Form 4: Datavault AI Director Receives Equity Compensation

Datavault AI Inc. Director Sriram Krishnamurthy Peruvemba was granted 211,203 shares of common stock as compensation, vesting through 2028.

Summary

• Sriram Krishnamurthy Peruvemba, a Director of Datavault AI Inc. (DVLT), acquired 211,203 shares of common stock.
• The shares were received as compensation for his service on the issuer's board of directors.
• This grant was made pursuant to the issuer's 2018 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan.
• The shares were acquired at a price of $0, indicating they were granted as part of a compensation package.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Peruvemba beneficially owns 331,565 shares of common stock.
• The granted shares are scheduled to vest in equal installments on March 20th, June 20th, September 20th, and December 20th, beginning March 20, 2026, and concluding on December 20, 2028.
• Vesting is contingent upon Mr. Peruvemba remaining in the service of the issuer on each vesting date.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is moderately positive. While a Form 4 is primarily a disclosure of an insider transaction, the grant of equity compensation to a director indicates alignment of interests and a commitment to long-term value creation, which is generally viewed favorably.

Positives

• The grant of 211,203 shares of common stock to a director aligns management's interests with those of shareholders, promoting long-term commitment.
• Equity compensation is a standard practice that incentivizes directors to contribute to the company's sustained growth and performance.

Risks

• The vesting of the 211,203 shares is conditional upon the reporting person's continued service to Datavault AI Inc. on each vesting date, posing a risk of forfeiture if service is terminated prematurely.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedule for the granted shares, extending through December 2028, indicates a long-term commitment expected from the director, aligning with the company's strategic continuity.

Industry Context

The granting of equity compensation to directors is a common practice across industries, particularly in technology and growth-oriented companies, to attract and retain talent and align leadership incentives with shareholder value creation.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of a Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan for director compensation is a standard corporate governance practice, comparable to equity compensation structures seen in many publicly traded technology companies.
• The vesting schedule, spread over several years, is typical for encouraging long-term commitment and performance, similar to plans at companies like Palantir Technologies or C3.ai, which also utilize equity to incentivize key personnel.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The equity grant aligns the director's financial interests with those of the shareholders, potentially leading to more shareholder-centric decision-making.
• Employees: While not directly impacting employees, such compensation practices can set a precedent for executive and director incentives within the company.

Next Steps

• The company will continue to monitor and report on the vesting of the granted shares as per the established schedule.

Key Dates

Keywords

Datavault AI Inc., DVLT, Sriram Krishnamurthy Peruvemba, Director Compensation, Equity Grant, Stock Incentive Plan, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Vesting Shares