Form 4: Datavault AI CFO Brett Moyer Receives Significant Equity Compensation Grant

Datavault AI Inc. Director and Chief Financial Officer Brett Moyer was granted 175,124 shares of common stock as compensation, vesting in installments through June 2028.

Summary

• Brett Moyer, a Director and the Chief Financial Officer of Datavault AI Inc. (DVLT), reported the acquisition of 175,124 shares of common stock.
• The transaction date for this acquisition was June 25, 2025.
• These shares were received as compensation for Moyer's service on the board of directors and as an officer, under the issuer's 2018 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (LTIP).
• The shares were acquired at a price of $0, indicating they were a grant.
• Following this transaction, Brett Moyer beneficially owns a total of 898,419 shares of Datavault AI Inc. common stock.
• The 175,124 LTIP shares are scheduled to vest in equal installments quarterly, specifically on September 20th, December 20th, March 20th, and June 20th, from September 20, 2025, through June 20, 2028.
• Vesting is contingent upon Brett Moyer remaining in the service of Datavault AI Inc. on each respective vesting date.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is moderately positive. The equity grant aligns management's interests with shareholders and aids in executive retention, which are generally positive for corporate governance and long-term stability. The minor dilution is a standard trade-off for such benefits.

Positives

• The grant of equity compensation aligns the interests of the Chief Financial Officer and Director, Brett Moyer, directly with those of the shareholders, incentivizing long-term performance.
• This compensation structure serves as a retention mechanism for key executive talent, ensuring continuity in leadership.
• The use of a pre-existing Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (2018 LTIP) indicates a structured and approved approach to executive compensation.

Negatives

• The issuance of 175,124 new shares, while common for equity compensation, will result in a minor dilution of existing shareholder equity over the vesting period.

Risks

• The vesting of the 175,124 LTIP shares is contingent upon Brett Moyer's continued service to Datavault AI Inc. until June 20, 2028, meaning the full benefit is not guaranteed if his service ceases prematurely.

Future Outlook

The document indicates a future commitment to Brett Moyer through the vesting schedule of his equity compensation, extending through June 2028, contingent on his continued service to the company.

Management Comments

• Brett Moyer's acquisition of shares as compensation reflects the company's strategy to align executive incentives with long-term shareholder value, as per the 2018 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan.

Industry Context

The grant of equity compensation to key executives like the Chief Financial Officer is a standard and widely adopted practice across various industries, particularly in technology and growth-oriented companies. It is a common mechanism for attracting, retaining, and motivating top talent by linking their personal financial success to the company's performance.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The structure of this equity grant, involving a multi-year vesting schedule contingent on continued service, is consistent with typical long-term incentive plans observed in publicly traded companies across the technology sector.
• While specific comparable companies or projects are not detailed in this filing, similar compensation strategies are employed by peers such as Palantir Technologies (PLTR) or Snowflake (SNOW) for their executive teams, often utilizing restricted stock units (RSUs) or stock options with similar vesting conditions to foster long-term commitment and performance.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of 175,124 shares by Brett Moyer, a Director and Officer, is a related-party transaction in the form of equity compensation under the company's 2018 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential for minor dilution from the issuance of new shares, but also benefit from increased alignment of executive interests with long-term company performance.
• Employees: Retention of a key executive (CFO) can provide stability and continuity in financial leadership.
• Management: Brett Moyer's compensation is now more directly tied to the company's stock performance, incentivizing long-term value creation.

Next Steps

• Brett Moyer's continued service to Datavault AI Inc. is required for the vesting of the LTIP shares through June 2028.
• Future Form 4 filings will report subsequent vesting events or any other changes in beneficial ownership for Brett Moyer.

Key Dates

Keywords

Datavault AI, DVLT, Brett Moyer, SEC Form 4, equity compensation, stock grant, CFO, director, insider transaction, long-term incentive plan, LTIP, vesting, executive compensation