Independence of Directors
Nasdaq listing standards require that a majority of our board of directors be independent. An “independent director” is defined generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the company or any other individual having a relationship which, in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our board of directors has determined that each of the directors qualify as “independent directors” as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules, other than Dinakar Munagala and Lane M. Bess. Our independent directors will have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Effective as of the Closing, the standing committees of the Company’s Board consist of an audit committee (the “Audit Committee”) and a compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”). Each of the committees report to the Board.
Effective as of the Closing, the Board appointed Messrs. de Urioste, Frank and Cannestra to serve on the Audit Committee, with Mr. de Urioste as chair. The Board appointed Messrs. Frank, de Urioste and Cannestra to serve on the Compensation Committee, with Mr. Frank as chair.
Nomination of Directors
Effective as of the Closing, the Company will not have a nominating and corporate governance committee of the Company’s Board. Pursuant to Nasdaq Rule 5605-6(e)(1), the nomination of directors shall be made, or recommended to the board of directors, by a Nominating Committee of the board of directors consisting solely of independent directors, or by a majority of independent directors. Effective as of the Closing, the Company will not have a nominating and corporate governance committee of the Company’s Board; rather, the nomination of directors shall be made, or recommended to the board of directors by a majority of our independent directors. The Company may in the future establish a nominating and corporate governance committee for the nomination of directors.
Executive Officers
Effective as of the Closing, Mr. Shahal Khan resigned as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Effective as of the Closing, the Board appointed Mr. Munagala to serve as Chief Executive Officer and Harminder Sehmi to serve as Chief Financial Officer. Biographical information for these individuals is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Directors and Executive Officers After the Business Combination” beginning on page 277, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BLAIZE’S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Throughout this section, unless otherwise noted, “the company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Blaize prior to the Closing.
This section discusses the material components of the executive compensation program for Blaize’s executive officers who are named in the “Summary Compensation Table” below. In 2024, Blaize’s “named executive officers” and their positions were as follows:
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Dinakar Munagala, Chief Executive Officer; |
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Val Cook, Chief Software Architect; and |
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Santiago Fernandez-Gomez, Vice President of Platform Engineering. |
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of Blaize’s named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2024.
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Name and Principal Position |
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Year |
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Salary ($) |
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Bonus ($) |
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Option Awards ($)(1) |
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All Other Compensation ($)(2) |
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Total |
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Dinakar Munagala |
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2024 |
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595,833 |
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— |
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3,798,428 |
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24 |
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4,394,285 |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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2023 |
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300,000 |
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— |
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1,337,142 |
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25 |
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1,637,167 |
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Val Cook |
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2024 |
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397,570 |
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— |
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781,714 |
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24 |
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1,179,308 |
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Chief Software Architect |
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2023 |
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225,000 |
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— |
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476,724 |
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25 |
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701,749 |
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Santiago Fernandez-Gomez |
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2024 |
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447,917 |
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— |
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730,817 |
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24 |
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1,178,758 |
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Vice President of Platform Engineering |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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(1) |
Amounts reflect the full fair value of stock options granted during 2024 as of the date on which the options were approved by the Board computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718, rather than the amounts paid to or realized by the named individual. Assumptions used to calculate the value of all option awards made to the named executive officers are included in Note 12 to Blaize’s consolidated financial statements incorporated herein by reference. |
(2) |
Amounts reflect the aggregate dollar value of life insurance premiums paid by Blaize with respect to each named executive officer during 2024. |
NARRATIVE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
2024 Salaries
The named executive officers receive a base salary to compensate them for services rendered to Blaize. The base salary payable to each named executive officer is intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, role and responsibilities. During 2024, Blaize’s named executive officers’ annual base salaries were as follows: Mr. Munagala: $600,000; Mr. Cook: $400,000; and Mr. Fernandez-Gomez: $450,000. The Summary Compensation Table above shows the actual base salaries paid to each named executive officer in fiscal year 2024.
Equity Compensation
Certain of Blaize’s named executive officers hold options to purchase shares of common stock of Blaize which were granted under the Blaize, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Plan (the “2011 Stock Plan”). On October 24, 2024, we granted each of Messrs. Munagala, Cook, and Fernandez-Gomez stock options covering 7,379,065, 1,517,044, and 1,418,448 shares of Blaize common stock, respectively.
The options granted to the named executive officers in 2024 vest and become exercisable with respect to one-third (1/3rd) of the shares subject to the option on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and with respect to one-thirty-sixth (1/36th) of the shares subject to the option on each monthly anniversary of the vesting commencement date thereafter, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date. The options granted to Messrs. Munagala and Cook are also subject to accelerated vesting upon certain terminations of their employment with Blaize pursuant to their offer letters as described in the section titled “Offer Letters” below.
In connection with the Business Combination, we adopted, and our stockholders approved, a 2025 Incentive Award Plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, each of which became effective upon the closing of the Business Combination. No further awards have been or will be granted under the 2011 Stock Plan following the closing of the Business Combination.
Other Elements of Compensation
Retirement Plan
Blaize currently maintains a 401(k) retirement savings plan for its employees, including its named executive officers, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. The Internal Revenue Code allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation, within prescribed limits, on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the 401(k) plan. We believe that providing a vehicle for tax-deferred retirement savings though a 401(k) plan adds to the overall desirability of its executive compensation package and further incentivizes our employees, including its named executive officers, in accordance with its compensation policies.
Employee Benefits and Perquisites
All of our full-time employees, including our named executive officers, are eligible to participate in our health and welfare plans, including:
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medical, dental and vision benefits; |
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short-term and long-term disability insurance; and |
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basic life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. |
We believe these benefits are appropriate and provide a competitive compensation package to our named executive officers. We do not currently, and we did not during 2024, provide material perquisites to any of our named executive officers.
No Tax Gross-Ups
Blaize does not make gross-up payments to cover our named executive officers’ personal income taxes that may pertain to any of the compensation or perquisites paid or provided by our company.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table summarizes the number of shares of common stock underlying outstanding equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer as of December 31, 2024. The share numbers and exercise prices below are those in effect as of December 31, 2024 and have not been adjusted to reflect the adjustments to our equity awards that occurred upon the closing of the Business Combination.
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Option Awards |
Name |
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Grant Date |
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Vesting Commencement Date |
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Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
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Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
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Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) |
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Option Exercise Price ($) |
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Option Expiration Date |
Dinakar Munagala |
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3/15/2017 |
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1/1/2017 |
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147,000 |
(1) |
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— |
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— |
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1.00 |
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3/14/2027 |
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11/12/2018 |
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9/1/2018 |
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226,305 |
(1) |
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— |
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— |
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11.40 |
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11/11/2028 |
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9/19/2023 |
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9/19/2023 |
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2,197,372 |
(2) |
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3,124,027 |
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— |
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0.44 |
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9/18/2033 |
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10/24/2024 |
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7/1/2024 |
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— |
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7,379,065 |
(3) |
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— |
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0.92 |
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10/23/2034 |
Val Cook |
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3/15/2017 |
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1/1/2017 |
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40,038 |
(1) |
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— |
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— |
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1.00 |
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3/14/2027 |
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11/12/2018 |
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9/1/2018 |
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113,152 |
(1) |
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— |
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— |
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11.40 |
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11/11/2028 |
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9/19/2023 |
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9/19/2023 |
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794,866 |
(2) |
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1,112,814 |
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— |
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0.44 |
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9/18/2033 |
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10/24/2024 |
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7/1/2024 |
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— |
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1,517,044 |
(3) |
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— |
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0.92 |
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10/23/2034 |
Santiago Fernandez-Gomez |
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1/2/2017 |
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7/8/2015 |
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5,000 |
(2) |
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— |
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— |
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1.00 |
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1/1/2027 |
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8/27/2018 |
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7/9/2018 |
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67,935 |
(4) |
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— |
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— |
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11.40 |
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8/26/2028 |
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11/17/2021 |
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1/1/2021 |
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4,896 |
(1) |
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104 |
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— |
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20.70 |
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11/16/2031 |
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9/19/2023 |
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9/19/2023 |
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654,484 |
(2) |
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916,278 |
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— |
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0.44 |
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9/18/2033 |
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10/24/2024 |
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7/1/2024 |
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— |
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1,418,448 |
(3) |
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— |
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0.92 |
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10/23/2034 |
(1) |
Represents an option which vested with respect to one-forty-eighth (1/48th) of the shares subject to the option on each of the first forty-eight (48) monthly anniversaries of the vesting commencement date, subject to the applicable executive’s continued service through the applicable vesting date. |
(2) |
Represents an option which vested or vests, as applicable, with respect to one-thirty-sixth (1/36th) of the shares subject to the option on each of the first thirty-six (36) monthly anniversaries of the vesting commencement date, subject to the applicable executive’s continued service through the applicable vesting date. |
(3) |
Represents an option which vests with respect to one-third (1/3rd) of the shares subject to the option on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and with respect to one-thirty-sixth (1/36th) of the shares subject to the option on each monthly anniversary of the vesting commencement date thereafter, subject to the applicable executive’s continued service through the applicable vesting date. |
(4) |
Represents an option which vested or vests, as applicable, with respect to twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares subject to the option on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and with respect to one-forty-eighth (1/48th) of the shares subject to the option on each monthly anniversary of the applicable vesting commencement date thereafter, subject to the applicable executive’s continued service through the applicable vesting date. |
Executive Compensation Arrangements
Offer Letters
Offer Letter for Mr. Munagala
We are party to an offer letter, dated June 18, 2018 (as amended, the “Munagala Offer Letter”) with Mr. Munagala, pursuant to which, Mr. Munagala serves as our Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the Munagala Offer Letter, Mr. Munagala is entitled to receive a base salary which, as of January 1, 2024, was $600,000 and is eligible to be considered for annual incentive bonuses. The Munagala Offer Letter provides that Mr. Munagala is eligible to participate in Blaize-sponsored benefit plans and for paid vacation in accordance with Blaize policy.
In addition, pursuant to the Munagala Offer Letter, if Mr. Munagala’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or Mr. Munagala resigns with “good reason” (each as defined in the Munagala Offer Letter), then Mr. Munagala will be eligible to receive the following severance payments and benefits: (i) a lump-sum cash payment in an amount equal to 3 months of his base salary, (ii) salary continuation payments at 75% of his base salary for 12 months following termination, and (iii) COBRA continuation coverage for up to 12 months following termination, and (iv) accelerated vesting of any outstanding and unvested options held by him.
If Mr. Munagala’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or he resigns for “good reason,” in either case, within one year after a change in control of Blaize (as defined in the Munagala Offer Letter), then Mr. Munagala will instead be entitled to receive the following severance payments and benefits (in lieu of the amounts described above): (i) a lump-sum cash payment in an amount equal to 12 months of his base salary, (ii) COBRA continuation coverage for up to 12 months following termination, and (iii) accelerated vesting of any outstanding and unvested options held by him.
Mr. Munagala’s receipt of any severance payments and benefits is subject to his execution and non-revocation of a general release in favor of Blaize.
Offer Letter for Mr. Cook
We are party to an offer letter, dated June 20, 2018 (as amended, the “Cook Offer Letter”) with Mr. Cook, pursuant to which, Mr. Cook serves as our Chief Software Architect. Pursuant to the Cook Offer Letter, Mr. Cook is entitled to receive a base salary which, as of January 1, 2024, was $400,000 and is eligible to be considered for annual incentive bonuses. The Cook Offer Letter provides that Mr. Cook is also eligible to participate in Blaize-sponsored benefit plans and for paid vacation in accordance with Blaize policy.
In addition, pursuant to the Cook Offer Letter, if Mr. Cook’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or Mr. Cook resigns with “good reason” (each as defined in the Cook Offer Letter), then Mr. Cook will be eligible to receive the following severance payments and benefits: (i) a lump-sum cash payment in an amount equal to 3 months of his base salary, (ii) salary continuation payments at 75% of his base salary for 12 months following termination, and (iii) COBRA continuation coverage for up to 12 months following termination.
In addition, if Mr. Cook’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or he resigns for “good reason,” in either case, within one year after a change in control of Blaize (as defined in the Cook Offer Letter), then Mr. Cook will instead be entitled to receive the following severance payments and benefits (in lieu of the amounts described above): (i) a lump-sum cash payment in an amount equal to 12 months of his base salary, and (ii) COBRA continuation coverage for up to 12 months following termination, and (iii) accelerated vesting of any outstanding and unvested options held by him.
Mr. Cook’s receipt of any severance payments and benefits is subject to his execution and non-revocation of a general release in favor of Blaize.
Offer Letter for Mr. Fernandez-Gomez
We are party to an offer letter, dated July 4, 2018 (as amended, the “Fernandez-Gomez Offer Letter”) with Mr. Fernandez-Gomez, pursuant to which, Mr. Fernandez-Gomez serves as our Vice President of Platform Engineering. Pursuant to the Fernandez-Gomez Offer Letter, Mr. Fernandez-Gomez is entitled to receive a base salary which, as of January 1, 2024, was $450,000 and is eligible to be considered for annual incentive bonuses. The Fernandez-Gomez Offer Letter provides that Mr. Fernandez-Gomez is also eligible to participate in Blaize-sponsored benefit plans and for paid vacation in accordance with Blaize policy.
BLAIZE’S DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Prior to the Business Combination, Blaize did not maintain a formal non-employee director compensation program, but previously made cash payments and granted equity awards to certain of its non-employee directors as it deemed appropriate. During 2024, each of Messrs. Frank, Cannestra, Hambrecht and Bess were granted equity awards for their services on Blaize’s board of directors. None of the Company’s other non-employee directors received compensation from Blaize for their service on the board of directors in 2024.
2024 Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of Blaize’s non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2024.
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Name |
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Option Awards ($)(1) |
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Total ($) |
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Edward Frank |
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318,472 |
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318,472 |
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Tony Cannestra |
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318,472 |
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318,472 |
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Juergen Hambrecht |
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318,472 |
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318,472 |
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Lane Bess |
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242,571 |
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242,571 |
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(1) |
Amounts reflect the full fair value of stock options granted during 2024 as of the date on which the options were approved by the Board computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718, rather than the amounts paid to or realized by the named individual. Assumptions used to calculate the value of all option awards made to directors are included in Notes 2 and 12 to Blaize’s consolidated financial statements incorporated herein by reference. |
The table below shows the aggregate numbers of option awards (exercisable and unexercisable) held as of December 31, 2024 by each non-employee director who served during 2024.
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Name |
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Options Outstanding at Fiscal Year End (#) |
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Edward Frank |
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909,535 |
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Tony Cannestra |
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920,850 |
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Juergen Hambrecht |
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909,535 |
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Lane Bess |
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477,750 |
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In connection with the Business Combination, we approved a compensation program for our non-employee directors (the “Director Compensation Program”), effective as of the closing of the Business Combination. The material terms of the Director Compensation Program are summarized below.
Cash Compensation
Under the Director Compensation Program, non-employee directors serving on the Board are entitled to cash compensation in the following amounts:
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Annual Retainer: $80,000 |
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Additional Annual Retainer for Non-Executive Chair: $40,000 |
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Annual Committee Chair Retainers: |
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Audit Committee: $24,000 |
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Compensation Committee: $20,000 |
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Annual Non-Chair Committee Member Retainers: |
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Audit Committee: $16,000 |
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Compensation Committee: $14,000 |
Annual cash retainers will be paid in quarterly installments in arrears and will be pro-rated for any partial calendar quarter of service.
Equity Compensation
Initial Awards. Under the Director Compensation Program, each non-employee director who is initially elected or appointed to serve on the Board following the closing of the Business Combination will be granted an award of restricted stock units at the time of the election or appointment with a grant-date value of approximately $600,000, which will vest with respect to one-third (1/3rd) of the restricted stock units subject thereto on each of the first three anniversaries of the applicable grant date, subject to the director’s continued service on the Board through the applicable vesting date. If a member of the Board is an employee of Blaize or a subsidiary thereof who subsequently terminates employment with Blaize but remains on the Board as a non-employee director, such individual will not be eligible to receive an Initial Award.
Annual Awards. Under the Director Compensation Program, each non-employee director who is serving on the Board as of the date of each annual meeting of the company’s stockholders following the closing of the Business Combination will be granted, on such annual meeting date, an award of restricted stock units with a grant-date value of approximately $200,000 (each an “Annual Award”), which will vest in full on the earlier to occur of (i) the one-year anniversary of the applicable grant date and (ii) the date of the next annual meeting following the grant date, subject to the director’s continued service on the Board through the applicable vesting date.
In addition, each equity award granted under the Director Compensation Program will vest in full upon a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Incentive Award Plan, or any similar term as defined in the then-applicable plan) if the non-employee director will not become a member of the Board or the board of directors of the Company’s successor (or any parent thereof) following such change in control.
Compensation under the Director Compensation Program is subject to the annual limits on non-employee director compensation set forth in the Incentive Award Plan (or any successor plan).
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of our executive officers serves as a member of a compensation committee (or other committee performing equivalent functions) of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our compensation committee.
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