Startup Option Agreement

I need a clean, standalone option agreement that lets me grant share options to one non-UK founding engineer in my early-stage, UK-registered startup. A full Unapproved Share Option Scheme is unnecessary, as this is strictly a one-off grant.

Core terms are already set:
• Vesting: 4 years.
• UK law governs the agreement.
• Must spell out vesting acceleration on exit, a sensible non-compete, and clear good-leaver / bad-leaver provisions.

Additionally, the agreement should include a fixed monthly salary for the contractor role. Payment frequency will be standard monthly payments.

I’ll provide our company details and proposed strike price as soon as we start. You’ll return:

1. A Word/Google-Docs option agreement ready for signature.
2. A concise explanatory note so I can walk the engineer through mechanics and key scenarios.

Please draw on current UK Companies Act requirements and common-law precedents, keeping the language startup-friendly and watertight for investors.