company Group is not a Qualified Termination, then Executive will  not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits.  (e) Conditions to Receipt of COBRA Coverage.  Executive’s receipt of COBRA  Coverage is subject to Executive electing COBRA continuation coverage within the time period  prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents.  If the Company  determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the COBRA Coverage without potentially  violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act),  the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment payable on the last  DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-5-  day of a given month (except as provided by the following sentence), in an amount equal to the  monthly COBRA premium that the Executive would be required to pay to continue his or her group  health coverage in effect on the date of his or her Qualified Termination (which amount will be based  on the rates then in effect for active employees, subject to any subsequent changes in rates that are  generally applicable to the Company’s active employees) (each, a “COBRA Replacement  Payment”), which COBRA Replacement Payments will be made regardless of whether Executive  elects COBRA continuation coverage and will end on the earlier of (i) the date upon which Executive  obtains other employment or (ii) the date the Company has paid an amount totaling the number of  COBRA Replacement Payments equal to the number of months in the applicable COBRA Coverage  period.  For the avoidance of doubt, the COBRA Replacement Payments may be used for any purpose,  including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable  tax withholdings.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, if at any time the  Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the COBRA Replacement Payments  without violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health  Service Act), Executive will not receive the COBRA Replacement Payments or any further COBRA  Coverage.  (f) Non-Duplication of Payment or Benefits.  If (i) Executive’s Qualified  Termination occurs prior to a Change in Control that qualifies Executive for severance payments and  benefits under Section 7(a) and (ii) a Change in Control occurs within the 3-month period following  Executive’s Qualified Termination that qualifies Executive for severance payments and benefits under  Section 7(b), then (A) Executive will cease receiving any further payments or benefits under Section  7(a) and (B) Executive will receive the payments and benefits under Section 7(b) instead but each of  the payments and benefits otherwise payable under Section 7(b) will be offset by the corresponding  payments or benefits Executive already received under Section 7(a).  (g) Death of Executive.  If Executive dies before all payments or benefits Executive  is entitled to receive under this Agreement have been paid, the unpaid amounts will be paid to  Executive’s designated beneficiary, if living, or otherwise to Executive’s personal representative in a  lump-sum payment as soon as possible following Executive’s death.  (h) Transfer between the Company Group.  For purposes of this Agreement, if  Executive is involuntarily transferred from one member of the Company Group to another, the transfer  will not be a termination without Cause but may give Executive the ability to resign for Good Reason.  (i) Exclusive Remedy.  In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment  with the Company Group, the provisions of this Agreement are intended to be and are exclusive and  in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive may otherwise be entitled, whether at law,  tort or contract, or in equity.  Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments  or rights upon termination of employment other than those benefits expressly set forth in this  Agreement.  8. Accrued Compensation.  On any termination of Executive’s employment with the  Company Group, Executive will be entitled to receive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense  DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-6-  reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans,  policies, and arrangements or as otherwise required by applicable law.  9. Conditions to Receipt of Severance.  (a) Separation Agreement and Release of Claims.  Executive’s receipt of any  severance payments or benefits upon Executive’s Qualified Termination under Section 7 is subject to  Executive signing and not revoking the Company’s then-standard separation agreement and release of  claims (which may include restrictive covenants, including, but not limited to, an agreement not to  disparage any member of the Company Group, non-solicit provisions, an agreement to assist in any  litigation matters, and other standard terms and conditions) (the “Release” and that requirement, the  “Release Requirement”), which must become effective and irrevocable no later than the 60th day  following Executive’s Qualified Termination (the “Release Deadline”).  If the Release does not  become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any right to severance  payments or benefits under Section 7.  In no event will severance payments or benefits under Section  7 be paid or provided until the Release actually becomes effective and irrevocable.  To the extent that  payments are delayed under Section 9(c), the Company will pay or provide Executive the severance  payments and benefits that Executive would otherwise have received under Section 7 on or prior to  that date, with the balance of the severance payments and benefits being paid or provided as originally  scheduled.   (b) Return of Company Property.  Executive’s receipt of any severance payments  or benefits upon Executive’s Qualified Termination under Section 7 is subject to Executive returning  all documents and other property provided to Executive by any member of the Company Group (with  the exception of a copy of the Employee Handbook and personnel documents specifically relating to  Executive), developed or obtained by Executive in connection with his employment with the Company  Group, or otherwise belonging to the Company Group.    (c) Section 409A.  The Company intends that all payments and benefits provided  under this Agreement or otherwise are exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A  of the Code and any guidance promulgated under Section 409A of the Code (collectively, “Section  409A”) so that none of the payments or benefits will be subject to the additional tax imposed under  Section 409A, and any ambiguities in this Agreement will be interpreted in accordance with this intent.   No payment or benefits to be paid to Executive, if any, under this Agreement or otherwise, when  considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits that are considered  deferred compensation under Section 409A (together, the “Deferred Payments”), will be paid or  otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section  409A.  Any severance benefits that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or, in the  case of installments, will not commence until, the 60th day following Executive’s separation from  service, or, if later, such time as required under this paragraph.  Except as required under this  paragraph, any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the 60-day period  immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid  to Executive on the 60th day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining  payments will be made as provided above.  If, at the time of Executive’s termination of employment,  Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, then the payment of the  Deferred Payments will be delayed to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of the additional  tax imposed under Section 409A, which generally means that Executive will receive payment on the  DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-7-  first payroll date that occurs on or after the date that is 6 months and 1 day following Executive’s  termination of employment.  The Company reserves the right to amend this Agreement as it considers  necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Executive or any other  individual, to comply with any provision required to avoid the imposition of the additional tax imposed  under Section 409A or to otherwise avoid income recognition under Section 409A prior to the actual  payment of any benefits or imposition of any additional tax.  Each payment, installment, and benefit  payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of U.S.  Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2).  In no event will any member of the Company Group  reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.   (d) Resignation of Officer and Director Positions.  Executive’s receipt of any  severance payments or benefits upon Executive’s Qualified Termination under Section 7 is subject to  Executive resigning from all officer and director positions with all members of the Company Group  and Executive executing any documents the Company may require in connection with the same.  10. Limitation on Payments.    (a) Reduction of Severance Benefits.  If any payment or benefit that Executive  would receive from any Company Group member or any other party whether in connection with the  provisions in this Agreement or otherwise (the “Payment”) would (i) constitute a “parachute  payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to  the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then the Payment will be  equal to the Best Results Amount.  The “Best Results Amount” will be either (A) the full amount of  the Payment or (B) a lesser amount that would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the  Excise Tax, whichever of those amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local  employment taxes, income taxes and the Excise Tax, results in Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax  basis, of the greater amount.  If a reduction in payments or benefits constituting parachute payments  is necessary so that the Payment equals the Best Results Amount, reduction will occur in the following  order: reduction of cash payments; cancellation of accelerated vesting of stock awards; reduction of  employee benefits.  In the event that acceleration of vesting of stock award compensation is to be  reduced, the acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of  Executive’s equity awards unless Executive elects in writing a different order for cancellation.   Executive will be solely responsible for the payment of all personal tax liability that is incurred as a  result of the payments and benefits received under this Agreement, and Executive will not be  reimbursed by any member of the Company Group for any of those payments of personal tax liability.  (b) Determination of Excise Tax Liability.  The Company will select a professional  services firm to make all of the determinations required to be made under these paragraphs relating to  parachute payments.  The Company will request that firm provide detailed supporting calculations  both to the Company and Executive prior to the date on which the event that triggers the Payment  occurs if administratively feasible, or subsequent to that date if events occur that result in parachute  payments to Executive at that time.  For purposes of making the calculations required under these  paragraphs relating to parachute payments, the firm may make reasonable assumptions and  approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith determinations  concerning the application of the Code.  The Company and Executive will furnish to the firm any  information and documents as the firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under  these paragraphs relating to parachute payments.  The Company will bear all costs the firm may  DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-8-  reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by these paragraphs relating to  parachute payments.  Any determination by the firm will be binding upon the Company and Executive,  and the Company will have no liability to Executive for the determinations of the firm.  11. Definitions.  The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following  meanings:  (a) Base Salary.  “Base Salary” means Executive’s annual base salary as in effect  immediately prior to Executive’s Qualified Termination (or if the termination is due to a resignation  for Good Reason based on a material reduction in base salary, as applicable, then Executive’s annual  base salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction) or, if Executive’s Qualified Termination is a  CIC Qualified Termination and the amount is greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the  Change in Control.    (b) Board.  “Board” means the Company’s Board of Directors.  (c) Cause. “Cause” (i) Executive’s failure to perform Executive’s duties or  responsibilities to the Company Group or deliberate violation of a Company Group policy, including  but not limited to those relating to insider trading or sexual harassment; (ii) Executive’s commission  of any act of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty or any other misconduct; (iii) unauthorized use or  disclosure by Executive of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company Group or any  other party to whom Executive owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of Executive’s  relationship with the Company Group; (iv) Executive’s breach of any of Executive’s obligations under  any written agreement or covenant with the Company Group, including this Agreement and the  Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement; or (v) Executive’s violation of any federal or state  law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company Group.  (d) Change in Control. “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the  following events:  (i) A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date  that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the  stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty  percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for  purposes of this subsection, (A) the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is  considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company  will not be considered a Change in Control, and (B) if the stockholders of the Company immediately  before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in  substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock  immediately prior to the change in ownership, the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty  percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent  entity of the Company, such event will not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection  (i).  For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership will include, without limitation, an interest  resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities  which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary  corporations or other business entities; or   DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-9-  (ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the  date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12)-month period by  Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board  prior to the date of the appointment or election.  For purposes of this subsection (ii), if any Person is  considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the  Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or  (iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s  assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12)-month  period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the  Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the  total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition  or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not  constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer  to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a  transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset  transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or  more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company,  (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting  power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the  total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this  subsection (iii)(B)(3).  For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value  of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard  to any liabilities associated with such assets.  For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a  group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or  acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in  Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of  Section 409A.  Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a  Change in Control if: (i) its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation, or  (ii) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same  proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.  (e) Change in Control Period. “Change in Control Period” means the period  beginning 3 months prior to a Change in Control and ending 12 months following a Change in Control.   (f) COBRA. “COBRA” means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation  Act of 1985, as amended.   (g) Code.  “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  (h) Company Group. “Company Group” means the Company and its subsidiaries.  DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-10-  (i) Disability. “Disability” means that Executive, at the time notice is given, has  been unable to substantially perform his or her duties under this Agreement for not less than one- hundred and twenty (120) work days within a twelve (12) consecutive month period as a result of  Executive’s incapacity due to a physical or mental condition and, if reasonable accommodation is  required by law, after any reasonable accommodation.  (j) Equity Awards. “Equity Awards” means (i) any Future Equity Awards and (ii)  any Existing Equity Awards, but, in the case of clause (ii), only to the extent that Executive experiences  a Qualified Termination during the 3 months prior to a Change in Control.  (k) Existing Equity Awards.  “Existing Equity Awards” means stock options to  purchase shares of the Company’s common stock that have been granted to Executive prior to the  Effective Date and remain outstanding as of the Effective Date.  (l) Future Equity Awards. “Future Equity Awards” means Company equity  awards, including awards of stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, performance shares, or performance  stock units, granted to Executive on or after the Effective Date.  (m) Good Reason. “Good Reason” means the termination of Executive’s  employment with the Company Group by Executive in accordance with the next sentence after the  occurrence of one or more of the following events without Executive’s express written consent: (i) a  material reduction of Executive’s duties, authorities, or responsibilities relative to Executive’s duties,  authorities, or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to the reduction; provided, however, that   continued employment following a Change in Control with substantially the same duties, authorities,  or responsibilities with respect to the Company Group’s business and operations will not constitute  “Good Reason” (for example, “Good Reason” does not exist if Executive is employed by the Company  Group or a successor with substantially the same duties, authorities, or responsibilities with respect to  the Company Group’s business that Executive had immediately prior to the Change in Control  regardless of whether Executive’s title is revised to reflect Executive’s placement within the overall  corporate hierarchy or whether Executive provides services to a subsidiary, affiliate, business unit or  otherwise); (ii) a material reduction by a Company Group member in Executive’s annual total target  cash compensation; provided, however, that, a reduction of annual total target cash compensation that  also applies to substantially all other similarly situated employees of the Company Group members  will not constitute “Good Reason”;  (iii) a material change in the geographic location of Executive’s  primary work facility or location by more than 50 miles from Executive’s then present location;  provided, that a relocation to a location that is within 50 miles from Executive’s then-present primary  residence will not be considered a material change in geographic location, or (iv) failure of a successor  corporation to assume the obligations under this Agreement.  In order for the termination of  Executive’s employment with a Company Group member to be for Good Reason, Executive must not  terminate employment without first providing written notice to the Company of the acts or omissions  constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within 90 days of the initial existence of the grounds for  “Good Reason” and a cure period of 30 days following the date of written notice (the “Cure Period”),  the grounds must not have been cured during that time, and Executive must terminate Executive’s  employment within 30 days following the Cure Period.  (n) Qualified Termination. “Qualified Termination” means (i) a termination of  Executive’s employment by a Company Group member without Cause (excluding by reason of  DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-11-  Executive’s death or Disability) outside of the Change in Control Period (a “Non-CIC Qualified  Termination”) or (ii) a termination of Executive’s employment either (A) by a Company Group  member without Cause (excluding by reason of Executive’s death or Disability) or (B)  by Executive  for Good Reason, in either case, during the Change in Control Period (a “CIC Qualified  Termination”); provided, that, solely for purposes of Section 7(a)(iii) as it relates to the Initial Grant,  a termination of Executive’s employment by Executive for Good Reason outside of the Change in  Control Period shall also be deemed a “Qualified Termination”.  (o) Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.  “Proprietary  Information and Inventions Agreement” means the Confidential Information, Invention  Assignment and Non-Competition Agreement that Executive previously executed in connection with  the commencement of Executive’s employment with the Company.  12. Confidential Information.  Executive confirms Executive’s continuing obligations  under the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.   13. Assignment.  This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the  heirs, executors, and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death and (b) any successor  of the Company.  Any successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under  the terms of this Agreement for all purposes.  For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm,  corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise,  directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company.  None  of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement  may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  Any other  attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation  or other benefits will be null and void.  14. Notices.  All notices and other communications required or permitted under this  Agreement shall be in writing and will be effectively given (a) upon actual delivery to the party to be  notified, (b) 24 hours after confirmed facsimile transmission, (c) 1 business day after deposit with a  recognized overnight courier or (d) 3 business days after deposit with the U.S. Postal Service by first  class certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed (i) if to  Executive, at the address Executive shall have most recently furnished to the Company in writing,  (ii) if to the Company, at the following address:  If to the Company:  nLIGHT, Inc.  5408 NE 88th St.  Vancouver, Washington 98665   Attention: CEO     15. Severability.  In the event that any provision of this Agreement becomes or is declared by  a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in  full force and effect without said provision.  16. Integration.  This Agreement and the Proprietary Information and Inventions  Agreement represent the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject  DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-12-  matter in this Agreement and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or  oral, including, but not limited to, any offer letter entered into between the parties prior to the Effective  Date.  With respect to Equity Awards, the acceleration of vesting and non-forfeiture provisions  provided in this Agreement will apply to these Equity Awards and shall be in addition to any  acceleration of vesting and non-forfeiture rights of Executive set forth in the applicable plan or  arrangement, such that, if either under the terms of this Agreement or the applicable plan or  arrangement, an Equity Award would be accelerated and/or have forfeiture waived upon the  occurrence of an event, upon the occurrence of such event, the Equity Award shall be accelerated  and/or forfeiture shall be waived.  This Agreement may be modified only by agreement of the parties  by a written instrument executed by the parties that is designated as an amendment to this Agreement.   17. Waiver of Breach.  The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement,  which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or  subsequent breach of this Agreement.  18. Headings.  All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient  reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.  19. Tax Withholding.  All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to  withholding of applicable taxes.  20. Arbitration.  Any dispute or controversy arising out of or relating to any interpretation,  construction, performance or breach of this Agreement or the Proprietary Information and Inventions  Agreement, will be settled by arbitration pursuant to the arbitration provisions set forth in the  Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.  21. Governing Law.  This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of  Washington (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).  22. Acknowledgment.  Executive acknowledges that Executive has had the opportunity to  discuss this matter with and obtain advice from Executive’s private attorney, has had sufficient time  to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly  and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.  23. Gender Neutral.  Wherever used in this Agreement, a pronoun in the masculine gender  will be considered as including the feminine gender unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.  24. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart  will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement  on the part of each of the undersigned.  [Signature page follows.]    DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 

 

-13-  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement (in the case of the  Company, by a duly authorized officer), effective as of the Effective Date.    COMPANY:  nLIGHT, Inc.  By:         Date:        Title:           EXECUTIVE:          Date:        Joseph Corso                                                      [SIGNATURE PAGE TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]    DocuSign Envelope ID: B37E8047-E2E5-4356-BD24-AE674777F4A6 VP, Human Resources 8/18/2020

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