[throwaway1124]

I'm not suggesting that the valuation is truly worth $1.2M but if they did a 409A valuation or had their board decide on the FMV to determine strike price, the value would be at least 15% of the post-money valuation. My point is simply that if they've issued a reasonable number of options (over 0.25% of the total authorized shares), there is no way that their employees would only pay a few hundred dollars to exercise.

In an extended exercise period model, there's still the issue of Alternative Minimum Tax on exercise or long-term vs. short term capital gains. There will also likely be lockups on those shares whether inherently built in or in an eventual IPO.