DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
Exhibit 10.1
INSTRUCTURE, INC. EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT
THIS EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of June 25, 2021 by and between MITCH BENSON (“Executive”) and INSTRUCTURE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and shall become effective upon (but only upon) the consummation of the IPO (as defined below) (the “Effective Date”).
RECITALS
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements contained herein, and in consideration of the continuing employment of Executive by the Company, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
KE 77126256
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
without Cause (as defined below, and other than as a result of death or disability), or Executive resigns his or her employment with the Company for Good Reason (as defined below), in either case within three (3) months prior to (and contingent upon the consummation of the Change in Control), in connection with, or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change in Control (a “CIC Termination”), and provided such termination constitutes a “separation from service” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), a “Separation from Service”), and further provided that Executive delivers an effective release of claims as required under Section 3 below, then Executive shall be entitled to the following severance benefits (the “CIC Benefits”):
(6) months of Executive’s then current base salary, paid over the (6) month period following Executive’s Separation from Service, in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule, at the time specified in Section 3 below; and
2.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
3.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
Executive would otherwise have received on or prior to such date but for the delay in payment related to the effectiveness of the Release, with the balance of benefits being paid as scheduled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company (or, if applicable, the successor entity thereto) determines that any of the CIC Benefits or Severance Benefits constitute “deferred compensation” under Section 409A (defined below), then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, no CIC Benefits or Severance Benefits will be paid prior to the 60th day following Executive’s Separation from Service. On the 60th day following the date of Separation from Service, the Company will pay to Executive in a lump sum the CIC Benefits or Severance Benefits, as applicable, that Executive would otherwise have received on or prior to such date, with the balance of the CIC Benefits or Severance Benefits being paid as originally scheduled.
4.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
5.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
expenses with respect to the determinations by such professional firm required to be made hereunder.
6.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with this Agreement.
7.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
8.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
9.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
regardless of whether Executive or Executive’s eligible family members elect health care continuation coverage (the “Health Care Benefit Payment”). The Health Care Benefit Payment shall be paid in monthly installments on the same schedule and over the same time period that the COBRA Premiums would otherwise have been paid on behalf of the Executive. The Health Care Benefit Payment shall be equal to the amount that the Company would have otherwise paid for COBRA Premiums (which amount shall be calculated based on the premium for the first month of coverage), and shall be paid until the expiration of the CIC COBRA Period or the Severance COBRA Period, as applicable.
10.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
11.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
SIGNATURE PAGE TO EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
For Executive Age 40 or Older
Group Termination
EXHIBIT A RELEASE AGREEMENT
In consideration of receiving certain benefits under my Executive Agreement with Instructure, Inc. (the “Company”) dated [ ], 2021 (the “Agreement”), I have agreed to sign this Release. I understand that I am not entitled to benefits under the Agreement unless I sign this Release.
I understand that this Release, together with the Agreement, constitutes the complete, final and exclusive embodiment of the entire agreement between the Company, affiliates of the Company and me with regard to the subject matter hereof. I am not relying on any promise or representation by the Company that is not expressly stated therein. Certain capitalized terms used in this Release are defined in the Agreement.
I hereby confirm my obligations under my Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Agreement (or such similar form that I previously executed in connection with my employment) with the Company, including but not limited to the nonsolicitation of employees covenant set forth in such agreement.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Release, I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its current and former directors, officers, executives, stockholders, stockholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct, or omissions occurring prior to my signing this Release (collectively, the “Released Claims”). The Released Claims include, but are not limited to: (1) all claims arising out of or in any way related to my employment with the Company or its affiliates, or the termination of that employment; (2) all claims related to my compensation or benefits, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company or its affiliates;
(3) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (4) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (5) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (as amended) (“ADEA”), the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (as amended), the Utah Antidiscrimination Act of 1965 (as amended), and the Utah Payment of Wages Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following are not included in the Released Claims (the “Excluded Claims”): (1) any rights or claims for indemnification I may have pursuant to any written indemnification agreement with the Company to which I am a party, the charter or bylaws of the Company, or under applicable law; (2) any rights related to vested securities of the Company that were granted to me during the course of my employment with the
A-1.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
For Executive Age 40 or Older
Group Termination
Company or any shares of capital stock or other securities of the Company that I purchased other than pursuant to a Company stock option or stock plan; or (3) any rights which are not waivable as a matter of law. In addition, nothing in this Release prevents me from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, or any other local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, against the Company, except that I hereby waive my right to any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding. I hereby represent and warrant that, other than the Excluded Claims, I am not aware of any claims I have or might have against any of the Released Parties that are not included in the Released Claims.
I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights I may have under the ADEA. I also acknowledge that the consideration given for the Released Claims is in addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA, that: (a) the Released Claims do not apply to any rights or claims that arise after the date I sign this Release; (b) I should consult with an attorney prior to signing this Release (although I may choose voluntarily not to do so); (c) I have forty-five (45) days to consider this Release (although I may choose to voluntarily sign it sooner); (d) I have seven (7) days following the date I sign this Release to revoke the Release by providing written notice to an officer of the Company; and (e) the Release will not be effective until the date upon which the revocation period has expired unexercised, which will be the eighth day after I sign this Release (“Effective Date”).
I have received with this Release all of the information required by the ADEA, including without limitation a detailed list of the job titles and ages of all employees who were terminated in this group termination and the ages of all employees of the Company in the same job classification or organizational unit who were not terminated, along with information on the eligibility factors used to select employees for the group termination and any time limits applicable to this group termination program.
I hereby represent that I have been paid all compensation owed and for all hours worked, I have received all the leave and leave benefits and protections for which I am eligible, and I have not suffered any on-the-job injury for which I have not already filed a workers’ compensation claim.
I hereby agree not to disparage the Company, or its officers, directors, executives, stockholders or agents, in any manner likely to be harmful to its or their business, business reputation, or personal reputation; provided, however, that I will respond accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process.
I acknowledge that to become effective, I must sign and return this Release to the Company so that it is received not later than forty-five (45) days following the date it is provided to me, and I must not revoke it thereafter.
A-2.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
For Executive Age 40 or Older
Group Termination
I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS, EVEN THOSE UNKNOWN CLAIMS THAT, IF KNOWN BY ME, WOULD AFFECT MY DECISION TO ACCEPT THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT.
[EXECUTIVE NAME]
Date:
A-3.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
For Executive Age 40 or Older Individual Termination
EXHIBIT B RELEASE AGREEMENT
In consideration of receiving certain benefits under my Executive Agreement with Instructure, Inc. (the “Company”) dated [ ], 2021 (the “Agreement”), I have agreed to sign this Release. I understand that I am not entitled to benefits under the Agreement unless I sign this Release.
I understand that this Release, together with the Agreement, constitutes the complete, final and exclusive embodiment of the entire agreement between the Company, affiliates of the Company and me with regard to the subject matter hereof. I am not relying on any promise or representation by the Company that is not expressly stated therein. Certain capitalized terms used in this Release are defined in the Agreement.
I hereby confirm my obligations under my Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Agreement (or such similar form that I previously executed in connection with my employment) with the Company, including but not limited to the nonsolicitation of employees covenant set forth in such agreement.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Release, I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its current and former directors, officers, executives, stockholders, stockholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct, or omissions occurring prior to my signing this Release (collectively, the “Released Claims”). The Released Claims include, but are not limited to: (1) all claims arising out of or in any way related to my employment with the Company or its affiliates, or the termination of that employment; (2) all claims related to my compensation or benefits, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company or its affiliates;
(3) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (4) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (5) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (as amended) (“ADEA”), the federal Executive Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (as amended), the Utah Antidiscrimination Act of 1965 (as amended), and the Utah Payment of Wages Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following are not included in the Released Claims (the “Excluded Claims”): (1) any rights or claims for indemnification I may have pursuant to any written indemnification agreement with the Company to which I am a party, the charter or bylaws of the Company, or under applicable law; (2) any rights related to vested securities of the Company
B-1.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
that were granted to me during the course of my employment with the
B-2.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
For Executive Age 40 or Older Individual Termination
Company or any shares of capital stock or other securities of the Company that I purchased other than pursuant to a Company stock option or stock plan; or (3) any rights which are not waivable as a matter of law. In addition, nothing in this Release prevents me from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, or any other local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, against the Company, except that I hereby waive my right to any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding. I hereby represent and warrant that, other than the Excluded Claims, I am not aware of any claims I have or might have against any of the Released Parties that are not included in the Released Claims.
I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights I may have under the ADEA. I also acknowledge that the consideration given for the Released Claims is in addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA, that: (a) the Released Claims do not apply to any rights or claims that arise after the date I sign this Release; (b) I should consult with an attorney prior to signing this Release (although I may choose voluntarily not to do so); (c) I have twenty-one (21) days to consider this Release (although I may choose to voluntarily sign it sooner); (d) I have seven (7) days following the date I sign this Release to revoke the Release by providing written notice to an officer of the Company; and (e) the Release will not be effective until the date upon which the revocation period has expired unexercised, which will be the eighth day after I sign this Release (“Effective Date”).
I hereby represent that I have been paid all compensation owed and for all hours worked, I have received all the leave and leave benefits and protections for which I am eligible, and I have not suffered any on-the-job injury for which I have not already filed a workers’ compensation claim.
I hereby agree not to disparage the Company, or its officers, directors, executives, stockholders or agents, in any manner likely to be harmful to its or their business, business reputation, or personal reputation; provided, however, that I will respond accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process.
I acknowledge that to become effective, I must sign and return this Release to the Company so that it is received not later than twenty-one (21) days following the date it is provided to me, and I must not revoke it thereafter.
B-3.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
For Executive Age 40 or Older Individual Termination
I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS, EVEN THOSE UNKNOWN CLAIMS THAT, IF KNOWN BY ME, WOULD AFFECT MY DECISION TO ACCEPT THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT.
[EXECUTIVE NAME]
Date:
B-4.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
For Executive Under 40 Individual or Group Termination
EXHIBIT C RELEASE AGREEMENT
In consideration of receiving certain benefits under my Executive Agreement with Instructure, Inc. (the “Company”) dated [ ], 2021 (the “Agreement”), I have agreed to sign this Release. I understand that I am not entitled to benefits under the Agreement unless I sign this Release.
I understand that this Release, together with the Agreement, constitutes the complete, final and exclusive embodiment of the entire agreement between the Company, affiliates of the Company and me with regard to the subject matter hereof. I am not relying on any promise or representation by the Company that is not expressly stated therein. Certain capitalized terms used in this Release are defined in the Agreement.
I hereby confirm my obligations under my Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Agreement (or such similar form that I previously executed in connection with my employment) with the Company.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Release, I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its current and former directors, officers, executives, shareholders, shareholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct, or omissions occurring prior to my signing this Release (collectively, the “Released Claims”). The Released Claims include, but are not limited to: (1) all claims arising out of or in any way related to my employment with the Company or its affiliates, or the termination of that employment; (2) all claims related to my compensation or benefits, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company or its affiliates;
(3) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (4) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (5) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the federal Executive Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (as amended), the Utah Antidiscrimination Act of 1965 (as amended), and the Utah Payment of Wages Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following are not included in the Released Claims (the “Excluded Claims”): (1) any rights or claims for indemnification I may have pursuant to any written indemnification agreement with the Company to which I am a party, the charter or bylaws of the Company, or under applicable law; (2) any rights related to vested securities of the Company that were granted to me during the course of my employment with the Company or any shares of capital stock or other securities of the Company that I purchased other than pursuant to a Company stock option or stock plan; or (3) any rights which are not waivable
C-1.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D93CBF8-C033-4EF4-AA3E-BA3E6C2346C5
For Executive Under 40 Individual or Group Termination
as a matter of law. In addition, nothing in this Release prevents me from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, or any other local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, against the Company, except that I hereby waive my right to any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding. I hereby represent and warrant that, other than the Excluded Claims, I am not aware of any claims I have or might have against any of the Released Parties that are not included in the Released Claims.
I hereby represent that I have been paid all compensation owed and for all hours worked, I have received all the leave and leave benefits and protections for which I am eligible, and I have not suffered any on-the-job injury for which I have not already filed a workers’ compensation claim.
I hereby agree not to disparage the Company, or its officers, directors, executives, shareholders or agents, in any manner likely to be harmful to its or their business, business reputation, or personal reputation; provided, however, that I will respond accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process.
I acknowledge that to become effective, I must sign and return this Release to the Company so that it is received not later than fourteen (14) days following the date it is provided to me, and I must not revoke it thereafter.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS, EVEN THOSE UNKNOWN CLAIMS THAT, IF KNOWN BY ME, WOULD AFFECT MY DECISION TO ACCEPT THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT.
[EXECUTIVE NAME]
Date:
C-2.