[PaulRobinson]

You are going to need to read your paperwork, nobody here can advise you on what is actually going to happen.

On all my share option deals I specifically ask for an instant vesting on a sale/listing event (i.e. we get acquired or we make IPO, I don't need to wait any longer), and when requesting it I normally get asked for an agreement to do a work-in on acquisition - it means the acquiring company is not obliged to, but may, have me work on their team for a year or two post-acquisition so the stuff inside my head doesn't walk on me becoming rich overnight.

However, this is not standard to my knowledge. I have always had to ask for it. Did you? Maybe it was put in place by your employer, maybe it wasn't.

So, read your paperwork, ask your boss, go and seek out professional guidance with your paperwork in tow if you need to.

Good luck, and (hopefully!) congratulations!