Form 4: Datavault AI Director Kimberly Briskey Receives Significant Equity Grant as Compensation

Datavault AI Inc. Director Kimberly Briskey was granted 26,372 shares of common stock as compensation, vesting quarterly through June 2028, contingent on continued service.

Summary

• Kimberly Briskey, a Director of Datavault AI Inc. (DVLT), received a grant of 26,372 shares of common stock.
• These shares were granted as compensation for her service on the issuer's board of directors, under the company's 2018 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan.
• The shares were acquired at a transaction price of $0, indicating they were granted rather than purchased.
• Following this transaction, Ms. Briskey's beneficial ownership of Datavault AI Inc. common stock increased to 115,669 shares.
• The granted shares are scheduled to vest in equal installments on a quarterly basis, specifically on September 20th, December 20th, March 20th, and June 20th, commencing September 20, 2025, and concluding on June 20, 2028.
• Vesting of these shares is contingent upon Ms. Briskey remaining in the service of Datavault AI Inc. on each respective vesting date.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document reports a routine equity compensation grant to a director, which is generally a neutral to slightly positive event as it aligns interests and retains talent. There is no indication of negative financial or operational news.

Positives

• The equity grant aligns the director's financial interests with the long-term performance and shareholder value of Datavault AI Inc.
• It demonstrates the company's commitment to retaining key leadership through structured, long-term incentive plans.
• The use of the 2018 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan indicates a formalized and transparent approach to director compensation.

Negatives

• The grant of shares at a $0 price could lead to future dilution for existing shareholders as these shares vest and become outstanding.
• The compensation for this specific transaction is entirely equity-based, with no immediate cash component detailed.

Risks

• The vesting of the 26,372 shares is contingent upon Kimberly Briskey remaining in service to Datavault AI Inc. on each vesting date, meaning forfeiture if service ceases.

Future Outlook

The document indicates a long-term retention strategy for Director Kimberly Briskey, with the granted shares scheduled to vest in equal installments quarterly from September 20, 2025, through June 20, 2028, contingent on her continued service.

Industry Context

Equity grants to directors are a common and widely accepted practice across various industries, particularly in technology and growth-oriented companies. This mechanism is primarily used to align the interests of company leadership with those of long-term shareholders and to incentivize continued service and performance. This filing reflects a standard compensation approach within the industry.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Equity compensation for directors, often structured through long-term incentive plans, is a standard practice in the U.S. public market, aligning director incentives with company performance.
• The use of a specific Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (Datavault AI's 2018 plan) for such grants is typical, providing a formal framework for compensation and adhering to corporate governance principles.
• Vesting schedules contingent on continued service are a common feature of director equity awards, designed to ensure ongoing commitment and retention of key personnel.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential for minor future dilution as the granted shares vest and become outstanding. However, it also serves to align the director's interests with long-term shareholder value.
• Employees: No direct impact mentioned.
• Customers: No direct impact mentioned.
• Suppliers: No direct impact mentioned.
• Creditors: No direct impact mentioned.

Next Steps

• Kimberly Briskey's continued service as a director of Datavault AI Inc. is anticipated.
• The 26,372 granted shares are scheduled to vest in quarterly installments from September 20, 2025, through June 20, 2028.

Key Dates

Recommendation

Keywords

Datavault AI Inc., DVLT, SEC Form 4, Kimberly Briskey, Director Compensation, Equity Grant, Stock Incentive Plan, Beneficial Ownership, Vesting Schedule, Insider Transaction