S-4/A

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 8, 2022.

No. 333-260692

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Amendment No. 4

to

 

 

FORM S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

SUPERNOVA PARTNERS ACQUISITION COMPANY II, LTD.*

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Cayman Islands*   6770   98-1574543

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

4301 50th Street NW,

Suite 300 PMB 1044,

Washington, D.C. 20016

(202) 918-7050

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Robert D. Reid

Chief Executive Officer

Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd.

4301 50th Street NW,

Suite 300 PMB 1044,

Washington, D.C. 20016

(202) 918-7050

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies of all communications, including communications sent to agent for service, should be sent to:

 

Patrick H. Shannon

Latham & Watkins LLP

555 Eleventh Street, NW, Suite 1000

Washington, D.C. 20004

Tel: (202) 637-2200

 

Ryan J. Maierson

Latham & Watkins LLP

811 Main Street, Suite 3700

Houston, TX 77002

Tel: (713) 546-5400

 

Adam Dinow

Rupa Briggs

David Silverman

Cooley LLP

55 Hudson Yards

New York, NY 10001

Tel: (212) 479-6000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and all other conditions to the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger described in the included proxy statement/prospectus have been satisfied or waived.

If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.  ☐

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer      Smaller reporting company  
     Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  ☐

Exchange Act Rule 14d-l(d)  (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)  


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
 

Amount

to be

Registered(4)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Unit

 

Proposed

Maximum
Aggregate

Offering Price(1)

  Amount of
Registration Fee(9)

New Rigetti Common Stock(1)

  148,012,213   $10.11(5)   $1,496,396,488   $138,716(8)

New Rigetti Common Stock(2)

  13,075,000   $11.50(6)   $150,362,500   $13,939(8)

Warrants to purchase New Rigetti Common Stock(3)

  13,075,000   $1.94(7)   $25,365,500   $2,351(8)

Total

          $1,672,124,488   $155,006(8)

 

 

(1)

The number of shares of common stock of New Rigetti (as defined below) being registered represents (i) 34,500,000 Class A ordinary shares underlying units issued in Supernova’s (as defined below) initial public offering which will be canceled and automatically converted, on a one-for-one basis, into shares of common stock of New Rigetti (the “New Rigetti Common Stock”); (ii) 8,625,000 Class B ordinary shares held by Supernova Partners II LLC, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Sponsor”) and each of Supernova’s directors and officers (which includes the Sponsor Earn Out Shares (as defined below)) which will be canceled and automatically converted, on a one-for-one basis, into shares of New Rigetti Common Stock; and (iii) up to 104,868,217 shares of New Rigetti Common Stock (which includes up to 28,960,484 shares of New Rigetti Common Stock issuable or reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options or warrants to purchase Rigetti common stock or settlement of restricted stock units for Rigetti common stock outstanding and that may be issued pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement described herein, which will convert into options or warrants to purchase New Rigetti Common Stock or restricted stock units for New Rigetti Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement described herein) that based on an estimated Exchange Ratio (as defined in the proxy statement/prospectus) of 0.7870 as of January 25, 2022 is estimated to be the maximum number of shares of New Rigetti Common Stock to be issued to the equityholders of Rigetti Holdings, Inc. (“Rigetti”) in connection with the Business Combination as defined and described in the proxy statement/prospectus forming part of this registration statement (the “proxy statement/prospectus”).

(2)

Represents shares of New Rigetti Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise of (i) 8,625,000 warrants to purchase Class A ordinary shares underlying units issued in Supernova’s initial public offering (“public warrants”) and (ii) 4,450,000 warrants to purchase Class A ordinary shares underlying units issued in a private placement simultaneously with the closing of Supernova’s initial public offering (“private placement warrants,” and together with the public warrants, the “warrants”). The warrants will convert into warrants to acquire shares of New Rigetti Common Stock in the Business Combination and the Domestication (as defined below).

(3)

The number of warrants to acquire shares of New Rigetti Common Stock being registered represents (i) 8,625,000 public warrants and (ii) 4,450,000 private placement warrants.

(4)

Pursuant to Rule 416(a) of Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), there are also being registered an indeterminable number of additional securities as may be issued to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.

(5)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, based on the average of the high and low prices of the Class A ordinary shares of Supernova on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on October 26, 2021 ($10.11 per Class A ordinary share). This calculation is in accordance with Rule 457(f)(1) of the Securities Act.

(6)

Represents the exercise price of the warrants, as may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms of the warrants.

(7)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, based on the average of the high and low prices of the Supernova public warrants on the NYSE on October 26, 2021 ($1.94 per warrant). This calculation is in accordance with Rule 457(f)(1) of the Securities Act.

(8)

Calculated by multiplying the proposed maximum aggregate offering price of securities to be registered by 0.0000927.

(9)

Previously paid.

*

Prior to (but no later than the day preceding) the consummation of the Business Combination, Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Supernova”), intends to effect a deregistration under the Cayman Islands Companies Act (As Revised) and a domestication under Part XII of the Delaware General Corporation Law, pursuant to which Supernova’s jurisdiction of incorporation will be changed from the Cayman Islands to the State of Delaware (the “Domestication”). All securities being registered will be issued by the continuing entity following the Domestication, which will be renamed “Rigetti Computing, Inc.” upon the consummation of the Domestication. As used herein, “New Rigetti” refers to Supernova after giving effect to the consummation of the Domestication and the Business Combination.

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the SEC, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 is being filed solely for purposes of filing the exhibits indicated in Part II of this Amendment No. 4. This Amendment No. 4 does not modify any provision of the prospectus that forms a part of the Registration Statement. Accordingly, the prospectus has been omitted.


PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20. Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against willful default, willful neglect, civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. The Existing Organizational Documents provided for indemnification of our officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted by law, including for any liability incurred in their capacities as such, except through their own actual fraud, willful default or willful neglect.

We have entered into agreements with our officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in the Existing Organizational Documents. We have purchased a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our officers and directors against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances and insures us against our obligations to indemnify our officers and directors.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules

(a) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

2.1**   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October  6, 2021, by and among Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Supernova Merger Sub, Inc., Supernova Romeo Merger Sub, LLC and Rigetti Holdings, Inc. (included as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus).
2.2**   First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 23, 2021, by and among Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Supernova Merger Sub, Inc., Supernova Romeo Merger Sub, LLC and Rigetti Holdings, Inc. (included as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus).
2.3**   Second Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January  10, 2022, by and among Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Supernova Merger Sub, Inc., Supernova Romeo Merger Sub, LLC and Rigetti Holdings, Inc. (included as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus).
3.1**   Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Supernova (included as Annex B to the proxy statement/prospectus).
3.2**   Form of Certificate of Incorporation of New Rigetti, to become effective upon Domestication (included as Annex C to the proxy statement/prospectus).
3.3**   Form of Bylaws of New Rigetti, to become effective upon Domestication (included as Annex D to the proxy statement/prospectus).
4.1**   Specimen Unit Certificate.
4.2**   Specimen Ordinary Share Certificate.
4.3**   Specimen Warrant Certificate.

 

II-1


Exhibit
Number

 

Description

4.4**   Form of Certificate of Corporate Domestication of Supernova, to be filed with the Secretary of the State of Delaware.
4.5**   Warrant Agreement between American Stock Transfer  & Trust Company, LLC and Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., dated March 1, 2021.
5.1**   Opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP.
8.1**   Opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP regarding certain tax matters.
10.1**   Form of Subscription Agreement (included as Annex E to the proxy statement/prospectus).
10.2**   Rigetti Holders Support Agreement, dated as of October  6, 2021, by and among Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Rigetti Holdings, Inc. and certain other parties thereto
10.3**   Sponsor Support Agreement, dated as of October  6, 2021, by and among Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Rigetti Holdings, Inc., Supernova Partners II LLC and certain other parties thereto
10.4**   Form of New Rigetti 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (included as Annex H to the proxy statement/prospectus).
10.5**   Form of 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (included as Annex I to the proxy statement/prospectus).
10.6**   Registration Rights Agreement among Supernova, the Sponsor and the other holders party thereto
10.7**   Form of Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, by and among New Rigetti and the other parties thereto (included as Annex F to the proxy statement/ prospectus)
10.8**   Letter Agreement among Supernova, the Sponsor and Supernova’s officers and directors
10.9**   Investment Management Trust Account Agreement between American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC and Supernova
10.10**   Private Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement between Supernova and the Sponsor
10.11**   Form of Indemnity Agreement between Supernova and each of its directors and officers
10.12**   Lease Agreement dated August 9, 2016 by and between Rigetti and Prologis Limited Partnership I, as amended.
10.13**   Lease Agreement dated April 15, 2015, by and among Rigetti, Temescal, LP and Contra Costa Industrial Park, Ltd., as amended.
10.14**   Loan and Security Agreement dated March 10, 2021, by and between Rigetti and Trinity Capital Inc.
10.15**   Amendment No. 1 to Trinity Loan and Security Agreement dated May 18, 2021, by and between Rigetti and Trinity Capital Inc.
10.16**   Amendment No. 2 to Trinity Loan and Security Agreement dated October  21, 2021, by and between Rigetti and Trinity Capital Inc.
10.17**   Amendment No. 3 to Trinity Loan and Security Agreement dated January  27, 2022, by and between Rigetti & Co. LLC and Trinity Capital Inc.
10.18   Guaranty Agreement dated January 27, 2022, by and between Rigetti Holdings, Inc. and Trinity Capital Inc.
10.19**   Manufacturing Agreement dated May 28, 2020, by and between Rigetti and Sparqtron Corporation.
10.20**   Rigetti & Co, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan
10.21**   Amended and Restated Warrant to Purchase Stock, dated March 9, 2021, issued to Trinity Capital Inc. by Rigetti & Co, Inc.

 

II-2


Exhibit
Number

 

Description

10.22**   Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Form of Stock Option Agreement under Rigetti & Co, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan
10.23**   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under Rigetti & Co, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan
10.24   Amended & Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 2, 2022, between Rigetti Holdings, Inc. and Chad Rigetti
10.25   Amended & Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 2, 2022, between Rigetti Holdings, Inc. and Brian Sereda
10.26   Amended & Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 2, 2022, between Rigetti Holdings, Inc. and Taryn Naidu
10.27   Executive Employment Agreement, dated February 2, 2022, between Rigetti Holdings, Inc. and David Rivas
10.28   Amended & Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 2, 2022, between Rigetti Holdings, Inc. and Mike Harburn
10.29   Amended & Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 2, 2022, between Rigetti Holdings, Inc. and Rick Danis
21.1**   List of subsidiaries of Supernova.
23.1**   Consent of Marcum LLP, independent registered accounting firm for Supernova.
23.2**   Consent of BDO USA, LLP, independent registered accounting firm for Rigetti.
23.3**   Consent of Latham & Watkins LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).
23.4**   Consent of Latham & Watkins LLP (included as part of Exhibit 8.1).
24.1**   Power of Attorney (included on signature page to the Registration Statement).
99.1**   Form of Proxy Card for Extraordinary General Meeting (included as Annex G to the proxy statement/prospectus).
99.2**   Consent of Alissa Fitzgerald to be named as a director
99.3**   Consent of Chad Rigetti to be named as a director
99.4**   Consent of Gen. Peter Pace to be named as a director
99.5**   Consent of Ray Johnson to be named as a director
99.6**   Consent of David Cowan to be named as a director
99.7**   Consent of Cathy McCarthy to be named as a director
99.8**   Consent of Michael Clifton to be named as a director
99.9**   Consent of H. Gail Sandford to be named as a director
101.INS**   Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

II-3


Exhibit
Number

  

Description

101.LAB**    Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**    Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

*

To be filed by amendment.

**

Previously filed

Item 22. Undertakings

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(a)    To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

(i)    To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii)    To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii)    To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement.

(b)    That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c)    To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(d)    That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(e)    That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications,

(i)    Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

II-4


(ii)    Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii)    The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv)    Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by them is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

The registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (1) that is filed pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph, or (2) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form S-4, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the Registration Statement through the date of responding to the request.

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the Registration Statement when it became effective.

 

II-5


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York on the 8th day of February, 2022.

 

  SUPERNOVA PARTNERS ACQUISITION COMPANY II, LTD.
  By:   /s/ Robert D. Reid                    
    Name: Robert D. Reid
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

Name    Position    Date

/s/ Spencer M. Rascoff

         
Spencer M. Rascoff    Co-chair    February 8, 2022

/s/ Alexander M. Klabin

         
Alexander M. Klabin    Co-chair    February 8, 2022

/s/ Robert D. Reid

         
Robert D. Reid    Chief Executive Officer And Director    February 8, 2022
  

(principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Michael S. Clifton

         
Michael S. Clifton    Chief Financial Officer And Director    February 8, 2022
   (principal Financial And Accounting Officer)   

/s/ Katie Curnutte

         
Katie Curnutte    Director    February 8, 2022

/s/ Ken Fox

         
Ken Fox    Director    February 8, 2022

/s/ Damien Hooper-Campbell

         
Damien Hooper-Campbell    Director    February 8, 2022

/s/ Jim Lanzone

         
Jim Lanzone    Director    February 8, 2022

/s/ Gregg Renfrew

         
Gregg Renfrew    Director    February 8, 2022

/s/ Rajeev Singh

         
Rajeev Singh    Director    February 8, 2022

*By: /s/ Michael S. Clifton

Name: Michael S. Clifton

Title: Attorney-in-fact

EX-10.18

Exhibit 10.18

GUARANTY

between

RIGETTI HOLDINGS INC.

and

TRINITY CAPITAL INC.

dated as of

January 27, 2022


GUARANTY

This GUARANTY (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 27, 2022, is made by and among RIGETTI HOLDINGS INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Guarantor”) and TRINITY CAPITAL INC., a Maryland corporation (the “Lender”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Rigetti & Co, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as successor-in-interest to Rigetti & Co, Inc. (the “Borrower”), has entered into that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March 10, 2021, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of May 18, 2021, that certain Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of October 21, 2021, and that certain Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of January 27, 2022 (as further amended, restated or modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement.

WHEREAS, Guarantor will derive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the transactions contemplated by the Loan Agreement.

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the making of Loans by the Lender from time to time that Guarantor shall have executed and delivered this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and in order to induce the Lender to make Loans from time to time, Guarantor hereby agrees as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Loan Agreement.

ARTICLE II

AGREEMENT TO GUARANTEE OBLIGATIONS

Section 2.01    Guaranty. Guarantor hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, as primary obligor and not merely as surety,

(a)    the due and prompt payment by the Borrower of:

(i)    the principal of and premium, if any, and interest at the rate specified in the Loan Agreement (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding (“Post-Petition Interest”)) (including any reimbursement obligation for disbursements and interest (including Post-Petition Interest) and any obligation to provide cash collateral with respect thereto), when and as due, whether at scheduled maturity, date set for prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise, and

(ii)    all other monetary obligations of the Borrower to the Lender under the Loan Documents, when and as due, including fees, costs, expenses (including, without limitation, fees and expenses of counsel incurred by the Lender in enforcing any rights under this Agreement or any other Loan Document), contract causes of action and indemnities, whether primary, secondary, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, fixed or otherwise (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding); and

 

1


(b)    the due and prompt performance of all covenants, agreements, obligations and liabilities of the Borrower under or in respect of the Loan Documents; and

(c)    the due and prompt payment and performance of all covenants, agreements, obligations and liabilities of Guarantor under or in respect of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; and

all such obligations in subsections (a) through (c), whether now or hereafter existing, being referred to collectively as the “Obligations”. Guarantor further agrees that all or part of the Obligations may be increased, extended, substituted, amended, renewed or otherwise modified without notice to or consent from Guarantor and such actions shall not affect the liability of Guarantor hereunder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Guarantor’s liability shall extend to all amounts that constitute part of the Obligations and would be owed by any other Loan Party to the Lender under or in respect of the Loan Documents but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding involving such other Loan Party.

Section 2.02    Reinstatement. Guarantor agrees that its guaranty hereunder shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time all or part of any payment of any Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Lender or any other Person upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or any other Loan Party or otherwise.

ARTICLE III

GUARANTY ABSOLUTE AND UNCONDITIONAL; WAIVERS

Section 3.01    Guaranty Absolute and Unconditional; No Waiver of Obligations. Guarantor guarantees that the Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents, regardless of any law, regulation or order of any Governmental Authority now or hereafter in effect. The Obligations of Guarantor hereunder are independent of the Obligations of any Borrower under any Loan Document. A separate action may be brought against Guarantor to enforce this Agreement, whether or not any action is brought against the Borrower or whether or not the Borrower is joined in any such action. The liability of Guarantor hereunder is irrevocable, continuing, absolute and unconditional and the Obligations of Guarantor hereunder, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise effected by, and Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any defenses to enforcement it may have (now or in the future) by reason of:

(a)    any illegality or lack of validity or enforceability of any Obligation or any Loan Document or any related agreement or instrument;

(b)    any change in the time, place or manner of payment of, or in any other term of, the Obligations or any other obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document, or any rescission, waiver, amendment or other modification of any Loan Document or any other agreement, including any increase in the Obligations resulting from any extension of additional credit or otherwise;

(c)    any taking, exchange, substitution, release, impairment or non-perfection of any collateral, or any taking, release, impairment, amendment, waiver or other modification of any guaranty, for the Obligations;

(d)    any manner of sale, disposition or application of proceeds of any Collateral or any other collateral or other assets to all or part of the Obligations;

 

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(e)    any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Obligations;

(f)    any change, restructuring or termination of the corporate structure, ownership or existence of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting the Borrower or its assets or any resulting release or discharge of any Obligation;

(g)    the failure of any other Person to execute or deliver this Agreement, any Guaranty Supplement or any other guaranty or agreement or the release or reduction of liability of any Guarantor or other guarantor or surety with respect to the Obligations;

(h)    the failure of the Lender to assert any claim or demand or to exercise or enforce any right or remedy under the provisions of any Loan Document or otherwise;

(i)    any defense, set-off or counterclaim (other than a defense of payment or performance) that may at any time be available to, or be asserted by, the Borrower against the Lender; or

(j)    any other circumstance (including, without limitation, any statute of limitations) or manner of administering the Loans or any existence of or reliance on any representation by the Lender that might vary the risk of Guarantor or otherwise operate as a defense available to, or a legal or equitable discharge of, any Loan Party or any other guarantor or surety.

Section 3.02    Waivers and Acknowledgements.

(a)    Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives any right to revoke this Agreement and acknowledges that this Agreement is continuing in nature and applies to all presently existing and future Obligations.

(b)    Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives promptness, diligence, notice of acceptance, presentment, demand for performance, notice of non-performance, default, acceleration, protest or dishonor and any other notice with respect to any of the Obligations and this Agreement and any requirement that the Lender protect, secure, perfect or insure any Lien or any property subject thereto.

(c)    Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives any defense based on any right of set-off or recoupment or counterclaim against or in respect of the Obligations of Guarantor hereunder.

(d)    Guarantor acknowledges that the Lender may, at its election and without notice to or demand upon Guarantor, foreclose on any Collateral or other collateral held by it by one or more judicial or non-judicial sales, accept an assignment of any such Collateral or other collateral in lieu of foreclosure, compromise or adjust any part of the Obligations, make any other accommodation with the Borrower or exercise any other right or remedy available to it against the Borrower, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of Guarantor hereunder except to the extent the Obligations have been paid in full or collateralized in full in cash. Guarantor hereby waives any defense arising out of such election even though such election operates, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or to extinguish any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or indemnification or other right or remedy of Guarantor against the Borrower or any Collateral or any other collateral.

 

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ARTICLE IV

GUARANTOR RIGHTS OF SUBROGATION, ETC.

Section 4.01    Agreement to Pay; Subrogation, Subordination, Etc.

(a)    Without limiting any other right that the Lender has at law or in equity against Guarantor, if the Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to pay any Obligation when and as due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment or otherwise, Guarantor agrees to promptly pay the amount of such unpaid Obligations to the Lender in cash. Upon payment by Guarantor of any sums to the Lender as provided herein, all of Guarantor’s rights of subrogation, exoneration, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise arising therefrom against the Borrower shall be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Obligations. In addition, any indebtedness of the Borrower now or hereafter held by Guarantor is hereby subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of the Obligations. If any payment shall be paid to Guarantor in violation of the immediately preceding sentence on account of (i) such subrogation, exoneration, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar right or (ii) any such indebtedness of the Borrower, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Lender, segregated from other funds of Guarantor, and promptly paid or delivered to the Lender in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement or assignment) to be credited against the payment of the Obligations, whether due or to become due, in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents.

(b)    Guarantor hereby subordinates any and all obligations owed to Guarantor by the Borrower and each other Loan Party (the “Subordinated Obligations”) to the Obligations to the extent provided below:

(i)    Except during the continuance of an Event of Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding against any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law), Guarantor may receive regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Subordinated Obligations from any Loan Party. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding against any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law), Guarantor shall not accept, demand or take any action to collect any payment on the Subordinated Obligations without the prior written consent of the Lender.

(ii)    Guarantor agrees that the Lender shall be entitled to receive full payment in cash of all Obligations (including Post-Petition Interest) in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law against any other Loan Party before Guarantor receives any payment on account of any Subordinated Obligations.

(iii)    After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding against any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law), Guarantor shall collect, enforce and receive payments on the Subordinated Obligations as trustee for the Lender and deliver such payments to the Lender on account of the Obligations (including Post Petition Interest), together with any necessary endorsements or other instruments of transfer, without reducing or affecting the liability of Guarantor under this Agreement in any respect.

(iv)    After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default (including the commencement and continuation of any proceeding against Borrower under any Debtor Relief Law), the Lender is authorized and empowered (but not obligated), in its discretion, (x) in the name of Guarantor, to collect and enforce, and to submit claims in respect of, Subordinated Obligations and to apply any amount so received to the Obligations (including Post Petition Interest), and (y) to require Guarantor (A) to collect and enforce and to submit claims in respect of, Subordinated Obligations and (B) to pay any amounts received on such obligations to the Lender for application to the Obligations (including Post Petition Interest). Until the Obligations have been satisfied in full, Guarantor hereby irrevocably appoints Lender as Guarantor’s attorney-in-fact, and grants to Lender a power of attorney with full power of substitution, in the name of Guarantor or Borrower, for the use and benefit of Lender, without notice to Borrower, to perform, at Lender’s option, any of the actions set forth in this Section 4.01(b).

 

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ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; COVENANTS

Section 5.01    Representations and Warranties. Guarantor represents and warrants that all representations and warranties relating to it contained in the Loan Documents are true and correct. Each Guarantor further represents and warrants that:

(a)    There are no conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement that have not been satisfied or waived.

(b)    Guarantor has, independently and without reliance upon the Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and any other Loan Document to which it is or may become a party, and has established adequate procedures for continually obtaining information pertaining to, and is now and at all times will be completely familiar with, the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties and prospects of the Borrower.

Section 5.02    Covenants. Guarantor covenants and agrees that, until the Termination Date, Guarantor will perform and observe, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to perform and observe, all of the terms, covenants and agreements set forth in the Loan Documents that are required to be, or that the Borrower has agreed to cause to be, performed or observed by Guarantor.

ARTICLE VI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 6.01    Taxes.

(a)    For purposes of this Section, the terms “Lender” and “Foreign Lender” include any L/C Issuer and the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

(b)    Any and all payments by Guarantor under or in respect of this Agreement shall be made free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for any Taxes except as required by applicable law. If Guarantor or Borrower is required by applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of the Guarantor or Borrower) to deduct or withhold any Taxes from such payments, then: (i) if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, the amount payable by such Guarantor shall be increased so that after all such required deductions or withholdings are made (including deductions or withholdings applicable to additional amounts payable under this Section), the Lender receives an amount equal to the amount it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made, and (ii) Guarantor shall make such deductions or withholdings and timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(c)    In addition, Guarantor shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Lender timely reimburse it for the payment of any Other Taxes.

(d)    Guarantor shall indemnify Lender, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) paid or payable by the Lender on or with respect to an amount payable by Guarantor under or in respect of this Agreement (or required to be withheld or deducted from any such amount paid to the Lender), together with any expenses arising in connection therewith and with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate from such Lender as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Guarantor shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

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(e)    Promptly after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by Guarantor to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section (but in any event within thirty (30) days after the date of such payment), such Guarantor shall deliver to the Lender the original or certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the relevant return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Lender.

(f)    If a payment made to Lender hereunder would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed under FATCA if Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA, Lender shall deliver to Guarantor at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by Guarantor such documentation prescribed by applicable law and such additional documentation reasonably requested by Guarantor as may be necessary for Guarantor to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine the amount, if any, to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (g), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

(g)    Each party’s obligations under this Section 6.01 shall survive the replacement of or any assignment of rights by the Lender, the termination of the Loans and the repayment, discharge or satisfaction of all obligations under any Loan Document.

Section 6.02    Right of Set-off. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Lender and its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and without prior notice to Guarantor, any such notice being expressly waived by Guarantor, to set off and appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by the Lender or such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of Guarantor against any and all of the obligations of Guarantor now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the Lender or its Affiliates whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, and irrespective of whether or not the Lender or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of Guarantor or such other Loan Party are owed to a branch, office or Affiliate of the Lender different from the branch, office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of the Lender and its Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off) that the Lender or such Affiliate may have. The Lender agrees to notify Guarantor promptly after any such set off and appropriation and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set off and appropriation and application.

Section 6.03    Amendments. No term or provision of this Agreement may be waived, amended, supplemented or otherwise modified except in a writing signed by Guarantor and the Lender in accordance with Section 8.10 of the Loan Agreement.

Section 6.04    Indemnification.

(a)    Guarantor hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Lender and each Related Party of the Lender (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) from any losses, damages, liabilities, claims and related expenses (including the fees and expenses of any counsel for any Indemnitee) incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any Person (including Guarantor) other than such Indemnitee and its Related Parties arising out of, in connection with or resulting from this Agreement (including, without limitation, enforcement of this Agreement) or any failure of any Obligations to be the

 

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legal, valid, and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their terms, whether brought by a third party or by Guarantor regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee; provided further that Guarantor shall not be liable to any Indemnitee for any indirect, consequential or special damages for any reason whatsoever. This clause (a) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, or similar items arising from any non-Tax claim.

(b)    To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Guarantor hereby agrees not to assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loans or the use of proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by unintended recipients.

(c)    All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than ten (10) days after demand therefor.

(d)    Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of any Guarantor under this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, the agreements and obligations of each Guarantor contained in Section 2.01 (with respect to enforcement expenses), Section 2.03, Section 6.01 and this Section shall survive termination of the Loan Documents and payment in full of the Obligations and all other amounts payable under this Agreement.

Section 6.05    Notices.

(a)    Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (or by e-mail as provided in paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be made in writing and mailed by certified or registered mail, delivered by hand or overnight courier service, or sent by facsimile as follows:

(i)    If to Guarantor to it at 775 Heinz Avenue, rick@rigetti.com, with a copy to legal@rigetti.com, Attention of Rick Danis.

(ii)    If to the Lender or Borrower, to it at its address (or facsimile number) set forth in the Loan Agreement.

Notices mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by hand or overnight courier service shall be deemed to have been given when received. Notices sent by facsimile during the recipient’s normal business hours shall be deemed to have been given when sent (and if sent after normal business hours shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of the recipient’s business on the next business day).

(b)    Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lender hereunder may be sent by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) in accordance with procedures approved by the Lender. The Lender or Guarantor may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

 

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Unless the Lender specifies otherwise, (i) notices and other communications sent by e-mail shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the recipient’s normal business hours, such notice, email or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the recipient’s opening of business on the next business day.

(c)    Change of Address, Etc. Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

Section 6.06    Continuing Guaranty; Assignments Under the Loan Agreement.

(a)    This Agreement is a continuing guaranty and shall (i) remain in full force and effect until the latest of (x) the payment in full in cash of the Obligations and all other amounts payable under this Agreement, and (y) the Maturity Date (as defined in the Loan Agreement) (the “Termination Date”), (ii) be binding on each Guarantor, its successors and assigns, and (iii) inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Lender and its successors and assigns. The Lender may assign or otherwise transfer all or any portion of its rights and obligations under the Loan Agreement (including all or any portion of the Loans) to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all the benefits in respect thereof granted to the Lender herein or otherwise. Guarantor shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lender.

Section 6.07    Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution. This Agreement and any amendments, waivers, consents or supplements hereto may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Lender, constitute the entire contract among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect thereto. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Lender and when the Lender shall have received counterparts hereof that together bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or in electronic (i.e., “pdf” or “tif”) format shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

Section 6.08    Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.

(a)    Governing Law. This Agreement and any claim, controversy, dispute or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California.

(b)    Submission to Jurisdiction.

Each Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not commence any action, litigation or proceeding of any kind whatsoever, whether in law or equity, or whether in contract or tort or otherwise,

 

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against the Lender, or any of its respective Related Parties in any way relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, in any forum other than the courts (federal, state or local) having a location in the State of California, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that any such action, litigation or proceeding may be brought in any such California State court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing herein or in any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Guarantor or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(c)    Waiver of Venue. Each Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court referred to in clause (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(d)    Service of Process. Each party hereto irrevocably consents to the service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 6.05 and agrees that nothing herein will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable law.

(e)    Waiver of Jury Trial. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY HEREBY UNCONDITIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, ANY DOCUMENTS RELATED THERETO, ANY DEALINGS BETWEEN THE PARTIES RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE RELATIONSHIP THAT IS BEING ESTABLISHED BY THE PARTIES, AND/OR ANY CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTION, INCLUDING CONTRACT, TORT, BREACH OF DUTY AND ALL OTHER CLAIMS. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, TRANSACTION CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS). THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE AND MAY NOT BE MODIFIED ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO THIS AGREEMENT. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO TRIAL BY THE COURT. THIS WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR BOTH PARTIES TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS COUNSEL.

WITHOUT INTENDING IN ANY WAY TO LIMIT EACH PARTY’S AGREEMENT TO WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY, if the above waiver of the right to a trial by jury is not enforceable, the parties hereto agree that any and all disputes or controversies of any nature between them arising at any time shall be decided by a reference to a private judge, mutually selected by the parties (or, if they cannot agree, by the presiding judge of the Santa Clara County, California Superior Court) appointed in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedure § 638 (or pursuant to comparable provisions of federal law if the dispute falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts), sitting

 

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without a jury, in Santa Clara County, California; and the parties hereby submit to the jurisdiction of such court. The reference proceedings shall be conducted pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 638 through 645.1, inclusive. The private judge shall have the power, among others, to grant provisional relief, including without limitation, entering temporary restraining orders, issuing preliminary and permanent injunctions and appointing receivers. All such proceedings shall be closed to the public and confidential and all records relating thereto shall be permanently sealed. If during the course of any dispute, a party desires to seek provisional relief, but a judge has not been appointed at that point pursuant to the judicial reference procedures, then such party may apply to the Santa Clara County, California Superior Court for such relief. The proceeding before the private judge shall be conducted in the same manner as it would be before a court under the rules of evidence applicable to judicial proceedings. The parties shall be entitled to discovery which shall be conducted in the same manner as it would be before a court under the rules of discovery applicable to judicial proceedings. The private judge shall oversee discovery and may enforce all discovery rules and orders applicable to judicial proceedings in the same manner as a trial court judge. The parties agree that the selected or appointed private judge shall have the power to decide all issues in the action or proceeding, whether of fact or of law, and shall report a statement of decision thereon pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 644(a). Nothing in this paragraph shall limit the right of any party at any time to exercise self-help remedies, foreclose against collateral, or obtain provisional remedies. The private judge shall also determine all issues relating to the applicability, interpretation, and enforceability of this paragraph. This Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

[Signatures on Following Page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

GUARANTOR

RIGETTI HOLDINGS INC.

a Delaware corporation

By:  

/s/ Chad Rigetti

Name:  

Chad Rigetti

Title:  

CEO

 

LENDER

TRINITY CAPITAL INC.

a Maryland corporation

By:   /s/ Sarah Stanton
Name:  

Sarah Stanton

Title:  

General Counsel

 

ACKNOWLEDGED BY BORROWER

RIGETTI & CO, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:   /s/ Chad Rigetti
Name:   Chad Rigetti
Title:   CEO

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO GUARANTY]


EXHIBIT A

CAPITALIZED TERMS

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended, or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of: (a) the adoption or effectiveness of any law, rule, regulation, judicial ruling, judgment or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application by any Governmental Authority of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, or (c) the making or issuance by any Governmental Authority of any request, rule, guideline or directive, whether or not having the force of law; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives concerning capital adequacy promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the US regulatory authorities shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Communications” means, any notice, demand, communication, document or other material that any Guarantor delivers to the Lender in connection with any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated thereby which is distributed to the Lender by means of electronic communications.

Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code and all other liquidation, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, conservatorship, moratorium, receivership, insolvency, rearrangement, reorganization or similar debtor relief laws of the US or other applicable jurisdictions in effect from time to time.

Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any Lender or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment made to any such Lender under this Agreement, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), and franchise Taxes, (i) imposed by the United States of America or by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such Lender is organized or conducts business or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of the Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located, or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, or (b) any branch profits Taxes imposed by the United States or any similar Tax imposed by any other jurisdiction.

FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of the Loan Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not more onerous to comply with), any regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code.

Governmental Authority” means the government of any nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether at the national, state, territorial, provincial, municipal or any other level, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of, or pertaining to, government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

 

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Guarantor” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble hereof.

Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made under this Agreement and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.

Indemnitee” has the meaning specified in Section 6.04.

Lender” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble hereof.

Obligations” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.

Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between the Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing the Tax (other than a connection arising from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or performance under, or receipt of payments under any Loan Document, or from the sale or assignment of an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

Other Taxes” means any and all present or future stamp, court, recording, filing, intangible, documentary or similar Taxes or any other excise or property Taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made by any Guarantor hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement or registration of, or performance under, or from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under or otherwise with respect to this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than Excluded Taxes and Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment).

Post-Petition Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(a).

Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors and representatives of it and its Affiliates.

Subordinated Obligations” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(b).

Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Taxes” means any and all present or future income, stamp or other taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges, fees or withholdings (including backup withholding) imposed, levied, withheld or assessed by any Governmental Authority, together with any interest, additions to tax or penalties imposed thereon and with respect thereto.

Termination Date” has the meaning specified in Section 6.07(a).

 

A-2

EX-10.24

Exhibit 10.24

AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of February 2, 2022 (“Agreement”) is by and between Chad Rigetti (“Executive”) and Rigetti Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”).

WHEREAS, Executive is employed by the Company as its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”);

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company executed a certain Executive Employment Agreement on January 25, 2022 (the “Prior Agreement”) and now wish to amend and restate the Prior Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive on and following the Effective Date (as defined below) and provide Executive with certain compensation and benefits in return for Executive’s services, and Executive agrees to continue to be employed by the Company in such capacity and to receive the compensation and benefits on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree to the following:

1. Employment by the Company.

1.1 Contingent on Transaction. The effective date (“Effective Date”) of the employment terms in this Agreement shall be contingent upon and concurrent with the “Closing Date” as defined in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 6, 2021, by and among the Company, Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Supernova Merger Sub, Inc. and Supernova Romeo Merger Sub, LLC (the “Merger Agreement”) and, contingent on occurrence of the Closing Date, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede and replace the prior offer letter in effect between Company and Executive as of the Effective Date. If the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement do not close, this Agreement shall have no effect and shall terminate as of the termination of the Merger Agreement, and neither the Company nor the Executive shall have obligations hereunder. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

1.2 Position. Subject to the terms set forth herein, the Company agrees to employ Executive in the position of CEO, and Executive hereby accepts such continued employment on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1.3 Duties. As CEO, Executive will report to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), performing such duties as are normally associated with the position and such duties as are assigned from time to time, subject to the oversight and direction of the Board. During calendar year 2022, Executive shall be permitted to work remotely within the United States

 

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at Executive’s discretion. Thereafter, the Board may reasonably determine whether fully remote work shall be permitted or whether Executive shall have an obligation to return to in-person work at the location where the Executive previously provided in-person services immediately prior to transitioning to remote work due to COVID-19. Executive shall make such business trips to such places as may be reasonably necessary or advisable for the efficient operations of the Company.

1.4 Company Policies and Benefits. The employment relationship between the parties shall also be subject to the Company’s personnel policies and procedures as they may be interpreted, adopted, revised or deleted from time to time in the Company’s sole discretion. Executive will be eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in the Company’s benefit plans in effect from time to time during Executive’s employment. All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plan. The Company reserves the right to change, alter, or terminate any benefit plan in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

1.5 Vacation. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall also receive unlimited paid time off subject to the Company’s vacation policies and procedures as in effect or amended from time to time.

1.6 Indemnification. Subject to applicable law, Executive will be provided indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, all as amended, including, if applicable, any directors and officers insurance policies, with such indemnification to be on terms determined by the Board or any of its committees. Such indemnification shall be documented in an Indemnification Agreement provided after the Closing Date subject to approval by the Board.

2. Compensation.

2.1 Salary. Executive shall receive for Executive’s services to be rendered under this Agreement an initial base salary of $446,000 on an annualized basis, subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its sole discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (“Base Salary”).

2.2 Cash Bonus Upon Closing. Contingent upon the occurrence of the Closing Date and Executive’s continued employment with the Company through such date, Executive shall receive a bonus between $50,000 and $750,000, determined by the Board based on the gross proceeds of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, in recognition of Executive’s contributions to the Company (the “Cash Closing Bonus”). The Cash Closing Bonus, if earned, will be payable on or about the Closing Date.

2.3 Annual Bonus. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall be eligible for a discretionary annual cash bonus of a target amount equal to 25% of Base Salary (“Target Amount”), subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its reasonable discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements. Whether or not

 

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Executive earns any bonus will be dependent upon (a) Executive’s continuous performance of services to the Company through the last date of the applicable performance period, unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement; and (b) the actual achievement by Executive and the Company of the applicable performance targets and goals set by the Board or its Compensation Committee. The annual period over which performance is measured for purposes of this bonus is January 1 through December 31. The Board or its Compensation Committee will determine in its reasonable discretion the extent to which Executive and the Company have achieved the performance goals upon which the bonus is based and the amount of the bonus, which could be above or below the Target Amount (and may be zero). The bonus, if awarded, will be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year for which the bonus is being measured.

2.4 Equity.

(a) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (“Compensation Committee”), on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire an amount of shares of Company common stock determined by the following formula: 5,031,790 less the product of 2,762,867 multiplied by the final Exchange Ratio (as determined pursuant to the Merger Agreement) (the “Initial RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Initial RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Initial RSU Award. The Initial RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of that certain 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Initial RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: (i) 50% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will vest in substantially equal installments (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) at the end of each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of 12 months and (ii) the remaining 50% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will vest in in substantially equal installments (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) at the end of each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years, with prongs (i) and (ii) occurring concurrently, such that, at the end of the 12-month period immediately following the vesting commencement date, 62.5% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will have vested (subject to the Executive’s Continuous Service (as defined in the Plan) on such vesting date). In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 100% of the then unvested shares subject to the Initial RSU Award shall vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control, subject to Executive’s Continuous Service through such date. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Initial RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Initial RSU Award.

(b) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee, on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire 334,700 shares of Company common stock (the “Refresh RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Refresh RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants

 

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the Refresh RSU Award. The Refresh RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Refresh RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: one-forty eighth (1/48th) of the total number of Refresh RSU Awards (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) will satisfy time-based vesting each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 100% of the then unvested shares subject to the Refresh RSU Award shall vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control, subject to Executive’s Continuous Service through such date. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Refresh RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Refresh RSU Award.

(c) On the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee and Executive’s continued employment with the Company through such date, Executive shall receive a grant of 45,000 shares of Company common stock, in recognition of his contributions to the Company (the “Stock Closing Bonus”). The Stock Closing Bonus will be granted subject to the Plan and the terms and conditions of an applicable stock award agreement.

(d) Executive is also eligible to receive restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock (the “PSU Awards”), if certain performance-based milestones established by the Company are satisfied in the future and provided that Executive has remained continuously employed by the Company through the date that the Board or the Compensation Committee grants such PSU Awards. The PSU Awards, if granted, will be issued subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company and shall vest in accordance with the terms therein.

(e) Executive will also be eligible to receive awards of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other equity awards pursuant to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time. The Board or a committee of the Board shall determine in its discretion whether Executive shall be granted any such equity awards and the terms of any such award in accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time.

2.5 Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policy, as the same may be modified by the Company from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code: (a) any such reimbursements will be paid no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, (b) the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and (c) the right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

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3. Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Obligations. As a condition of continued employment, Executive agrees to execute and abide by a Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement attached as Exhibit A (“Proprietary Information Agreement”), which may be amended by the parties from time to time without regard to this Agreement. The Proprietary Information Agreement contains provisions that are intended by the parties to survive and do survive termination of this Agreement.

4. Outside Activities during Employment. During the term of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will work on a full-time basis for the Company and will devote Executive’s best efforts and substantially all of Executive’s business time and attention to the business of the Company. Except with the prior written consent of the Board, including consent given to Executive prior to the signing of this Agreement, Executive will not, while employed by the Company, undertake or engage in any other employment, occupation or business enterprise that would interfere with Executive’s responsibilities and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder except for (i) reasonable time devoted to volunteer services for or on behalf of such religious, educational, non-profit and/or other charitable organization as Executive may wish to serve, (ii) reasonable time devoted to activities in the non-profit and business communities consistent with Executive’s duties; and (iii) such other activities as may be specifically approved by the Board, and such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. This restriction shall not, however, preclude Executive (x) from owning less than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding shares of a publicly traded company, or (y) from employment or service in any capacity with Affiliates of the Company. As used in this Agreement, “Affiliates” means an entity under common management or control with the Company.

5. No Conflict with Existing Obligations. Executive represents that Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement does not and will not breach any agreement or obligation of any kind made prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, including agreements or obligations Executive may have with prior employers or entities for which Executive has provided services. Executive has not entered into, and Executive agrees that Executive will not enter into, any agreement or obligation, either written or oral, in conflict herewith.

6. Termination of Employment. The parties acknowledge that Executive’s employment relationship with the Company is at-will, meaning either the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. The provisions in this Section govern the amount of compensation, if any, to be provided to Executive upon termination of employment and do not alter Executive’s at-will status.

6.1 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Section 6.1 at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, without “Cause” (as defined in Section 6.3(b) below) by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. A termination pursuant to Section 6.5 below is not a termination without “Cause” for purposes of receiving the benefits described in Sections 6.1 or Section 6.2.

 

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(b) If the Company terminates Executive’s employment at any time without Cause or Executive terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason and provided that such termination constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, a “Separation from Service”), then Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (defined below). If Executive complies with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) below, Executive shall also be eligible to receive the following “Severance Benefits”:

(i) The Company will pay Executive an amount equal to Executive’s then current Base Salary for twelve (12) months, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid in equal installments on the Company’s normal payroll schedule following the termination date, with the first payment beginning on the Severance Pay Commencement Date (as defined in Section 6.1(c) below), and the remaining installments occurring on the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll dates thereafter; provided that on the Severance Pay Commencement Date, the Company will pay in a lump sum the aggregate amount of the cash severance payments that the Company would have paid Executive through such date had the payments commenced on the effective date of termination through the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(ii) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date until the earliest of: (i) twelve (12) months following the termination date (the “COBRA Severance Period”); (ii) the date when Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment; or (iii) the date Executive ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination (such period from the termination date through the earlier of (i)-(iii), (the “COBRA Payment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the COBRA premium for such month, subject to applicable tax withholding (such amount, the “Special Severance Payment”), for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) Executive will be paid all of the Accrued Obligations on the Company’s first payroll date after Executive’s date of termination from employment or earlier if required by law. Executive shall receive the Severance Benefits pursuant to Section 6.1(b) or the Change in Control Severance Benefits (defined below) pursuant to 6.2(a) of this Agreement, as applicable, if: (i) Executive executes and does not revoke a separation agreement containing an effective, general release of claims in favor of the Company and its affiliates and representatives but no other post-employment obligations other than an obligation to continue to abide and be bound by any post-employment obligations set forth in agreements previously entered into with the Company or its affiliates, such as this Agreement or any proprietary rights agreement), in a form acceptable to the Company (the “Release”) and the Release is enforceable and effective as provided in the Release on or before the date that is the sixtieth (60th) day following the effective

 

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date of termination (such 60th day, the “Severance Pay Commencement Date”); (ii) if Executive holds any other positions with the Company, Executive resigns such position(s) to be effective no later than the date of Executive’s termination date (or such other date as requested by the Board); (iii) Executive returns all Company property on or before the Severance Pay Commencement Date; (iv) Executive complies with Executive’s post-termination obligations under this Agreement and the Proprietary Information Agreement; and (v) Executive complies with the terms of the Release.

(d) For purposes of this Agreement, “Accrued Obligations” are (i) Executive’s accrued but unpaid salary through the date of termination, (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive payable in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policies, and (iii) benefits owed to Executive under any qualified retirement plan or health and welfare benefit plan in which Executive was a participant in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of such plan.

(e) The Severance Benefits provided to Executive pursuant to this Section 6.1 are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy or program.

(f) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than a reduction applied in a similar proportional amount to all similarly situated executives; (ii) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company; (iii) a material reduction in the Executive’s duties, authority and responsibilities relative to the Executive’s duties, authority, and responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iv) a material change in Executive’s reporting relationship, other than such change made directly in connection with organizational changes resulting from a Change in Control; or (v) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment, without Executive’s consent, in a manner that lengthens Executive’s one-way commute distance by twenty-five (25) or more miles from Executive’s then-current principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation; not to include a requirement to return to in-person work as set forth in Section 1.3, in which circumstance Good Reason will not apply; provided, however, that, any such termination by Executive shall only be deemed for Good Reason pursuant to this definition if: (1) Executive gives the Company written notice of Executive’s intent to terminate for Good Reason within thirty (30) days following the first occurrence of the condition(s) that Executive believes constitute(s) Good Reason, which notice shall describe such condition(s); (2) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the written notice (the “Cure Period”); and (3) Executive voluntarily terminates employment within thirty (30) days following the end of the Cure Period, or the parties agree in writing to extend such Cure Period.

6.2 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason Coincident with a Change in Control. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company or any successor entity without “Cause” (and not due to Disability or death) or by Executive for Good Reason, in either case, within three (3) months prior to or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a “Change in Control” (as defined in the Plan), and, in either case, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, then in addition to paying or providing Executive with the Accrued Obligations, and subject to compliance with Section 6.1(c), the following additional benefits shall be provided in lieu of, and not in addition to, the Severance Benefits provided for in Section 6.1(b) (the “Change in Control Severance Benefits”):

(a) The Company will pay Executive a lump sum equal to Executive’s then current annual Base Salary, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

 

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(b) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date during the COBRA Payment Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, the Special Severance Payment, for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) The Company will pay a bonus equivalent to a pro rata share of Executive’s full Target Amount, for the portion of the performance year completed when Executive’s termination occurs. This bonus will be payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in a lump sum payment on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(d) Notwithstanding the terms of any equity plan or award agreement to the contrary, the time-based vesting conditions applicable to 100% of Executive’s then outstanding stock options and/or other equity awards subject to time-based vesting requirements as of Executive’s termination date shall be accelerated as of the date of termination, and, with respect to any performance-based equity awards, and unless otherwise provided by the applicable award agreement, any performance-based vesting objectives will be deemed achieved at the higher of target or actual performance.

6.3 Termination by the Company for Cause.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, for Cause by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

 

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(b) “Cause” for termination shall mean that the Company has determined in its sole discretion that Executive has engaged in any of the following: (i) Executive’s material breach of any covenant or condition under this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties; (ii) Executive’s material act constituting dishonesty or fraudulent conduct in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company; (iii) any conduct which constitutes a felony or a crime of moral turpitude under applicable law; (iv) material violation of any Company policy; (v) refusal to follow or implement a clear and reasonable directive of Company, or any act of willful or intentional misconduct in relation to the Executive’s duties to the Company; (vi) repeated or willful failure by Executive to perform Executive’s duties in a manner satisfactory to the Company; or (vii) Executive’s breach of fiduciary duty to the Company; provided that Sections 6.3(b)(i), (iv) and (vi) shall only provide the basis for a Cause termination if the Executive has not cured such breach, violation or conduct, to the extent curable, after the expiration of ten (10) days following the Company providing Executive with written notice of such basis for Cause.

6.4 Resignation by Executive.

(a) Executive may resign from Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, by giving notice as described in Section 7.1.

(b) In the event Executive resigns from Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason other than Good Reason in accordance with Sections 6.1 or 6.2, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

6.5 Termination by Virtue of Death or Disability of Executive.

(a) In the event of Executive’s death while employed pursuant to this Agreement, all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate, in accordance with Section 6.6, and the Company shall, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, pay to Executive’s legal representatives all Accrued Obligations.

(b) Subject to applicable state and federal law, the Company shall at all times have the right, upon written notice to Executive, and in accordance with Section 6.6, to terminate Executive’s employment based on Executive’s Disability. Termination by the Company of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall mean termination because Executive is unable due to a physical or mental condition to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position with or without reasonable accommodation for 180 days in the aggregate during any twelve (12) month period or based on the written certification by two licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period. This definition shall be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other applicable federal, state or local law. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company based on Executive’s Disability or Executive voluntarily resigns due to such Disability, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefit, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

 

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6.6 Notice; Effective Date of Termination.

(a) Termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be effective on the earliest of:

(i) immediately after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination, with or without Cause, unless pursuant to Section 6.3(b)(i), if curable, or Section 6.3(b)(vi), in which case ten (10) days after notice if not cured or unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date;

(ii) immediately upon the Executive’s death;

(iii) ten (10) days after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination on account of Executive’s Disability, unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date, provided that Executive has not returned to the full-time performance of Executive’s duties prior to such date;

(iv) ten (10) days after the Executive gives written notice to the Company of Executive’s resignation, provided that the Company may set a termination date at any time between the date of notice and the date of resignation, in which case the Executive’s resignation shall be effective as of such other date. Executive will receive compensation through any required notice period; or

(v) for a termination for Good Reason, immediately upon Executive’s full satisfaction of the requirements of Section 6.1(f).

(b) In the event of a termination for Cause, written confirmation shall specify the subsection(s) of the definition of Cause relied on to support the decision to terminate.

6.7 Cooperation with Company after Termination of Employment. Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to provide reasonable cooperation to the Company in connection with its actual or contemplated defense, prosecution, or investigation of any claims or demands by or against third parties, or other matters arising from events, acts, or failures to act that occurred during the period of Executive’s employment by the Company. Such cooperation includes, without limitation, making Executive available to the Company upon reasonable notice, without subpoena, to provide complete, truthful and accurate information in witness interviews, depositions and trial testimony. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses Executive incurs in connection with any such cooperation (excluding forgone wages, salary, or other compensation) and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs and for more than de minimis service, the parties will agree on a mutually agreeable per diem rate. In addition, in the event Executive is receiving Severance Benefits or Change in Control Severance Benefits, for twelve (12) months after Executive’s employment with the Company ends for any reason, Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in all matters relating to the transition of Executive’s work and responsibilities on behalf of the Company, including, but not limited to, any present, prior or subsequent relationships and the orderly transfer of any such work and institutional knowledge to such other persons as may be designated by the Company. Such transition assistance described in the previous sentence shall not be subject to additional compensation, and the Company will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs.

 

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6.8 Application of Section 409A. It is intended that all of the severance payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively, “Section 409A”) provided under Treasury Regulations Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4) and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. If not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and incorporates by reference all required definitions and payment terms. No severance payments will be made under this Agreement unless Executive’s termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)). For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executive’s right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. If the Company determines that the severance benefits provided under this Agreement constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and if Executive is a “specified employee” of the Company, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance will be delayed as follows: on the earlier to occur of (a) the date that is six months and one day after Executive’s Separation from Service, and (b) the date of Executive’s death (such earlier date, the “Delayed Initial Payment Date”), the Company will (i) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the severance benefits that Executive would otherwise have received through the Delayed Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the severance benefits had not been delayed pursuant to this Section 6.8 and (ii) commence paying the balance of the severance benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedule set forth in Section 6. No interest shall be due on any amounts deferred pursuant to this Section 6.8. To the extent that any Severance Benefits are deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, and are not otherwise exempt from the application of Section 409A, then, if the period during which Executive may consider and sign the Release spans two calendar years, the payment of any such Severance Benefit will not be made or begin until the later calendar year.

6.9 Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if payments made or benefits provided pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise from the Company or any person or entity are considered “parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Code after the application of all exemptions available under Code Section 280G(b)(5)(A), then such parachute payments will be limited to the greatest amount that may be paid to Executive under Section 280G of the Code without causing any loss of deduction to the Company Group under such section, but only if, by reason of such reduction, the net after tax benefit to Executive will exceed the net after tax benefit if such reduction were not made. “Net after tax benefit” for purposes of this Agreement will mean the sum of (i) the total amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement, plus (ii) all other payments and benefits which the Executive receives or then is entitled to receive from the Company or otherwise that would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, less (iii) the amount of federal, state

 

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and local taxes payable with respect to the foregoing calculated at the maximum marginal income tax rate for each year in which the foregoing will be paid to Executive (based upon the rate in effect for such year as set forth in the Code at the time of termination of Executive’s employment), less (iv) the amount of excise taxes imposed with respect to the payments and benefits described in (i) and (ii) above by Section 4999 of the Code. The determination as to whether and to what extent payments are required to be reduced in accordance with this Section 6.9 will be made at the Company’s expense by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional services firm, in either case, as may be designated by the Company prior to a change in control (the “Firm”). In the event of any mistaken underpayment or overpayment under this Agreement, as determined by the Firm, the amount of such underpayment or overpayment will forthwith be paid to Executive or refunded to the Company, as the case may be, with interest at one hundred twenty (120%) of the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code. Any reduction in payments required by this Section 6.9 will occur in the following order: (1) any cash severance, (2) cancellation of equity awards being taken into account at full value that were granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” within the meaning of 280G of the Code in the reverse order of date of grant of the awards (that is, the most recently granted equity awards will be cancelled first); (3) any other cash amount payable to Executive, (4) any benefit valued as a “parachute payment,” (5) the acceleration of vesting of any equity awards that are options, and (6) the acceleration of vesting of any other equity awards. Within any such category of payments and benefits, a reduction will occur first with respect to amounts that are not “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and then with respect to amounts that are. In the event that acceleration of compensation from equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be canceled, subject to the immediately preceding sentence, in the reverse order of the date of grant.

7. General Provisions.

7.1 Notices. Any notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after timely deposit for next-business-day delivery with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next-business-day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at its primary office location, or to legal@rigetti.com, and to Executive at either Executive’s address as listed on the Company payroll records, or Executive’s Company-issued email address, or at such other address as the Company or Executive may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other.

7.2 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.

 

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7.3 Survival. Provisions of this Agreement which by their terms must survive the termination of this Agreement in order to effectuate the intent of the parties will survive any such termination for such period as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

7.4 Waiver. If either party should waive any breach of any provisions of this Agreement, it shall not thereby be deemed to have waived any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.

7.5 Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with regard to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement is the complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of their agreement with regard to this subject matter and supersedes any prior oral discussions or written communications and agreements, including the Prior Agreement. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation other than those expressly contained herein, and it cannot be modified or amended except in writing signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company. The parties have entered into a separate Proprietary Information Agreement and have or may enter into separate agreements related to equity. These separate agreements govern other aspects of the relationship between the parties, have or may have provisions that survive termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, may be amended or superseded by the parties without regard to this Agreement and are enforceable according to their terms without regard to the enforcement provision of this Agreement.

7.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one party, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same Agreement. The parties agree that facsimile and scanned image copies of signatures, including DocuSign, will suffice as original signatures.

7.7 Withholding Taxes. The Company will be entitled to withhold from any payment due to Executive hereunder any amounts required to be withheld by applicable tax laws or regulations.

7.8 Headings. The headings of the sections hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.

7.9 Successors and Assigns. The Company shall assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any Company or other entity with or into which the Company may hereafter merge or consolidate or to which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said Company or other entity shall by operation of law or expressly in writing assume all obligations of the Company hereunder as fully as if it had been originally made a party hereto, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder. Executive may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder, other than to Executive’s estate upon Executive’s death.

7.10 Choice of Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California.

 

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7.11 Dispute Resolution. The parties recognize that litigation in federal or state courts or before federal or state administrative agencies of disputes arising out of the Executive’s employment with the Company or out of this Agreement, or the Executive’s termination of employment or termination of this Agreement, may not be in the best interests of either the Executive or the Company, and may result in unnecessary costs, delays, complexities, and uncertainty. Except where prohibited by law, the parties agree that any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to the negotiation, execution, performance or termination of this Agreement or the Executive’s employment, including, but not limited to, any claim arising out of this Agreement, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1966, as amended, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Executive Retirement Income Security Act, and any similar federal, state or local law, statute, regulation, or any common law doctrine, whether that dispute arises during or after employment, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association. The location for the arbitration shall be in Alameda County, California. Any award made by such panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties for all purposes, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators’ fees and expenses and all administrative fees and expenses associated with the filing of the arbitration shall be borne by the Company; provided however, that at the Executive’s option, Executive may voluntarily pay up to one-half the costs and fees. The parties acknowledge and agree that their obligations to arbitrate under this Section survive the termination of this Agreement and continue after the termination of the employment relationship between Executive and the Company. The parties each further agree that the arbitration provisions of this Agreement shall provide each party with its exclusive remedy, and each party expressly waives any right it might have to seek redress in any other forum, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement. By election arbitration as the means for final settlement of all claims, the parties hereby waive their respective rights to, and agree not to, sue each other in any action in a Federal, State or local court with respect to such claims, but may seek to enforce in court an arbitration award rendered pursuant to this Agreement. The parties specifically agree to waive their respective rights to a trial by jury, and further agree that no demand, request or motion will be made for trial by jury.

[SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

RIGETTI HOLDINGS, INC.
  By: /s/ Taryn Naidu
 

Name: Taryn Naidu

 

Title: COO

 

EXECUTIVE
  /s/ Chad Rigetti
  Chad Rigetti

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

EX-10.25

Exhibit 10.25

AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of February 2, 2022 (“Agreement”) is by and between Brian Sereda (“Executive”) and Rigetti Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”).

WHEREAS, Executive is employed by the Company as its Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”);

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company executed a certain Executive Employment Agreement on January 25, 2022 (the “Prior Agreement”) and now wish to amend and restate the Prior Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive on and following the Effective Date (as defined below) and provide Executive with certain compensation and benefits in return for Executive’s services, and Executive agrees to continue to be employed by the Company in such capacity and to receive the compensation and benefits on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree to the following:

1. Employment by the Company.

1.1 Contingent on Transaction. The effective date (“Effective Date”) of the employment terms in this Agreement shall be contingent upon and concurrent with the “Closing Date” as defined in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 6, 2021, by and among the Company, Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Supernova Merger Sub, Inc. and Supernova Romeo Merger Sub, LLC (the “Merger Agreement”) and, contingent on occurrence of the Closing Date, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede and replace the prior offer letter in effect between Company and Executive as of the Effective Date. If the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement do not close, this Agreement shall have no effect and shall terminate as of the termination of the Merger Agreement, and neither the Company nor the Executive shall have obligations hereunder. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

1.2 Position. Subject to the terms set forth herein, the Company agrees to employ Executive in the position of CFO, and Executive hereby accepts such continued employment on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1.3 Duties. As CFO, Executive will report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”), performing such duties as are normally associated with the position and such duties as are assigned from time to time, subject to the oversight and direction of the CEO. During calendar year 2022, Executive shall be permitted to work remotely within the United States at Executive’s discretion. Thereafter, the CEO may reasonably determine whether fully remote

 

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work shall be permitted or whether Executive shall have an obligation to return to in-person work at the location where the Executive previously provided in-person services immediately prior to transitioning to remote work due to COVID-19. Executive shall make such business trips to such places as may be reasonably necessary or advisable for the efficient operations of the Company.

1.4 Company Policies and Benefits. The employment relationship between the parties shall also be subject to the Company’s personnel policies and procedures as they may be interpreted, adopted, revised or deleted from time to time in the Company’s sole discretion. Executive will be eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in the Company’s benefit plans in effect from time to time during Executive’s employment. All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plan. The Company reserves the right to change, alter, or terminate any benefit plan in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

1.5 Vacation. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall also receive unlimited paid time off subject to the Company’s vacation policies and procedures as in effect or amended from time to time.

1.6 Indemnification. Subject to applicable law, Executive will be provided indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, all as amended, including, if applicable, any directors and officers insurance policies, with such indemnification to be on terms determined by the Board or any of its committees. Such indemnification shall be documented in an Indemnification Agreement provided after the Closing Date subject to approval by the Board.

2. Compensation.

2.1 Salary. Executive shall receive for Executive’s services to be rendered under this Agreement an initial base salary of $348,000 on an annualized basis, subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its sole discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (“Base Salary”).

2.2 Cash Bonus Upon Closing. Contingent upon the occurrence of the Closing Date and Executive’s continued employment with the Company through such date, Executive shall receive a bonus between $0 and $25,000, determined by the Board based on the gross proceeds of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, in recognition of Executive’s contributions to the Company (the Cash Closing Bonus”). The Closing Bonus, if earned, will be payable on or about the Closing Date.

2.3 Annual Bonus. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall be eligible for a discretionary annual cash bonus of a target amount equal to 25% of Base Salary (“Target Amount”), subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its reasonable discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements. Whether or not Executive earns any bonus will be dependent upon (a) Executive’s continuous performance of

 

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services to the Company through the last date of the applicable performance period, unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement; and (b) the actual achievement by Executive and the Company of the applicable performance targets and goals set by the Board or its Compensation Committee. The annual period over which performance is measured for purposes of this bonus is January 1 through December 31. The Board or its Compensation Committee will determine in its reasonable discretion the extent to which Executive and the Company have achieved the performance goals upon which the bonus is based and the amount of the bonus, which could be above or below the Target Amount (and may be zero). The bonus, if awarded, will be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year for which the bonus is being measured.

2.4 Equity.

(a) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (“Compensation Committee”), on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock determined by the following formula: 15,480 less the product of 8,500 multiplied by the final Exchange Ratio (as determined pursuant to the Merger Agreement) (the Initial RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Initial RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Initial RSU Award. The Initial RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of that certain 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan) and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Initial RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: one-forty eighth (1/48th) of the total number of Initial RSU Awards (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) will satisfy time-based vesting each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 100% of the then unvested shares subject to the Initial RSU Award shall vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control, subject to Executive’s Continuous Service through such date. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Initial RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Initial RSU Award.

(b) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee, on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire 128,600 shares of Company common stock (the Refresh RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Refresh RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Refresh RSU Award. The Refresh RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Refresh RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: one-forty eighth (1/48th) of the total number of Refresh RSU Awards (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) will satisfy time-based vesting each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 100% of the then unvested shares subject to the Refresh RSU Award shall vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control, subject to Executive’s Continuous Service through such date. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Refresh RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Refresh RSU Award.

 

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(c) On the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee and Executive’s continued employment with the Company through such date, Executive shall receive a grant of 5,000 shares of Company common stock, in recognition of his contributions to the Company (the “Stock Closing Bonus”). The Stock Closing Bonus will be granted subject to the Plan and the terms and conditions of an applicable stock award agreement.

(d) Executive is also eligible to receive restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock (the “PSU Awards”), if certain performance-based milestones established by the Company are satisfied in the future and provided that Executive has remained continuously employed by the Company through the date that the Board or the Compensation Committee grants such PSU Awards. The PSU Awards, if granted, will be issued subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company and shall vest in accordance with the terms therein.

(e) Executive will also be eligible to receive awards of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other equity awards pursuant to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time. The Board or a committee of the Board shall determine in its discretion whether Executive shall be granted any such equity awards and the terms of any such award in accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time.

2.5 Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policy, as the same may be modified by the Company from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code: (a) any such reimbursements will be paid no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, (b) the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and (c) the right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

3. Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Obligations. As a condition of continued employment, Executive agrees to execute and abide by a Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement attached as Exhibit A (“Proprietary Information Agreement”), which may be amended by the parties from time to time without regard to this Agreement. The Proprietary Information Agreement contains provisions that are intended by the parties to survive and do survive termination of this Agreement.

 

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4. Outside Activities during Employment. During the term of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will work on a full-time basis for the Company and will devote Executive’s best efforts and substantially all of Executive’s business time and attention to the business of the Company. Except with the prior written consent of the Board, including consent given to Executive prior to the signing of this Agreement, Executive will not, while employed by the Company, undertake or engage in any other employment, occupation or business enterprise that would interfere with Executive’s responsibilities and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder except for (i) reasonable time devoted to volunteer services for or on behalf of such religious, educational, non-profit and/or other charitable organization as Executive may wish to serve, (ii) reasonable time devoted to activities in the non-profit and business communities consistent with Executive’s duties; and (iii) such other activities as may be specifically approved by the Board, and such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. This restriction shall not, however, preclude Executive (x) from owning less than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding shares of a publicly traded company, or (y) from employment or service in any capacity with Affiliates of the Company. As used in this Agreement, “Affiliates” means an entity under common management or control with the Company.

5. No Conflict with Existing Obligations. Executive represents that Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement does not and will not breach any agreement or obligation of any kind made prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, including agreements or obligations Executive may have with prior employers or entities for which Executive has provided services. Executive has not entered into, and Executive agrees that Executive will not enter into, any agreement or obligation, either written or oral, in conflict herewith.

6. Termination of Employment. The parties acknowledge that Executive’s employment relationship with the Company is at-will, meaning either the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. The provisions in this Section govern the amount of compensation, if any, to be provided to Executive upon termination of employment and do not alter Executive’s at-will status.

6.1 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Section 6.1 at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, without “Cause” (as defined in Section 6.3(b) below) by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. A termination pursuant to Section 6.5 below is not a termination without “Cause” for purposes of receiving the benefits described in Sections 6.1 or Section 6.2.

(b) If the Company terminates Executive’s employment at any time without Cause or Executive terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason and provided that such termination constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, a “Separation from Service”), then Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (defined below). If Executive complies with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) below, Executive shall also be eligible to receive the following “Severance Benefits”:

(i) The Company will pay Executive an amount equal to Executive’s then current Base Salary for twelve (12) months, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid in equal installments on the Company’s normal payroll schedule following the

 

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termination date, with the first payment beginning on the Severance Pay Commencement Date (as defined in Section 6.1(c) below), and the remaining installments occurring on the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll dates thereafter; provided that on the Severance Pay Commencement Date, the Company will pay in a lump sum the aggregate amount of the cash severance payments that the Company would have paid Executive through such date had the payments commenced on the effective date of termination through the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(ii) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date until the earliest of: (i) twelve (12) months following the termination date (the “COBRA Severance Period”); (ii) the date when Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment; or (iii) the date Executive ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination (such period from the termination date through the earlier of (i)-(iii), (the “COBRA Payment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the COBRA premium for such month, subject to applicable tax withholding (such amount, the “Special Severance Payment”), for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) Executive will be paid all of the Accrued Obligations on the Company’s first payroll date after Executive’s date of termination from employment or earlier if required by law. Executive shall receive the Severance Benefits pursuant to Section 6.1(b) or the Change in Control Severance Benefits (defined below) pursuant to 6.2(a) of this Agreement, as applicable, if: (i) Executive executes and does not revoke a separation agreement containing an effective, general release of claims in favor of the Company and its affiliates and representatives but no other post-employment obligations other than an obligation to continue to abide and be bound by any post-employment obligations set forth in agreements previously entered into with the Company or its affiliates, such as this Agreement or any proprietary rights agreement), in a form acceptable to the Company (the “Release”) and the Release is enforceable and effective as provided in the Release on or before the date that is the sixtieth (60th) day following the effective date of termination (such 60th day, the “Severance Pay Commencement Date”); (ii) if Executive holds any other positions with the Company, Executive resigns such position(s) to be effective no later than the date of Executive’s termination date (or such other date as requested by the Board); (iii) Executive returns all Company property on or before the Severance Pay Commencement Date; (iv) Executive complies with Executive’s post-termination obligations under this Agreement and the Proprietary Information Agreement; and (v) Executive complies with the terms of the Release.

 

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(d) For purposes of this Agreement, “Accrued Obligations” are (i) Executive’s accrued but unpaid salary through the date of termination, (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive payable in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policies, and (iii) benefits owed to Executive under any qualified retirement plan or health and welfare benefit plan in which Executive was a participant in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of such plan.

(e) The Severance Benefits provided to Executive pursuant to this Section 6.1 are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy or program.

(f) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than a reduction applied in a similar proportional amount to all similarly situated executives; (ii) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company; (iii) a material reduction in the Executive’s duties, authority and responsibilities relative to the Executive’s duties, authority, and responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iv) a material change in Executive’s reporting relationship, other than such change made directly in connection with organizational changes resulting from a Change in Control; or (v) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment, without Executive’s consent, in a manner that lengthens Executive’s one-way commute distance by twenty-five (25) or more miles from Executive’s then-current principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation; not to include a requirement to return to in-person work as set forth in Section 1.3, in which circumstance Good Reason will not apply; provided, however, that, any such termination by Executive shall only be deemed for Good Reason pursuant to this definition if: (1) Executive gives the Company written notice of Executive’s intent to terminate for Good Reason within thirty (30) days following the first occurrence of the condition(s) that Executive believes constitute(s) Good Reason, which notice shall describe such condition(s); (2) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the written notice (the “Cure Period”); and (3) Executive voluntarily terminates employment within thirty (30) days following the end of the Cure Period, or the parties agree in writing to extend such Cure Period.

6.2 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason Coincident with a Change in Control. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company or any successor entity without “Cause” (and not due to Disability or death) or by Executive for Good Reason, in either case, within three (3) months prior to or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a “Change in Control” (as defined in the Plan), and, in either case, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, then in addition to paying or providing Executive with the Accrued Obligations, and subject to compliance with Section 6.1(c), the following additional benefits shall be provided in lieu of, and not in addition to, the Severance Benefits provided for in Section 6.1(b) (the “Change in Control Severance Benefits”):

(a) The Company will pay Executive a lump sum equal to Executive’s then current annual Base Salary, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

 

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(b) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date during the COBRA Payment Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, the Special Severance Payment, for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) The Company will pay a bonus equivalent to a pro rata share of Executive’s full Target Amount, for the portion of the performance year completed when Executive’s termination occurs. This bonus will be payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in a lump sum payment on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(d) Notwithstanding the terms of any equity plan or award agreement to the contrary, the time-based vesting conditions applicable to 100% of Executive’s then outstanding stock options and/or other equity awards subject to time-based vesting requirements as of Executive’s termination date shall be accelerated as of the date of termination, and, with respect to any performance-based equity awards, and unless otherwise provided by the applicable award agreement, any performance-based vesting objectives will be deemed achieved at the higher of target or actual performance.

6.3 Termination by the Company for Cause.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, for Cause by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

(b) “Cause” for termination shall mean that the Company has determined in its sole discretion that Executive has engaged in any of the following: (i) Executive’s material breach of any covenant or condition under this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties; (ii) Executive’s material act constituting dishonesty or fraudulent conduct in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company; (iii) any conduct which constitutes a felony or a crime of moral turpitude under applicable law; (iv) material violation of any Company policy; (v) refusal to follow or implement a clear and reasonable directive of Company, or any act of willful or intentional misconduct in relation to the Executive’s duties to the Company; (vi)

 

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repeated or willful failure by Executive to perform Executive’s duties in a manner satisfactory to the Company; or (vii) Executive’s breach of fiduciary duty to the Company; provided that Sections 6.3(b)(i), (iv) and (vi) shall only provide the basis for a Cause termination if the Executive has not cured such breach, violation or conduct, to the extent curable, after the expiration of ten (10) days following the Company providing Executive with written notice of such basis for Cause.

6.4 Resignation by Executive.

(a) Executive may resign from Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, by giving notice as described in Section 7.1.

(b) In the event Executive resigns from Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason other than Good Reason in accordance with Sections 6.1 or 6.2, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

6.5 Termination by Virtue of Death or Disability of Executive.

(a) In the event of Executive’s death while employed pursuant to this Agreement, all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate, in accordance with Section 6.6, and the Company shall, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, pay to Executive’s legal representatives all Accrued Obligations.

(b) Subject to applicable state and federal law, the Company shall at all times have the right, upon written notice to Executive, and in accordance with Section 6.6, to terminate Executive’s employment based on Executive’s Disability. Termination by the Company of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall mean termination because Executive is unable due to a physical or mental condition to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position with or without reasonable accommodation for 180 days in the aggregate during any twelve (12) month period or based on the written certification by two licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period. This definition shall be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other applicable federal, state or local law. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company based on Executive’s Disability or Executive voluntarily resigns due to such Disability, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefit, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

6.6 Notice; Effective Date of Termination.

(a) Termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be effective on the earliest of:

(i) immediately after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination, with or without Cause, unless pursuant to Section 6.3(b)(i), if curable, or Section 6.3(b)(vi), in which case ten (10) days after notice if not cured or unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date;

 

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(ii) immediately upon the Executive’s death;

(iii) ten (10) days after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination on account of Executive’s Disability, unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date, provided that Executive has not returned to the full-time performance of Executive’s duties prior to such date;

(iv) ten (10) days after the Executive gives written notice to the Company of Executive’s resignation, provided that the Company may set a termination date at any time between the date of notice and the date of resignation, in which case the Executive’s resignation shall be effective as of such other date. Executive will receive compensation through any required notice period; or

(v) for a termination for Good Reason, immediately upon Executive’s full satisfaction of the requirements of Section 6.1(f).

(b) In the event of a termination for Cause, written confirmation shall specify the subsection(s) of the definition of Cause relied on to support the decision to terminate.

6.7 Cooperation with Company after Termination of Employment. Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to provide reasonable cooperation to the Company in connection with its actual or contemplated defense, prosecution, or investigation of any claims or demands by or against third parties, or other matters arising from events, acts, or failures to act that occurred during the period of Executive’s employment by the Company. Such cooperation includes, without limitation, making Executive available to the Company upon reasonable notice, without subpoena, to provide complete, truthful and accurate information in witness interviews, depositions and trial testimony. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses Executive incurs in connection with any such cooperation (excluding forgone wages, salary, or other compensation) and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs and for more than de minimis service, the parties will agree on a mutually agreeable per diem rate. In addition, in the event Executive is receiving Severance Benefits or Change in Control Severance Benefits, for twelve (12) months after Executive’s employment with the Company ends for any reason, Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in all matters relating to the transition of Executive’s work and responsibilities on behalf of the Company, including, but not limited to, any present, prior or subsequent relationships and the orderly transfer of any such work and institutional knowledge to such other persons as may be designated by the Company. Such transition assistance described in the previous sentence shall not be subject to additional compensation, and the Company will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs.

 

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6.8 Application of Section 409A. It is intended that all of the severance payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively, “Section 409A”) provided under Treasury Regulations Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4) and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. If not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and incorporates by reference all required definitions and payment terms. No severance payments will be made under this Agreement unless Executive’s termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)). For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executive’s right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. If the Company determines that the severance benefits provided under this Agreement constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and if Executive is a “specified employee” of the Company, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance will be delayed as follows: on the earlier to occur of (a) the date that is six months and one day after Executive’s Separation from Service, and (b) the date of Executive’s death (such earlier date, the “Delayed Initial Payment Date”), the Company will (i) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the severance benefits that Executive would otherwise have received through the Delayed Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the severance benefits had not been delayed pursuant to this Section 6.8 and (ii) commence paying the balance of the severance benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedule set forth in Section 6. No interest shall be due on any amounts deferred pursuant to this Section 6.8. To the extent that any Severance Benefits are deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, and are not otherwise exempt from the application of Section 409A, then, if the period during which Executive may consider and sign the Release spans two calendar years, the payment of any such Severance Benefit will not be made or begin until the later calendar year.

6.9 Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if payments made or benefits provided pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise from the Company or any person or entity are considered “parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Code after the application of all exemptions available under Code Section 280G(b)(5)(A), then such parachute payments will be limited to the greatest amount that may be paid to Executive under Section 280G of the Code without causing any loss of deduction to the Company Group under such section, but only if, by reason of such reduction, the net after tax benefit to Executive will exceed the net after tax benefit if such reduction were not made. “Net after tax benefit” for purposes of this Agreement will mean the sum of (i) the total amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement, plus (ii) all other payments and benefits which the Executive receives or then is entitled to receive from the Company or otherwise that would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, less (iii) the amount of federal, state and local taxes payable with respect to the foregoing calculated at the maximum marginal income tax rate for each year in which the foregoing will be paid to Executive (based upon the rate in effect for such year as set forth in the Code at the time of termination of Executive’s employment), less (iv) the amount of excise taxes imposed with respect to the payments and benefits described in (i) and (ii) above by Section 4999 of the Code. The determination as to whether and to what extent payments are required to be reduced in accordance with this Section 6.9 will be made at the

 

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Company’s expense by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional services firm, in either case, as may be designated by the Company prior to a change in control (the “Firm”). In the event of any mistaken underpayment or overpayment under this Agreement, as determined by the Firm, the amount of such underpayment or overpayment will forthwith be paid to Executive or refunded to the Company, as the case may be, with interest at one hundred twenty (120%) of the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code. Any reduction in payments required by this Section 6.9 will occur in the following order: (1) any cash severance, (2) cancellation of equity awards being taken into account at full value that were granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” within the meaning of 280G of the Code in the reverse order of date of grant of the awards (that is, the most recently granted equity awards will be cancelled first); (3) any other cash amount payable to Executive, (4) any benefit valued as a “parachute payment,” (5) the acceleration of vesting of any equity awards that are options, and (6) the acceleration of vesting of any other equity awards. Within any such category of payments and benefits, a reduction will occur first with respect to amounts that are not “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and then with respect to amounts that are. In the event that acceleration of compensation from equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be canceled, subject to the immediately preceding sentence, in the reverse order of the date of grant.

7. General Provisions.

7.1 Notices. Any notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after timely deposit for next-business-day delivery with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next-business-day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at its primary office location, or to legal@rigetti.com, and to Executive at either Executive’s address as listed on the Company payroll records, or Executive’s Company-issued email address, or at such other address as the Company or Executive may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other.

7.2 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.

7.3 Survival. Provisions of this Agreement which by their terms must survive the termination of this Agreement in order to effectuate the intent of the parties will survive any such termination for such period as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

7.4 Waiver. If either party should waive any breach of any provisions of this Agreement, it shall not thereby be deemed to have waived any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.

 

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7.5 Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with regard to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement is the complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of their agreement with regard to this subject matter and supersedes any prior oral discussions or written communications and agreements, including the Prior Agreement. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation other than those expressly contained herein, and it cannot be modified or amended except in writing signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company. The parties have entered into a separate Proprietary Information Agreement and have or may enter into separate agreements related to equity. These separate agreements govern other aspects of the relationship between the parties, have or may have provisions that survive termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, may be amended or superseded by the parties without regard to this Agreement and are enforceable according to their terms without regard to the enforcement provision of this Agreement.

7.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one party, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same Agreement. The parties agree that facsimile and scanned image copies of signatures, including DocuSign, will suffice as original signatures.

7.7 Withholding Taxes. The Company will be entitled to withhold from any payment due to Executive hereunder any amounts required to be withheld by applicable tax laws or regulations.

7.8 Headings. The headings of the sections hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.

7.9 Successors and Assigns. The Company shall assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any Company or other entity with or into which the Company may hereafter merge or consolidate or to which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said Company or other entity shall by operation of law or expressly in writing assume all obligations of the Company hereunder as fully as if it had been originally made a party hereto, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder. Executive may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder, other than to Executive’s estate upon Executive’s death.

7.10 Choice of Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California.

7.11 Dispute Resolution. The parties recognize that litigation in federal or state courts or before federal or state administrative agencies of disputes arising out of the Executive’s employment with the Company or out of this Agreement, or the Executive’s termination of employment or termination of this Agreement, may not be in the best interests of either the Executive or the Company, and may result in unnecessary costs, delays, complexities, and uncertainty. Except where prohibited by law, the parties agree that any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to the negotiation, execution, performance or termination of this Agreement or the Executive’s employment, including, but not limited to, any claim arising out of this Agreement, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil

 

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Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1966, as amended, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Executive Retirement Income Security Act, and any similar federal, state or local law, statute, regulation, or any common law doctrine, whether that dispute arises during or after employment, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association. The location for the arbitration shall be in Alameda County, California. Any award made by such panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties for all purposes, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators’ fees and expenses and all administrative fees and expenses associated with the filing of the arbitration shall be borne by the Company; provided however, that at the Executive’s option, Executive may voluntarily pay up to one-half the costs and fees. The parties acknowledge and agree that their obligations to arbitrate under this Section survive the termination of this Agreement and continue after the termination of the employment relationship between Executive and the Company. The parties each further agree that the arbitration provisions of this Agreement shall provide each party with its exclusive remedy, and each party expressly waives any right it might have to seek redress in any other forum, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement. By election arbitration as the means for final settlement of all claims, the parties hereby waive their respective rights to, and agree not to, sue each other in any action in a Federal, State or local court with respect to such claims, but may seek to enforce in court an arbitration award rendered pursuant to this Agreement. The parties specifically agree to waive their respective rights to a trial by jury, and further agree that no demand, request or motion will be made for trial by jury.

[SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

RIGETTI HOLDINGS, INC.
By:   /s/ Chad Rigetti
  Name: Chad Rigetti
  Title: CEO

 

EXECUTIVE
/s/ Brian Sereda
Brian Sereda

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

EX-10.26

Exhibit 10.26

AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of February 2, 2022 (“Agreement”) is by and between Taryn Naidu (“Executive”) and RIGETTI HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Company”).

WHEREAS, Executive is employed by the Company as its Chief Operating Officer (“COO”);

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company executed a certain Executive Employment Agreement on January 25, 2022 (the “Prior Agreement”) and now wish to amend and restate the Prior Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive on and following the Effective Date (as defined below) and provide Executive with certain compensation and benefits in return for Executive’s services, and Executive agrees to continue to be employed by the Company in such capacity and to receive the compensation and benefits on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree to the following:

1. Employment by the Company.

1.1 Contingent on Transaction. The effective date (“Effective Date”) of the employment terms in this Agreement shall be contingent upon and concurrent with the “Closing Date” as defined in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 6, 2021, by and among the Company, Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Supernova Merger Sub, Inc. and Supernova Romeo Merger Sub, LLC (the “Merger Agreement”) and, contingent on occurrence of the Closing Date, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede and replace the prior offer letter in effect between Company and Executive as of the Effective Date. If the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement do not close, this Agreement shall have no effect and shall terminate as of the termination of the Merger Agreement, and neither the Company nor the Executive shall have obligations hereunder. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

1.2 Position. Subject to the terms set forth herein, the Company agrees to employ Executive in the position of COO, and Executive hereby accepts such continued employment on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1.3 Duties. As COO, Executive will report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”), performing such duties as are normally associated with the position and such duties as are assigned from time to time, subject to the oversight and direction of the CEO. Executive shall be permitted to work remotely within the United States at Executive’s discretion. Executive shall make such business trips to such places as may be reasonably necessary or advisable for the efficient operations of the Company.

 

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1.4 Company Policies and Benefits. The employment relationship between the parties shall also be subject to the Company’s personnel policies and procedures as they may be interpreted, adopted, revised or deleted from time to time in the Company’s sole discretion. Executive will be eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in the Company’s benefit plans in effect from time to time during Executive’s employment. All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plan. The Company reserves the right to change, alter, or terminate any benefit plan in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

1.5 Vacation. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall also receive unlimited paid time off subject to the Company’s vacation policies and procedures as in effect or amended from time to time.

1.6 Indemnification. Subject to applicable law, Executive will be provided indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, all as amended, including, if applicable, any directors and officers insurance policies, with such indemnification to be on terms determined by the Board or any of its committees. Such indemnification shall be documented in an Indemnification Agreement provided after the Closing Date subject to approval by the Board.

2. Compensation.

2.1 Salary. Executive shall receive for Executive’s services to be rendered under this Agreement an initial base salary of $379,000 on an annualized basis, subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its sole discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (Base Salary”).

2.2 Cash Bonus Upon Closing. Contingent upon the occurrence of the Closing Date and Executive’s continued employment with the Company through such date, Executive shall receive a bonus between $50,000 and $750,000, determined by the Board based on the gross proceeds of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, in recognition of Executive’s contributions to the Company (the “Cash Closing Bonus”). The Closing Bonus, if earned, will be payable on or about the Closing Date.

2.3 Annual Bonus. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall be eligible for a discretionary annual cash bonus of a target amount equal to 25% of Base Salary (“Target Amount”), subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its reasonable discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements. Whether or not Executive earns any bonus will be dependent upon (a) Executive’s continuous performance of services to the Company through the last date of the applicable performance period, unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement; and (b) the actual achievement by Executive and the

 

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Company of the applicable performance targets and goals set by the Board or its Compensation Committee. The annual period over which performance is measured for purposes of this bonus is January 1 through December 31. The Board or its Compensation Committee will determine in its reasonable discretion the extent to which Executive and the Company have achieved the performance goals upon which the bonus is based and the amount of the bonus, which could be above or below the Target Amount (and may be zero). The bonus, if awarded, will be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year for which the bonus is being measured.

2.4 Equity.

(a) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (“Compensation Committee”), on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock determined by the following formula: 782,649 less the product of 429,739 multiplied by the final Exchange Ratio (as determined pursuant to the Merger Agreement) (the “Initial RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Initial RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Initial RSU Award. The Initial RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of that certain 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Initial RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: (i) 50% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will vest in substantially equal installments (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) at the end of each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of 12 months and (ii) the remaining 50% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will vest in in substantially equal installments (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) at the end of each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years, with prongs (i) and (ii) occurring concurrently, such that, at the end of the 12-month period immediately following the vesting commencement date, 62.5% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will have vested (subject to the Executive’s Continuous Service (as defined in the Plan) on such vesting date). In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 100% of the then unvested shares subject to the Initial RSU Award shall vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control, subject to Executive’s Continuous Service through such date. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Initial RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Initial RSU Award.

(b) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee, on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire 161,300 shares of Company common stock (the “Refresh RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Refresh RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Refresh RSU Award. The Refresh RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Refresh RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: one-forty eighth (1/48th)

 

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of the total number of Refresh RSU Awards (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) will satisfy time-based vesting each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 100% of the then unvested shares subject to the Refresh RSU Award shall vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control, subject to Executive’s Continuous Service through such date. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Refresh RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Refresh RSU Award.

(c) On the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee and Executive’s continued employment with the Company through such date, Executive shall receive a grant of 45,000 shares of Company common stock, in recognition of his contributions to the Company (the “Stock Closing Bonus”). The Stock Closing Bonus will be granted subject to the Plan and the terms and conditions of an applicable stock award agreement.

(d) Executive is also eligible to receive restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock (the PSU Awards”), if certain performance-based milestones established by the Company are satisfied in the future and provided that Executive has remained continuously employed by the Company through the date that the Board or the Compensation Committee grants such PSU Awards. The PSU Awards, if granted, will be issued subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company and shall vest in accordance with the terms therein.

(e) Executive will also be eligible to receive awards of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other equity awards pursuant to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time. The Board or a committee of the Board shall determine in its discretion whether Executive shall be granted any such equity awards and the terms of any such award in accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time.

2.5 Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policy, as the same may be modified by the Company from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code: (a) any such reimbursements will be paid no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, (b) the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and (c) the right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

3. Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Obligations. As a condition of continued employment, Executive agrees to execute and abide by a Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement attached as Exhibit A (“Proprietary Information Agreement”), which may be amended by the parties from time to time without regard to this Agreement. The Proprietary Information Agreement contains provisions that are intended by the parties to survive and do survive termination of this Agreement.

 

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4. Outside Activities during Employment. During the term of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will work on a full-time basis for the Company and will devote Executive’s best efforts and substantially all of Executive’s business time and attention to the business of the Company. Except with the prior written consent of the Board, including consent given to Executive prior to the signing of this Agreement, Executive will not, while employed by the Company, undertake or engage in any other employment, occupation or business enterprise that would interfere with Executive’s responsibilities and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder except for (i) reasonable time devoted to volunteer services for or on behalf of such religious, educational, non-profit and/or other charitable organization as Executive may wish to serve, (ii) reasonable time devoted to activities in the non-profit and business communities consistent with Executive’s duties; and (iii) such other activities as may be specifically approved by the Board, and such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. This restriction shall not, however, preclude Executive (x) from owning less than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding shares of a publicly traded company, or (y) from employment or service in any capacity with Affiliates of the Company. As used in this Agreement, “Affiliates” means an entity under common management or control with the Company.

5. No Conflict with Existing Obligations. Executive represents that Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement does not and will not breach any agreement or obligation of any kind made prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, including agreements or obligations Executive may have with prior employers or entities for which Executive has provided services. Executive has not entered into, and Executive agrees that Executive will not enter into, any agreement or obligation, either written or oral, in conflict herewith.

6. Termination of Employment. The parties acknowledge that Executive’s employment relationship with the Company is at-will, meaning either the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. The provisions in this Section govern the amount of compensation, if any, to be provided to Executive upon termination of employment and do not alter Executive’s at-will status.

6.1 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Section 6.1 at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, without “Cause” (as defined in Section 6.3(b) below) by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. A termination pursuant to Section 6.5 below is not a termination without “Cause” for purposes of receiving the benefits described in Sections 6.1 or Section 6.2.

(b) If the Company terminates Executive’s employment at any time without Cause or Executive terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason and provided that such termination constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, a “Separation from Service), then Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (defined below). If Executive complies with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) below, Executive shall also be eligible to receive the following “Severance Benefits:

 

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(i) The Company will pay Executive an amount equal to Executive’s then current Base Salary for twelve (12) months, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid in equal installments on the Company’s normal payroll schedule following the termination date, with the first payment beginning on the Severance Pay Commencement Date (as defined in Section 6.1(c) below), and the remaining installments occurring on the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll dates thereafter; provided that on the Severance Pay Commencement Date, the Company will pay in a lump sum the aggregate amount of the cash severance payments that the Company would have paid Executive through such date had the payments commenced on the effective date of termination through the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(ii) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date until the earliest of: (i) twelve (12) months following the termination date (the COBRA Severance Period”); (ii) the date when Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment; or (iii) the date Executive ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination (such period from the termination date through the earlier of (i)-(iii), (theCOBRA Payment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the COBRA premium for such month, subject to applicable tax withholding (such amount, the Special Severance Payment”), for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) Executive will be paid all of the Accrued Obligations on the Company’s first payroll date after Executive’s date of termination from employment or earlier if required by law. Executive shall receive the Severance Benefits pursuant to Section 6.1(b) or the Change in Control Severance Benefits (defined below) pursuant to 6.2(a) of this Agreement, as applicable, if: (i) Executive executes and does not revoke a separation agreement containing an effective, general release of claims in favor of the Company and its affiliates and representatives but no other post-employment obligations other than an obligation to continue to abide and be bound by any post-employment obligations set forth in agreements previously entered into with the Company or its affiliates, such as this Agreement or any proprietary rights agreement), in a form acceptable to the Company (the “Release”) and the Release is enforceable and effective as provided in the Release on or before the date that is the sixtieth (60th) day following the effective date of termination (such 60th day, the “Severance Pay Commencement Date”); (ii) if Executive holds any other positions with the Company, Executive resigns such position(s) to be effective no

 

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later than the date of Executive’s termination date (or such other date as requested by the Board); (iii) Executive returns all Company property on or before the Severance Pay Commencement Date; (iv) Executive complies with Executive’s post-termination obligations under this Agreement and the Proprietary Information Agreement; and (v) Executive complies with the terms of the Release.

(d) For purposes of this Agreement, “Accrued Obligations” are (i) Executive’s accrued but unpaid salary through the date of termination, (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive payable in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policies, and (iii) benefits owed to Executive under any qualified retirement plan or health and welfare benefit plan in which Executive was a participant in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of such plan.

(e) The Severance Benefits provided to Executive pursuant to this Section 6.1 are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy or program.

(f) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than a reduction applied in a similar proportional amount to all similarly situated executives; (ii) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company; (iii) a material reduction in the Executive’s duties, authority and responsibilities relative to the Executive’s duties, authority, and responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iv) a material change in Executive’s reporting relationship, other than such change made directly in connection with organizational changes resulting from a Change in Control; or (v) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment, without Executive’s consent, in a manner that lengthens Executive’s one-way commute distance by twenty-five (25) or more miles from Executive’s then-current principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation; not to include a requirement to return to in-person work as set forth in Section 1.3, in which circumstance Good Reason will not apply; provided, however, that, any such termination by Executive shall only be deemed for Good Reason pursuant to this definition if: (1) Executive gives the Company written notice of Executive’s intent to terminate for Good Reason within thirty (30) days following the first occurrence of the condition(s) that Executive believes constitute(s) Good Reason, which notice shall describe such condition(s); (2) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the written notice (the “Cure Period”); and (3) Executive voluntarily terminates employment within thirty (30) days following the end of the Cure Period, or the parties agree in writing to extend such Cure Period.

6.2 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason Coincident with a Change in Control. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company or any successor entity without “Cause” (and not due to Disability or death) or by Executive for Good Reason, in either case, within three (3) months prior to or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a “Change in Control” (as defined in the Plan), and, in either case, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, then in addition to paying or providing Executive with the Accrued Obligations, and subject to compliance with Section 6.1(c), the following additional benefits shall be provided in lieu of, and not in addition to, the Severance Benefits provided for in Section 6.1(b) (the “Change in Control Severance Benefits”):

 

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(a) The Company will pay Executive a lump sum equal to Executive’s then current annual Base Salary, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(b) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date during the COBRA Payment Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, the Special Severance Payment, for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) The Company will pay a bonus equivalent to a pro rata share of Executive’s full Target Amount, for the portion of the performance year completed when Executive’s termination occurs. This bonus will be payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in a lump sum payment on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(d) Notwithstanding the terms of any equity plan or award agreement to the contrary, the time-based vesting conditions applicable to 100% of Executive’s then outstanding stock options and/or other equity awards subject to time-based vesting requirements as of Executive’s termination date shall be accelerated as of the date of termination, and, with respect to any performance-based equity awards, and unless otherwise provided by the applicable award agreement, any performance-based vesting objectives will be deemed achieved at the higher of target or actual performance.

6.3 Termination by the Company for Cause.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, for Cause by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

 

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(b) “Cause” for termination shall mean that the Company has determined in its sole discretion that Executive has engaged in any of the following: (i) Executive’s material breach of any covenant or condition under this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties; (ii) Executive’s material act constituting dishonesty or fraudulent conduct in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company; (iii) any conduct which constitutes a felony or a crime of moral turpitude under applicable law; (iv) material violation of any Company policy; (v) refusal to follow or implement a clear and reasonable directive of Company, or any act of willful or intentional misconduct in relation to the Executive’s duties to the Company; (vi) repeated or willful failure by Executive to perform Executive’s duties in a manner satisfactory to the Company; or (vii) Executive’s breach of fiduciary duty to the Company; provided that Sections 6.3(b)(i), (iv) and (vi) shall only provide the basis for a Cause termination if the Executive has not cured such breach, violation or conduct, to the extent curable, after the expiration of ten (10) days following the Company providing Executive with written notice of such basis for Cause.

6.4 Resignation by Executive.

(a) Executive may resign from Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, by giving notice as described in Section 7.1.

(b) In the event Executive resigns from Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason other than Good Reason in accordance with Sections 6.1 or 6.2, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

6.5 Termination by Virtue of Death or Disability of Executive.

(a) In the event of Executive’s death while employed pursuant to this Agreement, all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate, in accordance with Section 6.6, and the Company shall, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, pay to Executive’s legal representatives all Accrued Obligations.

(b) Subject to applicable state and federal law, the Company shall at all times have the right, upon written notice to Executive, and in accordance with Section 6.6, to terminate Executive’s employment based on Executive’s Disability. Termination by the Company of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall mean termination because Executive is unable due to a physical or mental condition to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position with or without reasonable accommodation for 180 days in the aggregate during any twelve (12) month period or based on the written certification by two licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period. This definition shall be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other applicable federal, state or local law. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company based on Executive’s Disability or Executive voluntarily resigns due to such Disability, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefit, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

 

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6.6 Notice; Effective Date of Termination.

(a) Termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be effective on the earliest of:

(i) immediately after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination, with or without Cause, unless pursuant to Section 6.3(b)(i), if curable, or Section 6.3(b)(vi), in which case ten (10) days after notice if not cured or unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date;

(ii) immediately upon the Executive’s death;

(iii) ten (10) days after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination on account of Executive’s Disability, unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date, provided that Executive has not returned to the full-time performance of Executive’s duties prior to such date;

(iv) ten (10) days after the Executive gives written notice to the Company of Executive’s resignation, provided that the Company may set a termination date at any time between the date of notice and the date of resignation, in which case the Executive’s resignation shall be effective as of such other date. Executive will receive compensation through any required notice period; or

(v) for a termination for Good Reason, immediately upon Executive’s full satisfaction of the requirements of Section 6.1(f).

(b) In the event of a termination for Cause, written confirmation shall specify the subsection(s) of the definition of Cause relied on to support the decision to terminate.

6.7 Cooperation with Company after Termination of Employment. Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to provide reasonable cooperation to the Company in connection with its actual or contemplated defense, prosecution, or investigation of any claims or demands by or against third parties, or other matters arising from events, acts, or failures to act that occurred during the period of Executive’s employment by the Company. Such cooperation includes, without limitation, making Executive available to the Company upon reasonable notice, without subpoena, to provide complete, truthful and accurate information in witness interviews, depositions and trial testimony. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses Executive incurs in connection with any such cooperation (excluding forgone wages, salary, or other compensation) and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs and for more than de minimis service, the parties will agree on a mutually agreeable per diem rate. In addition, in the event Executive is receiving Severance Benefits or Change in Control Severance Benefits, for twelve (12) months after Executive’s employment with the Company ends for any reason, Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in all matters relating to the transition of Executive’s work and responsibilities on behalf of the Company, including, but not limited to, any present, prior or subsequent relationships and the orderly transfer of any such work and institutional knowledge to such other persons as may be designated by the Company. Such transition assistance described in the previous sentence shall not be subject to additional compensation, and the Company will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs.

 

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6.8 Application of Section 409A. It is intended that all of the severance payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively, “Section 409A”) provided under Treasury Regulations Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4) and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. If not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and incorporates by reference all required definitions and payment terms. No severance payments will be made under this Agreement unless Executive’s termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)). For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executive’s right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. If the Company determines that the severance benefits provided under this Agreement constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and if Executive is a “specified employee” of the Company, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance will be delayed as follows: on the earlier to occur of (a) the date that is six months and one day after Executive’s Separation from Service, and (b) the date of Executive’s death (such earlier date, the “Delayed Initial Payment Date”), the Company will (i) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the severance benefits that Executive would otherwise have received through the Delayed Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the severance benefits had not been delayed pursuant to this Section 6.8 and (ii) commence paying the balance of the severance benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedule set forth in Section 6. No interest shall be due on any amounts deferred pursuant to this Section 6.8. To the extent that any Severance Benefits are deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, and are not otherwise exempt from the application of Section 409A, then, if the period during which Executive may consider and sign the Release spans two calendar years, the payment of any such Severance Benefit will not be made or begin until the later calendar year.

6.9 Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if payments made or benefits provided pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise from the Company or any person or entity are considered “parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Code after the application of all exemptions available under Code Section 280G(b)(5)(A), then such parachute payments will be limited to the greatest amount that may be paid to Executive under Section 280G of the Code without causing any loss of deduction to the Company Group under such section, but only if, by reason of such reduction, the net after tax benefit to Executive will exceed the net after tax benefit if such reduction were not made. “Net after tax benefit” for purposes of this Agreement will mean the sum of (i) the total amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement, plus (ii) all other payments and benefits which the Executive receives or then is entitled to receive from the Company or otherwise that would constitute a “parachute

 

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payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, less (iii) the amount of federal, state and local taxes payable with respect to the foregoing calculated at the maximum marginal income tax rate for each year in which the foregoing will be paid to Executive (based upon the rate in effect for such year as set forth in the Code at the time of termination of Executive’s employment), less (iv) the amount of excise taxes imposed with respect to the payments and benefits described in (i) and (ii) above by Section 4999 of the Code. The determination as to whether and to what extent payments are required to be reduced in accordance with this Section 6.9 will be made at the Company’s expense by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional services firm, in either case, as may be designated by the Company prior to a change in control (the “Firm”). In the event of any mistaken underpayment or overpayment under this Agreement, as determined by the Firm, the amount of such underpayment or overpayment will forthwith be paid to Executive or refunded to the Company, as the case may be, with interest at one hundred twenty (120%) of the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code. Any reduction in payments required by this Section 6.9 will occur in the following order: (1) any cash severance, (2) cancellation of equity awards being taken into account at full value that were granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” within the meaning of 280G of the Code in the reverse order of date of grant of the awards (that is, the most recently granted equity awards will be cancelled first); (3) any other cash amount payable to Executive, (4) any benefit valued as a “parachute payment,” (5) the acceleration of vesting of any equity awards that are options, and (6) the acceleration of vesting of any other equity awards. Within any such category of payments and benefits, a reduction will occur first with respect to amounts that are not “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and then with respect to amounts that are. In the event that acceleration of compensation from equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be canceled, subject to the immediately preceding sentence, in the reverse order of the date of grant.

7. General Provisions.

7.1 Notices. Any notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after timely deposit for next-business-day delivery with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next-business-day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at its primary office location, or to legal@rigetti.com, and to Executive at either Executive’s address as listed on the Company payroll records, or Executive’s Company-issued email address, or at such other address as the Company or Executive may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other.

7.2 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.

 

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7.3 Survival. Provisions of this Agreement which by their terms must survive the termination of this Agreement in order to effectuate the intent of the parties will survive any such termination for such period as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

7.4 Waiver. If either party should waive any breach of any provisions of this Agreement, it shall not thereby be deemed to have waived any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.

7.5 Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with regard to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement is the complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of their agreement with regard to this subject matter and supersedes any prior oral discussions or written communications and agreements, including the Prior Agreement. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation other than those expressly contained herein, and it cannot be modified or amended except in writing signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company. The parties have entered into a separate Proprietary Information Agreement and have or may enter into separate agreements related to equity. These separate agreements govern other aspects of the relationship between the parties, have or may have provisions that survive termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, may be amended or superseded by the parties without regard to this Agreement and are enforceable according to their terms without regard to the enforcement provision of this Agreement.

7.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one party, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same Agreement. The parties agree that facsimile and scanned image copies of signatures, including DocuSign, will suffice as original signatures.

7.7 Withholding Taxes. The Company will be entitled to withhold from any payment due to Executive hereunder any amounts required to be withheld by applicable tax laws or regulations.

7.8 Headings. The headings of the sections hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.

7.9 Successors and Assigns. The Company shall assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any Company or other entity with or into which the Company may hereafter merge or consolidate or to which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said Company or other entity shall by operation of law or expressly in writing assume all obligations of the Company hereunder as fully as if it had been originally made a party hereto, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder. Executive may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder, other than to Executive’s estate upon Executive’s death.

7.10 Choice of Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington.

 

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7.11 Dispute Resolution. The parties recognize that litigation in federal or state courts or before federal or state administrative agencies of disputes arising out of the Executive’s employment with the Company or out of this Agreement, or the Executive’s termination of employment or termination of this Agreement, may not be in the best interests of either the Executive or the Company, and may result in unnecessary costs, delays, complexities, and uncertainty. Except where prohibited by law, the parties agree that any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to the negotiation, execution, performance or termination of this Agreement or the Executive’s employment, including, but not limited to, any claim arising out of this Agreement, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1966, as amended, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Executive Retirement Income Security Act, and any similar federal, state or local law, statute, regulation, or any common law doctrine, whether that dispute arises during or after employment, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association. The location for the arbitration shall be in King County, Washington. Any award made by such panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties for all purposes, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators’ fees and expenses and all administrative fees and expenses associated with the filing of the arbitration shall be borne by the Company; provided however, that at the Executive’s option, Executive may voluntarily pay up to one-half the costs and fees. The parties acknowledge and agree that their obligations to arbitrate under this Section survive the termination of this Agreement and continue after the termination of the employment relationship between Executive and the Company. The parties each further agree that the arbitration provisions of this Agreement shall provide each party with its exclusive remedy, and each party expressly waives any right it might have to seek redress in any other forum, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement. By election arbitration as the means for final settlement of all claims, the parties hereby waive their respective rights to, and agree not to, sue each other in any action in a Federal, State or local court with respect to such claims, but may seek to enforce in court an arbitration award rendered pursuant to this Agreement. The parties specifically agree to waive their respective rights to a trial by jury, and further agree that no demand, request or motion will be made for trial by jury.

[SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

RIGETTI HOLDINGS, INC.
By:   /s/ Chad Rigetti
  Name: Chad Rigetti
  Title: CEO

 

EXECUTIVE
/s/ Taryn Naidu
Taryn Naidu

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

EX-10.27

Exhibit 10.27

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of February 2, 2022 (“Agreement”) is by and between David Rivas (“Executive”) and RIGETTI HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Company”).

WHEREAS, Executive is employed by the Company as its Senior Vice President – Systems & Services (“SVP”).

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive on and following the Effective Date (as defined below) and provide Executive with certain compensation and benefits in return for Executive’s services, and Executive agrees to continue to be employed by the Company in such capacity and to receive the compensation and benefits on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree to the following:

1. Employment by the Company.

1.1 Contingent on Transaction. The effective date (“Effective Date”) of the employment terms in this Agreement shall be contingent upon and concurrent with the “Closing Date” as defined in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 6, 2021, by and among the Company, Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Supernova Merger Sub, Inc. and Supernova Romeo Merger Sub, LLC (the “Merger Agreement”) and, contingent on occurrence of the Closing Date, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede and replace the prior offer letter in effect between Company and Executive as of the Effective Date. If the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement do not close, this Agreement shall have no effect and shall terminate as of the termination of the Merger Agreement, and neither the Company nor the Executive shall have obligations hereunder. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

1.2 Position. Subject to the terms set forth herein, the Company agrees to employ Executive in the position of SVP, and Executive hereby accepts such continued employment on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1.3 Duties. As SVP, Executive will report to the Chief Operating Officer of the Company (the “COO”), performing such duties as are normally associated with the position and such duties as are assigned from time to time, subject to the oversight and direction of the COO. During calendar year 2022, Executive shall be permitted to work remotely within the United States at Executive’s discretion. Thereafter, the CEO may reasonably determine whether fully remote work shall be permitted or whether Executive shall have an obligation to return to in-person work at the location where the Executive previously provided in-person services immediately prior to transitioning to remote work due to COVID-19. Executive shall make such business trips to such places as may be reasonably necessary or advisable for the efficient operations of the Company.

 

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1.4 Company Policies and Benefits. The employment relationship between the parties shall also be subject to the Company’s personnel policies and procedures as they may be interpreted, adopted, revised or deleted from time to time in the Company’s sole discretion. Executive will be eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in the Company’s benefit plans in effect from time to time during Executive’s employment. All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plan. The Company reserves the right to change, alter, or terminate any benefit plan in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

1.5 Vacation. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall also receive unlimited paid time off subject to the Company’s vacation policies and procedures as in effect or amended from time to time.

1.6 Indemnification. Subject to applicable law, Executive will be provided indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, all as amended, including, if applicable, any directors and officers insurance policies, with such indemnification to be on terms determined by the Board or any of its committees. Such indemnification shall be documented in an Indemnification Agreement provided after the Closing Date subject to approval by the Board.

2. Compensation.

2.1 Salary. Executive shall receive for Executive’s services to be rendered under this Agreement an initial base salary of $282,000 on an annualized basis, subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its sole discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (“Base Salary”).

2.2 Cash Bonus Upon Closing. Contingent upon the occurrence of the Closing Date and Executive’s continued employment with the Company through such date, Executive shall receive a bonus of $20,000, in recognition of Executive’s contributions to the Company (the “Cash Closing Bonus”). The Closing Bonus, if earned, will be payable on or about the Closing Date.

2.3 Annual Bonus. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall be eligible for a discretionary annual cash bonus of a target amount equal to 20% of Base Salary (“Target Amount”), subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its reasonable discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements. Whether or not Executive earns any bonus will be dependent upon (a) Executive’s continuous performance of services to the Company through the last date of the applicable performance period, unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement; and (b) the actual achievement by Executive and the Company of the applicable performance targets and goals set by the Board or its Compensation Committee. The annual period over which performance is measured for purposes of this bonus is January 1 through December 31. The Board or its Compensation Committee will determine in its reasonable discretion the extent to which Executive and the Company have achieved the performance goals upon which the bonus is based and the amount of the bonus, which could be above or below the Target Amount (and may be zero). The bonus, if awarded, will be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year for which the bonus is being measured.

 

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2.4 Equity.

(a) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (“Compensation Committee”), on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive 234,385 restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock (the “Initial RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Initial RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Initial RSU Award. The Initial RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of that certain 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Initial RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: (i) 50% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will vest in substantially equal installments (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) at the end of each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of 12 months and (ii) the remaining 50% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will vest in in substantially equal installments (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) at the end of each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years, with prongs (i) and (ii) occurring concurrently, such that, at the end of the 12-month period immediately following the vesting commencement date, 62.5% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will have vested (subject to the Executive’s Continuous Service (as defined in the Plan) on such vesting date). In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Initial RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Initial RSU Award.

(b) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee, on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire 47,700 shares of Company common stock (the “Refresh RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Refresh RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Refresh RSU Award. The Refresh RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Refresh RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: one-forty eighth (1/48th) of the total number of Refresh RSU Awards (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) will vest each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Refresh RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Refresh RSU Award.

(c) Executive is also eligible to receive restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock (the “PSU Awards”), if certain performance-based milestones established by the Company are satisfied in the future and provided that Executive has remained continuously employed by the Company through the date that the Board or the Compensation Committee grants such PSU Awards. The PSU Awards, if granted, will be issued subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company and shall vest in accordance with the terms therein.                

 

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(d) Executive will also be eligible to receive awards of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other equity awards pursuant to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time. The Board or a committee of the Board shall determine in its discretion whether Executive shall be granted any such equity awards and the terms of any such award in accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time.

2.5 Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policy, as the same may be modified by the Company from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code: (a) any such reimbursements will be paid no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, (b) the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and (c) the right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

3. Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Obligations. As a condition of continued employment, Executive agrees to execute and abide by a Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement attached as Exhibit A (“Proprietary Information Agreement”), which may be amended by the parties from time to time without regard to this Agreement. The Proprietary Information Agreement contains provisions that are intended by the parties to survive and do survive termination of this Agreement.

4. Outside Activities during Employment. During the term of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will work on a full-time basis for the Company and will devote Executive’s best efforts and substantially all of Executive’s business time and attention to the business of the Company. Except with the prior written consent of the Board, including consent given to Executive prior to the signing of this Agreement, Executive will not, while employed by the Company, undertake or engage in any other employment, occupation or business enterprise that would interfere with Executive’s responsibilities and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder except for (i) reasonable time devoted to volunteer services for or on behalf of such religious, educational, non-profit and/or other charitable organization as Executive may wish to serve, (ii) reasonable time devoted to activities in the non-profit and business communities consistent with Executive’s duties; and (iii) such other activities as may be specifically approved by the Board, and such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. This restriction shall not, however, preclude Executive (x) from owning less than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding shares of a publicly traded company, or (y) from employment or service in any capacity with Affiliates of the Company. As used in this Agreement, “Affiliates” means an entity under common management or control with the Company.

 

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5. No Conflict with Existing Obligations. Executive represents that Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement does not and will not breach any agreement or obligation of any kind made prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, including agreements or obligations Executive may have with prior employers or entities for which Executive has provided services. Executive has not entered into, and Executive agrees that Executive will not enter into, any agreement or obligation, either written or oral, in conflict herewith.

6. Termination of Employment. The parties acknowledge that Executive’s employment relationship with the Company is at-will, meaning either the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. The provisions in this Section govern the amount of compensation, if any, to be provided to Executive upon termination of employment and do not alter Executive’s at-will status.

6.1 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Section 6.1 at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, without “Cause” (as defined in Section 6.3(b) below) by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. A termination pursuant to Section 6.5 below is not a termination without “Cause” for purposes of receiving the benefits described in Sections 6.1 or Section 6.2.

(b) If the Company terminates Executive’s employment at any time without Cause or Executive terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason and provided that such termination constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, a “Separation from Service”), then Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (defined below). If Executive complies with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) below, Executive shall also be eligible to receive the following “Severance Benefits”:

(i) The Company will pay Executive an amount equal to Executive’s then current Base Salary for six (6) months, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid in equal installments on the Company’s normal payroll schedule following the termination date, with the first payment beginning on the Severance Pay Commencement Date (as defined in Section 6.1(c) below), and the remaining installments occurring on the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll dates thereafter; provided that on the Severance Pay Commencement Date, the Company will pay in a lump sum the aggregate amount of the cash severance payments that the Company would have paid Executive through such date had the payments commenced on the effective date of termination through the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(ii) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date until the earliest of: (i) six (6) months following the termination date (the “COBRA Severance Period”); (ii) the date when Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment; or (iii) the date Executive ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination (such period

 

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from the termination date through the earlier of (i)-(iii), (the “COBRA Payment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the COBRA premium for such month, subject to applicable tax withholding (such amount, the “Special Severance Payment”), for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) Executive will be paid all of the Accrued Obligations on the Company’s first payroll date after Executive’s date of termination from employment or earlier if required by law. Executive shall receive the Severance Benefits pursuant to Section 6.1(b) or the Change in Control Severance Benefits (defined below) pursuant to 6.2(a) of this Agreement, as applicable, if: (i) Executive executes and does not revoke a separation agreement containing an effective, general release of claims in favor of the Company and its affiliates and representatives but no other post-employment obligations other than an obligation to continue to abide and be bound by any post-employment obligations set forth in agreements previously entered into with the Company or its affiliates, such as this Agreement or any proprietary rights agreement), in a form acceptable to the Company (the “Release”) and the Release is enforceable and effective as provided in the Release on or before the date that is the sixtieth (60th) day following the effective date of termination (such 60th day, the “Severance Pay Commencement Date”); (ii) if Executive holds any other positions with the Company, Executive resigns such position(s) to be effective no later than the date of Executive’s termination date (or such other date as requested by the Board); (iii) Executive returns all Company property on or before the Severance Pay Commencement Date; (iv) Executive complies with Executive’s post-termination obligations under this Agreement and the Proprietary Information Agreement; and (v) Executive complies with the terms of the Release.

(d) For purposes of this Agreement, “Accrued Obligations” are (i) Executive’s accrued but unpaid salary through the date of termination, (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive payable in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policies, and (iii) benefits owed to Executive under any qualified retirement plan or health and welfare benefit plan in which Executive was a participant in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of such plan.

(e) The Severance Benefits provided to Executive pursuant to this Section 6.1 are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy or program.

(f) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than a reduction applied in a similar proportional amount to all similarly situated executives; (ii) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company; (iii) a material reduction in the Executive’s duties, authority and responsibilities relative to the Executive’s duties, authority, and responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction; or

 

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(iv) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment, without Executive’s consent, in a manner that lengthens Executive’s one-way commute distance by twenty-five (25) or more miles from Executive’s then-current principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation; not to include a requirement to return to in-person work as set forth in Section 1.3, in which circumstance Good Reason will not apply; provided, however, that, any such termination by Executive shall only be deemed for Good Reason pursuant to this definition if: (1) Executive gives the Company written notice of Executive’s intent to terminate for Good Reason within thirty (30) days following the first occurrence of the condition(s) that Executive believes constitute(s) Good Reason, which notice shall describe such condition(s); (2) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the written notice (the “Cure Period”); and (3) Executive voluntarily terminates employment within thirty (30) days following the end of the Cure Period, or the parties agree in writing to extend such Cure Period.

6.2 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason Coincident with a Change in Control. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company or any successor entity without “Cause” (and not due to Disability or death) or by Executive for Good Reason, in either case, within three (3) months prior to or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a “Change in Control” (as defined in the Plan), and, in either case, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, then in addition to paying or providing Executive with the Accrued Obligations, and subject to compliance with Section 6.1(c), the following additional benefits shall be provided in lieu of, and not in addition to, the Severance Benefits provided for in Section 6.1(b) (the “Change in Control Severance Benefits”):

(a) The Company will pay Executive a lump sum equal to half of Executive’s then current annual Base Salary, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(b) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date during the COBRA Payment Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, the Special Severance Payment, for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) The Company will pay a bonus equivalent to a pro rata share of Executive’s full Target Amount, for the portion of the performance year completed when Executive’s termination occurs. This bonus will be payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in a lump sum payment on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

 

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(d) Notwithstanding the terms of any equity plan or award agreement to the contrary, the time-based vesting conditions applicable to 50% of Executive’s then outstanding stock options and/or other equity awards subject to time-based vesting requirements as of Executive’s termination date shall be accelerated as of the date of termination, and, with respect to any performance-based equity awards, and unless otherwise provided by the applicable award agreement, any performance-based vesting objectives will be deemed achieved at the higher of target or actual performance.

6.3 Termination by the Company for Cause.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, for Cause by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

(b) “Cause” for termination shall mean that the Company has determined in its sole discretion that Executive has engaged in any of the following: (i) Executive’s material breach of any covenant or condition under this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties; (ii) Executive’s material act constituting dishonesty or fraudulent conduct in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company; (iii) any conduct which constitutes a felony or a crime of moral turpitude under applicable law; (iv) material violation of any Company policy; (v) refusal to follow or implement a clear and reasonable directive of Company, or any act of willful or intentional misconduct in relation to the Executive’s duties to the Company; (vi) repeated or willful failure by Executive to perform Executive’s duties in a manner satisfactory to the Company; or (vii) Executive’s breach of fiduciary duty to the Company; provided that Sections 6.3(b)(i), (iv) and (vi) shall only provide the basis for a Cause termination if the Executive has not cured such breach, violation or conduct, to the extent curable, after the expiration of ten (10) days following the Company providing Executive with written notice of such basis for Cause.

6.4 Resignation by Executive.

(a) Executive may resign from Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, by giving notice as described in Section 7.1.

(b) In the event Executive resigns from Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason other than Good Reason in accordance with Sections 6.1 or 6.2, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

 

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6.5 Termination by Virtue of Death or Disability of Executive.

(a) In the event of Executive’s death while employed pursuant to this Agreement, all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate, in accordance with Section 6.6, and the Company shall, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, pay to Executive’s legal representatives all Accrued Obligations.

(b) Subject to applicable state and federal law, the Company shall at all times have the right, upon written notice to Executive, and in accordance with Section 6.6, to terminate Executive’s employment based on Executive’s Disability. Termination by the Company of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall mean termination because Executive is unable due to a physical or mental condition to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position with or without reasonable accommodation for 180 days in the aggregate during any twelve (12) month period or based on the written certification by two licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period. This definition shall be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other applicable federal, state or local law. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company based on Executive’s Disability or Executive voluntarily resigns due to such Disability, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefit, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

6.6 Notice; Effective Date of Termination.

(a) Termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be effective on the earliest of:

(i) immediately after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination, with or without Cause, unless pursuant to Section 6.3(b)(i), if curable, or Section 6.3(b)(vi), in which case ten (10) days after notice if not cured or unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date;

(ii) immediately upon the Executive’s death;

(iii) ten (10) days after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination on account of Executive’s Disability, unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date, provided that Executive has not returned to the full-time performance of Executive’s duties prior to such date;

(iv) ten (10) days after the Executive gives written notice to the Company of Executive’s resignation, provided that the Company may set a termination date at any time between the date of notice and the date of resignation, in which case the Executive’s resignation shall be effective as of such other date. Executive will receive compensation through any required notice period; or

 

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(v) for a termination for Good Reason, immediately upon Executive’s full satisfaction of the requirements of Section 6.1(f).

(b) In the event of a termination for Cause, written confirmation shall specify the subsection(s) of the definition of Cause relied on to support the decision to terminate.

6.7 Cooperation with Company after Termination of Employment. Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to provide reasonable cooperation to the Company in connection with its actual or contemplated defense, prosecution, or investigation of any claims or demands by or against third parties, or other matters arising from events, acts, or failures to act that occurred during the period of Executive’s employment by the Company. Such cooperation includes, without limitation, making Executive available to the Company upon reasonable notice, without subpoena, to provide complete, truthful and accurate information in witness interviews, depositions and trial testimony. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses Executive incurs in connection with any such cooperation (excluding forgone wages, salary, or other compensation) and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs and for more than de minimis service, the parties will agree on a mutually agreeable per diem rate. In addition, in the event Executive is receiving Severance Benefits or Change in Control Severance Benefits, for twelve (12) months after Executive’s employment with the Company ends for any reason, Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in all matters relating to the transition of Executive’s work and responsibilities on behalf of the Company, including, but not limited to, any present, prior or subsequent relationships and the orderly transfer of any such work and institutional knowledge to such other persons as may be designated by the Company. Such transition assistance described in the previous sentence shall not be subject to additional compensation, and the Company will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs.

6.8 Application of Section 409A. It is intended that all of the severance payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively, “Section 409A”) provided under Treasury Regulations Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4) and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. If not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and incorporates by reference all required definitions and payment terms. No severance payments will be made under this Agreement unless Executive’s termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)). For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executive’s right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. If the Company determines that the severance benefits provided under this Agreement constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and if Executive is a “specified employee” of the Company, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance will be delayed as follows: on the earlier to occur of (a) the date that is six months and one day after Executive’s Separation from Service, and (b) the date of Executive’s death (such earlier date, the “Delayed Initial Payment Date”), the Company will

 

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(i) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the severance benefits that Executive would otherwise have received through the Delayed Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the severance benefits had not been delayed pursuant to this Section 6.8 and (ii) commence paying the balance of the severance benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedule set forth in Section 6. No interest shall be due on any amounts deferred pursuant to this Section 6.8. To the extent that any Severance Benefits are deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, and are not otherwise exempt from the application of Section 409A, then, if the period during which Executive may consider and sign the Release spans two calendar years, the payment of any such Severance Benefit will not be made or begin until the later calendar year.

6.9 Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if payments made or benefits provided pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise from the Company or any person or entity are considered “parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Code after the application of all exemptions available under Code Section 280G(b)(5)(A), then such parachute payments will be limited to the greatest amount that may be paid to Executive under Section 280G of the Code without causing any loss of deduction to the Company Group under such section, but only if, by reason of such reduction, the net after tax benefit to Executive will exceed the net after tax benefit if such reduction were not made. “Net after tax benefit” for purposes of this Agreement will mean the sum of (i) the total amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement, plus (ii) all other payments and benefits which the Executive receives or then is entitled to receive from the Company or otherwise that would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, less (iii) the amount of federal, state and local taxes payable with respect to the foregoing calculated at the maximum marginal income tax rate for each year in which the foregoing will be paid to Executive (based upon the rate in effect for such year as set forth in the Code at the time of termination of Executive’s employment), less (iv) the amount of excise taxes imposed with respect to the payments and benefits described in (i) and (ii) above by Section 4999 of the Code. The determination as to whether and to what extent payments are required to be reduced in accordance with this Section 6.9 will be made at the Company’s expense by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional services firm, in either case, as may be designated by the Company prior to a change in control (the “Firm”). In the event of any mistaken underpayment or overpayment under this Agreement, as determined by the Firm, the amount of such underpayment or overpayment will forthwith be paid to Executive or refunded to the Company, as the case may be, with interest at one hundred twenty (120%) of the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code. Any reduction in payments required by this Section 6.9 will occur in the following order: (1) any cash severance, (2) cancellation of equity awards being taken into account at full value that were granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” within the meaning of 280G of the Code in the reverse order of date of grant of the awards (that is, the most recently granted equity awards will be cancelled first); (3) any other cash amount payable to Executive, (4) any benefit valued as a “parachute payment,” (5) the acceleration of vesting of any equity awards that are options, and (6) the acceleration of vesting of any other equity awards. Within any such category of payments and benefits, a reduction will occur first with respect to amounts that are not “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and then with respect to amounts that are. In the event that acceleration of compensation from equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be canceled, subject to the immediately preceding sentence, in the reverse order of the date of grant.

 

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7. General Provisions.

7.1 Notices. Any notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after timely deposit for next-business-day delivery with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next-business-day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at its primary office location, or to legal@rigetti.com, and to Executive at either Executive’s address as listed on the Company payroll records, or Executive’s Company-issued email address, or at such other address as the Company or Executive may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other.

7.2 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.

7.3 Survival. Provisions of this Agreement which by their terms must survive the termination of this Agreement in order to effectuate the intent of the parties will survive any such termination for such period as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

7.4 Waiver. If either party should waive any breach of any provisions of this Agreement, it shall not thereby be deemed to have waived any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.

7.5 Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with regard to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement is the complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of their agreement with regard to this subject matter and supersedes any prior oral discussions or written communications and agreements, including the Prior Agreement. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation other than those expressly contained herein, and it cannot be modified or amended except in writing signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company. The parties have entered into a separate Proprietary Information Agreement and have or may enter into separate agreements related to equity. These separate agreements govern other aspects of the relationship between the parties, have or may have provisions that survive termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, may be amended or superseded by the parties without regard to this Agreement and are enforceable according to their terms without regard to the enforcement provision of this Agreement.

7.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one party, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same Agreement. The parties agree that facsimile and scanned image copies of signatures, including DocuSign, will suffice as original signatures.

 

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7.7 Withholding Taxes. The Company will be entitled to withhold from any payment due to Executive hereunder any amounts required to be withheld by applicable tax laws or regulations.

7.8 Headings. The headings of the sections hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.

7.9 Successors and Assigns. The Company shall assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any Company or other entity with or into which the Company may hereafter merge or consolidate or to which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said Company or other entity shall by operation of law or expressly in writing assume all obligations of the Company hereunder as fully as if it had been originally made a party hereto, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder. Executive may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder, other than to Executive’s estate upon Executive’s death.

7.10 Choice of Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California.

7.11 Dispute Resolution. The parties recognize that litigation in federal or state courts or before federal or state administrative agencies of disputes arising out of the Executive’s employment with the Company or out of this Agreement, or the Executive’s termination of employment or termination of this Agreement, may not be in the best interests of either the Executive or the Company, and may result in unnecessary costs, delays, complexities, and uncertainty. Except where prohibited by law, the parties agree that any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to the negotiation, execution, performance or termination of this Agreement or the Executive’s employment, including, but not limited to, any claim arising out of this Agreement, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1966, as amended, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Executive Retirement Income Security Act, and any similar federal, state or local law, statute, regulation, or any common law doctrine, whether that dispute arises during or after employment, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association. The location for the arbitration shall be in Alameda County, California. Any award made by such panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties for all purposes, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators’ fees and expenses and all administrative fees and expenses associated with the filing of the arbitration shall be borne by the Company; provided however, that at the Executive’s option, Executive may voluntarily pay up to one-half the costs and fees. The parties acknowledge and agree that their obligations to arbitrate under this Section survive the termination of this Agreement and continue after the termination of the employment relationship between Executive and the Company. The parties each further agree that the arbitration provisions of this Agreement shall provide each party with its exclusive remedy, and each party expressly waives any right it might have to seek redress in any other forum, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement. By election arbitration as the means for final settlement of all claims, the parties hereby waive their respective rights to, and agree not to, sue each other in any action in a Federal, State or

 

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local court with respect to such claims, but may seek to enforce in court an arbitration award rendered pursuant to this Agreement. The parties specifically agree to waive their respective rights to a trial by jury, and further agree that no demand, request or motion will be made for trial by jury.

[SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

RIGETTI HOLDINGS, INC.
By:   /s/ Chad Rigetti
  Name: Chad Rigetti
  Title: CEO
EXECUTIVE
/s/ David Rivas
David Rivas

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

EX-10.28

Exhibit 10.28

AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement dated as of February 2, 2022 (“Agreement”) is by and between Mike Harburn (“Executive”) and Rigetti Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”).

WHEREAS, Executive is employed by the Company as its Chief Technology Officer (“CTO”);

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company executed a certain Executive Employment Agreement on January 25, 2022 (the “Prior Agreement”) and now wish to amend and restate the Prior Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive on and following the Effective Date (as defined below) and provide Executive with certain compensation and benefits in return for Executive’s services, and Executive agrees to continue to be employed by the Company in such capacity and to receive the compensation and benefits on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree to the following:

1. Employment by the Company.

1.1 Contingent on Transaction. The effective date (“Effective Date”) of the employment terms in this Agreement shall be contingent upon and concurrent with the “Closing Date” as defined in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 6, 2021, by and among the Company, Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Supernova Merger Sub, Inc. and Supernova Romeo Merger Sub, LLC (the “Merger Agreement”) and, contingent on occurrence of the Closing Date, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede and replace the prior offer letter in effect between Company and Executive as of the Effective Date. If the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement do not close, this Agreement shall have no effect and shall terminate as of the termination of the Merger Agreement, and neither the Company nor the Executive shall have obligations hereunder. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

1.2 Position. Subject to the terms set forth herein, the Company agrees to employ Executive in the position of CTO, and Executive hereby accepts such continued employment on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1.3 Duties. As CTO, Executive will report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”), performing such duties as are normally associated with the position and such duties as are assigned from time to time, subject to the oversight and direction of the CEO. During calendar year 2022, Executive shall be permitted to work remotely within the United States

 

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at Executive’s discretion. Thereafter, the CEO may reasonably determine whether fully remote work shall be permitted or whether Executive shall have an obligation to return to in-person work at the location where the Executive previously provided in-person services immediately prior to transitioning to remote work due to COVID-19. Executive shall make such business trips to such places as may be reasonably necessary or advisable for the efficient operations of the Company.

1.4 Company Policies and Benefits. The employment relationship between the parties shall also be subject to the Company’s personnel policies and procedures as they may be interpreted, adopted, revised or deleted from time to time in the Company’s sole discretion. Executive will be eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in the Company’s benefit plans in effect from time to time during Executive’s employment. All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plan. The Company reserves the right to change, alter, or terminate any benefit plan in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

1.5 Vacation. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall also receive unlimited paid time off subject to the Company’s vacation policies and procedures as in effect or amended from time to time.

1.6 Indemnification. Subject to applicable law, Executive will be provided indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, all as amended, including, if applicable, any directors and officers insurance policies, with such indemnification to be on terms determined by the Board or any of its committees. Such indemnification shall be documented in an Indemnification Agreement provided after the Closing Date subject to approval by the Board.

2. Compensation.

2.1 Salary. Executive shall receive for Executive’s services to be rendered under this Agreement an initial base salary of $345,000 on an annualized basis, subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its sole discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (“Base Salary”).

2.2 Annual Bonus. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall be eligible for a discretionary annual cash bonus of a target amount equal to 25% of Base Salary (“Target Amount”), subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its reasonable discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements. Whether or not Executive earns any bonus will be dependent upon (a) Executive’s continuous performance of services to the Company through the last date of the applicable performance period, unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement; and (b) the actual achievement by Executive and the Company of the applicable performance targets and goals set by the Board or its Compensation Committee. The annual period over which performance is measured for purposes of this bonus is January 1 through December 31. The Board or its Compensation Committee will determine in its reasonable discretion the extent to which Executive and the Company have achieved the performance goals upon which the bonus is based and the amount of the bonus, which could be above or below the Target Amount (and may be zero). The bonus, if awarded, will be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year for which the bonus is being measured.

 

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2.3 Equity.

(a) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (“Compensation Committee”), on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock determined by the following formula: 364,828 less the product of 200,321 multiplied by the final Exchange Ratio (as determined pursuant to the Merger Agreement) (the “Initial RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Initial RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Initial RSU Award. The Initial RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of that certain 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Initial RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: one-forty eighth (1/48th) of the total number of Initial RSU Awards (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) will satisfy time-based vesting each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 100% of the then unvested shares subject to the Initial RSU Award shall vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control subject to Executive’s Continuous Service through such date. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Initial RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Initial RSU Award.

(b) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee, on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire 107,900 shares of Company common stock (the “Refresh RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Refresh RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Refresh RSU Award. The Refresh RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Refresh RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: one-forty eighth (1/48th) of the total number of Refresh RSU Awards (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) will satisfy time-based vesting each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 100% of the then unvested shares subject to the Refresh RSU Award shall vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control subject to Executive’s Continuous Service through such date. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Refresh RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Refresh RSU Award.

 

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(c) Executive is also eligible to receive restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock (the “PSU Awards”), if certain performance-based milestones established by the Company are satisfied in the future and provided that Executive has remained continuously employed by the Company through the date that the Board or the Compensation Committee grants such PSU Awards. The PSU Awards, if granted, will be issued subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company and shall vest in accordance with the terms therein.

(d) Executive will also be eligible to receive awards of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other equity awards pursuant to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time. The Board or a committee of the Board shall determine in its discretion whether Executive shall be granted any such equity awards and the terms of any such award in accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time.

2.4 Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policy, as the same may be modified by the Company from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code: (a) any such reimbursements will be paid no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, (b) the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and (c) the right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

3. Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Obligations. As a condition of continued employment, Executive agrees to execute and abide by a Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement attached as Exhibit A (“Proprietary Information Agreement”), which may be amended by the parties from time to time without regard to this Agreement. The Proprietary Information Agreement contains provisions that are intended by the parties to survive and do survive termination of this Agreement.

4. Outside Activities during Employment. During the term of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will work on a full-time basis for the Company and will devote Executive’s best efforts and substantially all of Executive’s business time and attention to the business of the Company. Except with the prior written consent of the Board, including consent given to Executive prior to the signing of this Agreement, Executive will not, while employed by the Company, undertake or engage in any other employment, occupation or business enterprise that would interfere with Executive’s responsibilities and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder except for (i) reasonable time devoted to volunteer services for or on behalf of such religious, educational, non-profit and/or other charitable organization as Executive may wish to serve, (ii) reasonable time devoted to activities in the non-profit and business communities consistent with Executive’s duties; and (iii) such other activities as may be specifically approved by the Board, and such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. This restriction shall not, however, preclude Executive (x) from owning less than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding shares of a publicly traded company, or (y) from employment or service in any capacity with Affiliates of the Company. As used in this Agreement, “Affiliates” means an entity under common management or control with the Company.

 

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5. No Conflict with Existing Obligations. Executive represents that Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement does not and will not breach any agreement or obligation of any kind made prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, including agreements or obligations Executive may have with prior employers or entities for which Executive has provided services. Executive has not entered into, and Executive agrees that Executive will not enter into, any agreement or obligation, either written or oral, in conflict herewith.

6. Termination of Employment. The parties acknowledge that Executive’s employment relationship with the Company is at-will, meaning either the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. The provisions in this Section govern the amount of compensation, if any, to be provided to Executive upon termination of employment and do not alter Executive’s at-will status.

6.1 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Section 6.1 at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, without “Cause” (as defined in Section 6.3(b) below) by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. A termination pursuant to Section 6.5 below is not a termination without “Cause” for purposes of receiving the benefits described in Sections 6.1 or Section 6.2.

(b) If the Company terminates Executive’s employment at any time without Cause or Executive terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason and provided that such termination constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, a “Separation from Service”), then Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (defined below). If Executive complies with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) below, Executive shall also be eligible to receive the following “Severance Benefits”:

(i) The Company will pay Executive an amount equal to Executive’s then current Base Salary for twelve (12) months, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid in equal installments on the Company’s normal payroll schedule following the termination date, with the first payment beginning on the Severance Pay Commencement Date (as defined in Section 6.1(c) below), and the remaining installments occurring on the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll dates thereafter; provided that on the Severance Pay Commencement Date, the Company will pay in a lump sum the aggregate amount of the cash severance payments that the Company would have paid Executive through such date had the payments commenced on the effective date of termination through the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(ii) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date until the earliest of: (i) twelve (12) months following the termination date (the “COBRA Severance Period”); (ii) the date when Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in

 

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connection with new employment or self-employment; or (iii) the date Executive ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination (such period from the termination date through the earlier of (i)-(iii), (the “COBRA Payment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the COBRA premium for such month, subject to applicable tax withholding (such amount, the “Special Severance Payment”), for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) Executive will be paid all of the Accrued Obligations on the Company’s first payroll date after Executive’s date of termination from employment or earlier if required by law. Executive shall receive the Severance Benefits pursuant to Section 6.1(b) or the Change in Control Severance Benefits (defined below) pursuant to 6.2(a) of this Agreement, as applicable, if: (i) Executive executes and does not revoke a separation agreement containing an effective, general release of claims in favor of the Company and its affiliates and representatives but no other post-employment obligations other than an obligation to continue to abide and be bound by any post-employment obligations set forth in agreements previously entered into with the Company or its affiliates, such as this Agreement or any proprietary rights agreement), in a form acceptable to the Company (the “Release”) and the Release is enforceable and effective as provided in the Release on or before the date that is the sixtieth (60th) day following the effective date of termination (such 60th day, the “Severance Pay Commencement Date”); (ii) if Executive holds any other positions with the Company, Executive resigns such position(s) to be effective no later than the date of Executive’s termination date (or such other date as requested by the Board); (iii) Executive returns all Company property on or before the Severance Pay Commencement Date; (iv) Executive complies with Executive’s post-termination obligations under this Agreement and the Proprietary Information Agreement; and (v) Executive complies with the terms of the Release.

(d) For purposes of this Agreement, “Accrued Obligations” are (i) Executive’s accrued but unpaid salary through the date of termination, (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive payable in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policies, and (iii) benefits owed to Executive under any qualified retirement plan or health and welfare benefit plan in which Executive was a participant in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of such plan.

(e) The Severance Benefits provided to Executive pursuant to this Section 6.1 are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy or program.

(f) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than a reduction applied in a similar proportional amount to all similarly situated executives; (ii) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company; (iii) a

 

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material reduction in the Executive’s duties, authority and responsibilities relative to the Executive’s duties, authority, and responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction; or (iv) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment, without Executive’s consent, in a manner that lengthens Executive’s one-way commute distance by twenty-five (25) or more miles from Executive’s then-current principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation; not to include a requirement to return to in-person work as set forth in Section 1.3, in which circumstance Good Reason will not apply; provided, however, that, any such termination by Executive shall only be deemed for Good Reason pursuant to this definition if: (1) Executive gives the Company written notice of Executive’s intent to terminate for Good Reason within thirty (30) days following the first occurrence of the condition(s) that Executive believes constitute(s) Good Reason, which notice shall describe such condition(s); (2) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the written notice (the “Cure Period”); and (3) Executive voluntarily terminates employment within thirty (30) days following the end of the Cure Period, or the parties agree in writing to extend such Cure Period.

6.2 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason Coincident with a Change in Control. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company or any successor entity without “Cause” (and not due to Disability or death) or by Executive for Good Reason, in either case, within three (3) months prior to or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a “Change in Control” (as defined in the Plan), and, in either case, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, then in addition to paying or providing Executive with the Accrued Obligations, and subject to compliance with Section 6.1(c), the following additional benefits shall be provided in lieu of, and not in addition to, the Severance Benefits provided for in Section 6.1(b) (the “Change in Control Severance Benefits”):

(a) The Company will pay Executive a lump sum equal to Executive’s then current annual Base Salary, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(b) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date during the COBRA Payment Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, the Special Severance Payment, for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

 

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(c) The Company will pay a bonus equivalent to a pro rata share of Executive’s full Target Amount, for the portion of the performance year completed when Executive’s termination occurs. This bonus will be payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in a lump sum payment on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(d) Notwithstanding the terms of any equity plan or award agreement to the contrary, the time-based vesting conditions applicable to 100% of Executive’s then outstanding stock options and/or other equity awards subject to time-based vesting requirements as of Executive’s termination date shall be accelerated as of the date of termination, and, with respect to any performance-based equity awards, and unless otherwise provided by the applicable award agreement, any performance-based vesting objectives will be deemed achieved at the higher of target or actual performance.

6.3 Termination by the Company for Cause.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, for Cause by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

(b) “Cause” for termination shall mean that the Company has determined in its sole discretion that Executive has engaged in any of the following: (i) Executive’s material breach of any covenant or condition under this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties; (ii) Executive’s material act constituting dishonesty or fraudulent conduct in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company; (iii) any conduct which constitutes a felony or a crime of moral turpitude under applicable law; (iv) material violation of any Company policy; (v) refusal to follow or implement a clear and reasonable directive of Company, or any act of willful or intentional misconduct in relation to the Executive’s duties to the Company; (vi) repeated or willful failure by Executive to perform Executive’s duties in a manner satisfactory to the Company; or (vii) Executive’s breach of fiduciary duty to the Company; provided that Sections 6.3(b)(i), (iv) and (vi) shall only provide the basis for a Cause termination if the Executive has not cured such breach, violation or conduct, to the extent curable, after the expiration of ten (10) days following the Company providing Executive with written notice of such basis for Cause.

6.4 Resignation by Executive.

(a) Executive may resign from Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, by giving notice as described in Section 7.1.

(b) In the event Executive resigns from Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason other than Good Reason in accordance with Sections 6.1 or 6.2, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

 

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6.5 Termination by Virtue of Death or Disability of Executive.

(a) In the event of Executive’s death while employed pursuant to this Agreement, all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate, in accordance with Section 6.6, and the Company shall, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, pay to Executive’s legal representatives all Accrued Obligations.

(b) Subject to applicable state and federal law, the Company shall at all times have the right, upon written notice to Executive, and in accordance with Section 6.6, to terminate Executive’s employment based on Executive’s Disability. Termination by the Company of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall mean termination because Executive is unable due to a physical or mental condition to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position with or without reasonable accommodation for 180 days in the aggregate during any twelve (12) month period or based on the written certification by two licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period. This definition shall be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other applicable federal, state or local law. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company based on Executive’s Disability or Executive voluntarily resigns due to such Disability, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefit, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

6.6 Notice; Effective Date of Termination.

(a) Termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be effective on the earliest of:

(i) immediately after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination, with or without Cause, unless pursuant to Section 6.3(b)(i), if curable, or Section 6.3(b)(vi), in which case ten (10) days after notice if not cured or unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date;

(ii) immediately upon the Executive’s death;

(iii) ten (10) days after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination on account of Executive’s Disability, unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date, provided that Executive has not returned to the full-time performance of Executive’s duties prior to such date;

(iv) ten (10) days after the Executive gives written notice to the Company of Executive’s resignation, provided that the Company may set a termination date at any time between the date of notice and the date of resignation, in which case the Executive’s resignation shall be effective as of such other date. Executive will receive compensation through any required notice period; or

(v) for a termination for Good Reason, immediately upon Executive’s full satisfaction of the requirements of Section 6.1(f).

 

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(b) In the event of a termination for Cause, written confirmation shall specify the subsection(s) of the definition of Cause relied on to support the decision to terminate.

6.7 Cooperation with Company after Termination of Employment. Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to provide reasonable cooperation to the Company in connection with its actual or contemplated defense, prosecution, or investigation of any claims or demands by or against third parties, or other matters arising from events, acts, or failures to act that occurred during the period of Executive’s employment by the Company. Such cooperation includes, without limitation, making Executive available to the Company upon reasonable notice, without subpoena, to provide complete, truthful and accurate information in witness interviews, depositions and trial testimony. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses Executive incurs in connection with any such cooperation (excluding forgone wages, salary, or other compensation) and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs and for more than de minimis service, the parties will agree on a mutually agreeable per diem rate. In addition, in the event Executive is receiving Severance Benefits or Change in Control Severance Benefits, for twelve (12) months after Executive’s employment with the Company ends for any reason, Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in all matters relating to the transition of Executive’s work and responsibilities on behalf of the Company, including, but not limited to, any present, prior or subsequent relationships and the orderly transfer of any such work and institutional knowledge to such other persons as may be designated by the Company. Such transition assistance described in the previous sentence shall not be subject to additional compensation, and the Company will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs.

6.8 Application of Section 409A. It is intended that all of the severance payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively, “Section 409A”) provided under Treasury Regulations Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4) and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. If not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and incorporates by reference all required definitions and payment terms. No severance payments will be made under this Agreement unless Executive’s termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)). For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executive’s right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. If the Company determines that the severance benefits provided under this Agreement constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and if Executive is a “specified employee” of the Company, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance will be delayed as follows: on the earlier to occur of (a) the date that is six months and one day after Executive’s Separation from Service, and (b) the date of Executive’s death (such earlier date, the “Delayed Initial Payment Date”), the Company will

 

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(i) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the severance benefits that Executive would otherwise have received through the Delayed Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the severance benefits had not been delayed pursuant to this Section 6.8 and (ii) commence paying the balance of the severance benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedule set forth in Section 6. No interest shall be due on any amounts deferred pursuant to this Section 6.8. To the extent that any Severance Benefits are deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, and are not otherwise exempt from the application of Section 409A, then, if the period during which Executive may consider and sign the Release spans two calendar years, the payment of any such Severance Benefit will not be made or begin until the later calendar year.

6.9 Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if payments made or benefits provided pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise from the Company or any person or entity are considered “parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Code after the application of all exemptions available under Code Section 280G(b)(5)(A), then such parachute payments will be limited to the greatest amount that may be paid to Executive under Section 280G of the Code without causing any loss of deduction to the Company Group under such section, but only if, by reason of such reduction, the net after tax benefit to Executive will exceed the net after tax benefit if such reduction were not made. “Net after tax benefit” for purposes of this Agreement will mean the sum of (i) the total amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement, plus (ii) all other payments and benefits which the Executive receives or then is entitled to receive from the Company or otherwise that would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, less (iii) the amount of federal, state and local taxes payable with respect to the foregoing calculated at the maximum marginal income tax rate for each year in which the foregoing will be paid to Executive (based upon the rate in effect for such year as set forth in the Code at the time of termination of Executive’s employment), less (iv) the amount of excise taxes imposed with respect to the payments and benefits described in (i) and (ii) above by Section 4999 of the Code. The determination as to whether and to what extent payments are required to be reduced in accordance with this Section 6.9 will be made at the Company’s expense by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional services firm, in either case, as may be designated by the Company prior to a change in control (the “Firm”). In the event of any mistaken underpayment or overpayment under this Agreement, as determined by the Firm, the amount of such underpayment or overpayment will forthwith be paid to Executive or refunded to the Company, as the case may be, with interest at one hundred twenty (120%) of the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code. Any reduction in payments required by this Section 6.9 will occur in the following order: (1) any cash severance, (2) cancellation of equity awards being taken into account at full value that were granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” within the meaning of 280G of the Code in the reverse order of date of grant of the awards (that is, the most recently granted equity awards will be cancelled first); (3) any other cash amount payable to Executive, (4) any benefit valued as a “parachute payment,” (5) the acceleration of vesting of any equity awards that are options, and (6) the acceleration of vesting of any other equity awards. Within any such category of payments and benefits, a reduction will occur first with respect to amounts that are not “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and then with respect to amounts that are. In the event that acceleration of compensation from equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be canceled, subject to the immediately preceding sentence, in the reverse order of the date of grant.

 

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7. General Provisions.

7.1 Notices. Any notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after timely deposit for next-business-day delivery with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next-business-day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at its primary office location, or to legal@rigetti.com, and to Executive at either Executive’s address as listed on the Company payroll records, or Executive’s Company-issued email address, or at such other address as the Company or Executive may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other.

7.2 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.

7.3 Survival. Provisions of this Agreement which by their terms must survive the termination of this Agreement in order to effectuate the intent of the parties will survive any such termination for such period as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

7.4 Waiver. If either party should waive any breach of any provisions of this Agreement, it shall not thereby be deemed to have waived any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.

7.5 Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with regard to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement is the complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of their agreement with regard to this subject matter and supersedes any prior oral discussions or written communications and agreements, including the Prior Agreement. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation other than those expressly contained herein, and it cannot be modified or amended except in writing signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company. The parties have entered into a separate Proprietary Information Agreement and have or may enter into separate agreements related to equity. These separate agreements govern other aspects of the relationship between the parties, have or may have provisions that survive termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, may be amended or superseded by the parties without regard to this Agreement and are enforceable according to their terms without regard to the enforcement provision of this Agreement.

7.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one party, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same Agreement. The parties agree that facsimile and scanned image copies of signatures, including DocuSign, will suffice as original signatures.

 

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7.7 Withholding Taxes. The Company will be entitled to withhold from any payment due to Executive hereunder any amounts required to be withheld by applicable tax laws or regulations.

7.8 Headings. The headings of the sections hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.

7.9 Successors and Assigns. The Company shall assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any Company or other entity with or into which the Company may hereafter merge or consolidate or to which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said Company or other entity shall by operation of law or expressly in writing assume all obligations of the Company hereunder as fully as if it had been originally made a party hereto, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder. Executive may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder, other than to Executive’s estate upon Executive’s death.

7.10 Choice of Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington.

7.11 Dispute Resolution. The parties recognize that litigation in federal or state courts or before federal or state administrative agencies of disputes arising out of the Executive’s employment with the Company or out of this Agreement, or the Executive’s termination of employment or termination of this Agreement, may not be in the best interests of either the Executive or the Company, and may result in unnecessary costs, delays, complexities, and uncertainty. Except where prohibited by law, the parties agree that any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to the negotiation, execution, performance or termination of this Agreement or the Executive’s employment, including, but not limited to, any claim arising out of this Agreement, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1966, as amended, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Executive Retirement Income Security Act, and any similar federal, state or local law, statute, regulation, or any common law doctrine, whether that dispute arises during or after employment, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association. The location for the arbitration shall be in King County, Washington. Any award made by such panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties for all purposes, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators’ fees and expenses and all administrative fees and expenses associated with the filing of the arbitration shall be borne by the Company; provided however, that at the Executive’s option, Executive may voluntarily pay up to one-half the costs and fees. The parties acknowledge and agree that their obligations to arbitrate under this Section survive the termination of this Agreement and continue after the termination of the employment relationship between Executive and the Company. The parties each further agree that the arbitration provisions of this Agreement shall provide each party with its exclusive remedy, and each party expressly waives any right it might have to seek redress in any other forum, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement. By election arbitration as the means for final settlement of all claims, the parties hereby waive their respective rights to, and agree not to, sue each other in any action in a Federal, State or local

 

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court with respect to such claims, but may seek to enforce in court an arbitration award rendered pursuant to this Agreement. The parties specifically agree to waive their respective rights to a trial by jury, and further agree that no demand, request or motion will be made for trial by jury.

[SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

RIGETTI HOLDINGS, INC.
By:   /s/ Chad Rigetti
  Name: Chad Rigetti
  Title: CEO

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Mike Harburn

Mike Harburn

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

EX-10.29

Exhibit 10.29

AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of February 2, 2022 (“Agreement”) is by and between Rick Danis (“Executive”) and RIGETTI HOLDINGS, Inc. (the “Company”).

WHEREAS, Executive is employed by the Company as its General Counsel;

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company executed a certain Executive Employment Agreement on January 25, 2022 (the “Prior Agreement”) and now wish to amend and restate the Prior Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive on and following the Effective Date (as defined below) and provide Executive with certain compensation and benefits in return for Executive’s services, and Executive agrees to continue to be employed by the Company in such capacity and to receive the compensation and benefits on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree to the following:

1. Employment by the Company.

1.1 Contingent on Transaction. The effective date (“Effective Date”) of the employment terms in this Agreement shall be contingent upon and concurrent with the “Closing Date” as defined in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 6, 2021, by and among the Company, Supernova Partners Acquisition Company II, Ltd., Supernova Merger Sub, Inc. and Supernova Romeo Merger Sub, LLC (the “Merger Agreement”) and, contingent on occurrence of the Closing Date, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede and replace the prior offer letter in effect between Company and Executive as of the Effective Date. If the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement do not close, this Agreement shall have no effect and shall terminate as of the termination of the Merger Agreement, and neither the Company nor the Executive shall have obligations hereunder. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

1.2 Position. Subject to the terms set forth herein, the Company agrees to employ Executive in the position of General Counsel, and Executive hereby accepts such continued employment on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1.3 Duties. As General Counsel, Executive will report to the Chief Operating Officer of the Company (the “COO”), performing such duties as are normally associated with the position and such duties as are assigned from time to time, subject to the oversight and direction of the COO. During calendar year 2022, Executive shall be permitted to work remotely within the United States at Executive’s discretion. Executive shall make such business trips to such places as may be reasonably necessary or advisable for the efficient operations of the Company.


1.4 Company Policies and Benefits. The employment relationship between the parties shall also be subject to the Company’s personnel policies and procedures as they may be interpreted, adopted, revised or deleted from time to time in the Company’s sole discretion. Executive will be eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in the Company’s benefit plans in effect from time to time during Executive’s employment. All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plan. The Company reserves the right to change, alter, or terminate any benefit plan in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

1.5 Vacation. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall also receive unlimited paid time off subject to the Company’s vacation policies and procedures as in effect or amended from time to time.

1.6 Indemnification. Subject to applicable law, Executive will be provided indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, all as amended, including, if applicable, any directors and officers insurance policies, with such indemnification to be on terms determined by the Board or any of its committees. Such indemnification shall be documented in an Indemnification Agreement provided after the Closing Date subject to approval by the Board.

2. Compensation.

2.1 Salary. Executive shall receive for Executive’s services to be rendered under this Agreement an initial base salary of $309,000 on an annualized basis, subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its sole discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (“Base Salary”).

2.2 Cash Bonus Upon Closing. Contingent upon the occurrence of the Closing Date and Executive’s continued employment with the Company through such date, Executive shall receive a bonus between $50,000 and $500,000, determined by the Board based on the gross proceeds of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, in recognition of Executive’s contributions to the Company (the “Cash Closing Bonus”). The Closing Bonus, if earned, will be payable on or about the Closing Date.

2.3 Annual Bonus. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive shall be eligible for a discretionary annual cash bonus of a target amount equal to 25% of Base Salary (“Target Amount”), subject to review and adjustment by the Company in its reasonable discretion, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements. Whether or not Executive earns any bonus will be dependent upon (a) Executive’s continuous performance of services to the Company through the last date of the applicable performance period, unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement; and (b) the actual achievement by Executive and the

 

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Company of the applicable performance targets and goals set by the Board or its Compensation Committee. The annual period over which performance is measured for purposes of this bonus is January 1 through December 31. The Board or its Compensation Committee will determine in its reasonable discretion the extent to which Executive and the Company have achieved the performance goals upon which the bonus is based and the amount of the bonus, which could be above or below the Target Amount (and may be zero). The bonus, if awarded, will be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year for which the bonus is being measured.

2.4 Equity.

(a) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (“Compensation Committee”), on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock determined by the following formula: 290,000 less the product of 159,234 multiplied by the final Exchange Ratio (as determined pursuant to the Merger Agreement) (the “Initial RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Initial RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Initial RSU Award. The Initial RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of that certain 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Initial RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: (i) 50% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will vest in substantially equal installments (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) at the end of each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of 12 months and (ii) the remaining 50% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will vest in in substantially equal installments (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) at the end of each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years, with prongs (i) and (ii) occurring concurrently, such that, at the end of the 12-month period immediately following the vesting commencement date, 62.5% of the total number of Initial RSU Awards will have vested (subject to the Executive’s Continuous Service (as defined in the Plan) on such vesting date). In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 100% of the then unvested shares subject to the Initial RSU Award shall vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control, subject to Executive’s Continuous Service through such date. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Initial RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Initial RSU Award.

(b) Subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee, on the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, the Company will grant Executive restricted stock units to acquire 102,800 shares of Company common stock (the “Refresh RSU Award”). To be eligible for the Refresh RSU Award, Executive must still be employed by the Company when the Board or the Compensation Committee grants the Refresh RSU Award. The Refresh RSU Award will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form approved by the Company. The Refresh RSU Award will vest in accordance with the following schedule: one-forty eighth (1/48th)

 

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of the total number of Refresh RSU Awards (rounded down, except for the final scheduled vesting installment) will satisfy time-based vesting each month following the vesting commencement date over a period of four years. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 100% of the then unvested shares subject to the Refresh RSU Award shall vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control, subject to Executive’s Continuous Service through such date. In the event that Executive is terminated for Cause, as defined below, the Refresh RSU Award will cease to vest as of the date of termination and the Executive will have no further right, title or interest in the Refresh RSU Award.

(c) On the effective date the Company’s first filing of an S-8 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that occurs following the Closing Date, subject to the approval of the Board or the Compensation Committee and Executive’s continued employment with the Company through such date, Executive shall receive a grant of 25,000 shares of Company common stock, in recognition of his contributions to the Company (the “Stock Closing Bonus”). The Stock Closing Bonus will be granted subject to the Plan and the terms and conditions of an applicable stock award agreement.

(d) Executive is also eligible to receive restricted stock units to acquire shares of Company common stock (the “PSU Awards”), if certain performance-based milestones established by the Company are satisfied in the future and provided that Executive has remained continuously employed by the Company through the date that the Board or the Compensation Committee grants such PSU Awards. The PSU Awards, if granted, will be issued subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company and shall vest in accordance with the terms therein.

(e) Executive will also be eligible to receive awards of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other equity awards pursuant to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time. The Board or a committee of the Board shall determine in its discretion whether Executive shall be granted any such equity awards and the terms of any such award in accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time.

2.5 Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policy, as the same may be modified by the Company from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code: (a) any such reimbursements will be paid no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, (b) the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and (c) the right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

3. Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Obligations. As a condition of continued employment, Executive agrees to execute and abide by a Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement attached as Exhibit A (“Proprietary Information Agreement”), which may be amended by the parties from time to time without regard to this Agreement. The Proprietary Information Agreement contains provisions that are intended by the parties to survive and do survive termination of this Agreement.

 

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4. Outside Activities during Employment. During the term of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will work on a full-time basis for the Company and will devote Executive’s best efforts and substantially all of Executive’s business time and attention to the business of the Company. Except with the prior written consent of the Board, including consent given to Executive prior to the signing of this Agreement, Executive will not, while employed by the Company, undertake or engage in any other employment, occupation or business enterprise that would interfere with Executive’s responsibilities and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder except for (i) reasonable time devoted to volunteer services for or on behalf of such religious, educational, non-profit and/or other charitable organization as Executive may wish to serve, (ii) reasonable time devoted to activities in the non-profit and business communities consistent with Executive’s duties; and (iii) such other activities as may be specifically approved by the Board, and such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. This restriction shall not, however, preclude Executive (x) from owning less than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding shares of a publicly traded company, or (y) from employment or service in any capacity with Affiliates of the Company. As used in this Agreement, “Affiliates” means an entity under common management or control with the Company.

5. No Conflict with Existing Obligations. Executive represents that Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement does not and will not breach any agreement or obligation of any kind made prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, including agreements or obligations Executive may have with prior employers or entities for which Executive has provided services. Executive has not entered into, and Executive agrees that Executive will not enter into, any agreement or obligation, either written or oral, in conflict herewith.

6. Termination of Employment. The parties acknowledge that Executive’s employment relationship with the Company is at-will, meaning either the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. The provisions in this Section govern the amount of compensation, if any, to be provided to Executive upon termination of employment and do not alter Executive’s at-will status.

6.1 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Section 6.1 at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, without “Cause” (as defined in Section 6.3(b) below) by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. A termination pursuant to Section 6.5 below is not a termination without “Cause” for purposes of receiving the benefits described in Sections 6.1 or Section 6.2.

(b) If the Company terminates Executive’s employment at any time without Cause or Executive terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason and provided that such termination constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, a “Separation from Service”), then Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (defined below). If Executive complies with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) below, Executive shall also be eligible to receive the following “Severance Benefits”:

 

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(i) The Company will pay Executive an amount equal to Executive’s then current Base Salary for twelve (12) months, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid in equal installments on the Company’s normal payroll schedule following the termination date, with the first payment beginning on the Severance Pay Commencement Date (as defined in Section 6.1(c) below), and the remaining installments occurring on the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll dates thereafter; provided that on the Severance Pay Commencement Date, the Company will pay in a lump sum the aggregate amount of the cash severance payments that the Company would have paid Executive through such date had the payments commenced on the effective date of termination through the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(ii) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date until the earliest of: (i) twelve (12) months following the termination date (the “COBRA Severance Period”); (ii) the date when Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment; or (iii) the date Executive ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination (such period from the termination date through the earlier of (i)-(iii), (the “COBRA Payment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the COBRA premium for such month, subject to applicable tax withholding (such amount, the “Special Severance Payment”), for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) Executive will be paid all of the Accrued Obligations on the Company’s first payroll date after Executive’s date of termination from employment or earlier if required by law. Executive shall receive the Severance Benefits pursuant to Section 6.1(b) or the Change in Control Severance Benefits (defined below) pursuant to 6.2(a) of this Agreement, as applicable, if: (i) Executive executes and does not revoke a separation agreement containing an effective, general release of claims in favor of the Company and its affiliates and representatives but no other post-employment obligations other than an obligation to continue to abide and be bound by any post-employment obligations set forth in agreements previously entered into with the Company or its affiliates, such as this Agreement or any proprietary rights agreement), in a form acceptable to the Company (the “Release”) and the Release is enforceable and effective as provided in the Release on or before the date that is the sixtieth (60th) day following the effective date of termination (such 60th day, the “Severance Pay Commencement Date”); (ii) if Executive holds any other positions with the Company, Executive resigns such position(s) to be effective no

 

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later than the date of Executive’s termination date (or such other date as requested by the Board); (iii) Executive returns all Company property on or before the Severance Pay Commencement Date; (iv) Executive complies with Executive’s post-termination obligations under this Agreement and the Proprietary Information Agreement; and (v) Executive complies with the terms of the Release.

(d) For purposes of this Agreement, “Accrued Obligations” are (i) Executive’s accrued but unpaid salary through the date of termination, (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive payable in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policies, and (iii) benefits owed to Executive under any qualified retirement plan or health and welfare benefit plan in which Executive was a participant in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of such plan.

(e) The Severance Benefits provided to Executive pursuant to this Section 6.1 are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy or program.

(f) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than a reduction applied in a similar proportional amount to all similarly situated executives; (ii) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company; (iii) a material reduction in the Executive’s duties, authority and responsibilities relative to the Executive’s duties, authority, and responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iv) a material change in Executive’s reporting relationship, other than such change made directly in connection with organizational changes resulting from a Change in Control; or (v) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment, without Executive’s consent, in a manner that lengthens Executive’s one-way commute distance by twenty-five (25) or more miles from Executive’s then-current principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation; not to include a requirement to return to in-person work as set forth in Section 1.3, in which circumstance Good Reason will not apply; provided, however, that, any such termination by Executive shall only be deemed for Good Reason pursuant to this definition if: (1) Executive gives the Company written notice of Executive’s intent to terminate for Good Reason within thirty (30) days following the first occurrence of the condition(s) that Executive believes constitute(s) Good Reason, which notice shall describe such condition(s); (2) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the written notice (the “Cure Period”); and (3) Executive voluntarily terminates employment within thirty (30) days following the end of the Cure Period, or the parties agree in writing to extend such Cure Period.

6.2 Termination by the Company without Cause or for Good Reason Coincident with a Change in Control. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company or any successor entity without “Cause” (and not due to Disability or death) or by Executive for Good Reason, in either case, within three (3) months prior to or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a “Change in Control” (as defined in the Plan), and, in either case, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, then in addition to paying or providing Executive with the Accrued Obligations, and subject to compliance with Section 6.1(c), the following additional benefits shall be provided in lieu of, and not in addition to, the Severance Benefits provided for in Section 6.1(b) (the “Change in Control Severance Benefits”):

 

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(a) The Company will pay Executive a lump sum equal to Executive’s then current annual Base Salary, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(b) If Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s covered dependents under the Company’s group health plans following such termination, then the Company shall pay the COBRA premiums necessary to continue Executive’s and Executive’s covered dependents’ health insurance coverage in effect for Executive (and Executive’s covered dependents) on the termination date during the COBRA Payment Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Company determines that its payment of COBRA premiums on Executive’s behalf would result in a violation of applicable law (including, but not limited to, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of paying COBRA premiums pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, the Special Severance Payment, for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period. Nothing in this Agreement shall deprive Executive of Executive’s rights under COBRA or ERISA for benefits under plans and policies arising under Executive’s employment by the Company.

(c) The Company will pay a bonus equivalent to a pro rata share of Executive’s full Target Amount, for the portion of the performance year completed when Executive’s termination occurs. This bonus will be payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in a lump sum payment on the Severance Pay Commencement Date.

(d) Notwithstanding the terms of any equity plan or award agreement to the contrary, the time-based vesting conditions applicable to 100% of Executive’s then outstanding stock options and/or other equity awards subject to time-based vesting requirements as of Executive’s termination date shall be accelerated as of the date of termination, and, with respect to any performance-based equity awards, and unless otherwise provided by the applicable award agreement, any performance-based vesting objectives will be deemed achieved at the higher of target or actual performance.

6.3 Termination by the Company for Cause.

(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, for Cause by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

 

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(b) “Cause” for termination shall mean that the Company has determined in its sole discretion that Executive has engaged in any of the following: (i) Executive’s material breach of any covenant or condition under this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties; (ii) Executive’s material act constituting dishonesty or fraudulent conduct in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company; (iii) any conduct which constitutes a felony or a crime of moral turpitude under applicable law; (iv) material violation of any Company policy; (v) refusal to follow or implement a clear and reasonable directive of Company, or any act of willful or intentional misconduct in relation to the Executive’s duties to the Company; (vi) repeated or willful failure by Executive to perform Executive’s duties in a manner satisfactory to the Company; or (vii) Executive’s breach of fiduciary duty to the Company; provided that Sections 6.3(b)(i), (iv) and (vi) shall only provide the basis for a Cause termination if the Executive has not cured such breach, violation or conduct, to the extent curable, after the expiration of ten (10) days following the Company providing Executive with written notice of such basis for Cause.

6.4 Resignation by Executive.

(a) Executive may resign from Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in accordance with Section 6.6, by giving notice as described in Section 7.1.

(b) In the event Executive resigns from Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason other than Good Reason in accordance with Sections 6.1 or 6.2, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

6.5 Termination by Virtue of Death or Disability of Executive.

(a) In the event of Executive’s death while employed pursuant to this Agreement, all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate, in accordance with Section 6.6, and the Company shall, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, pay to Executive’s legal representatives all Accrued Obligations.

(b) Subject to applicable state and federal law, the Company shall at all times have the right, upon written notice to Executive, and in accordance with Section 6.6, to terminate Executive’s employment based on Executive’s Disability. Termination by the Company of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall mean termination because Executive is unable due to a physical or mental condition to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position with or without reasonable accommodation for 180 days in the aggregate during any twelve (12) month period or based on the written certification by two licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period. This definition shall be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other applicable federal, state or local law. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company based on Executive’s Disability or Executive voluntarily resigns due to such Disability, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits, Change in Control Severance Benefits, or any other severance compensation or benefit, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

 

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6.6 Notice; Effective Date of Termination.

(a) Termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be effective on the earliest of:

(i) immediately after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination, with or without Cause, unless pursuant to Section 6.3(b)(i), if curable, or Section 6.3(b)(vi), in which case ten (10) days after notice if not cured or unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date;

(ii) immediately upon the Executive’s death;

(iii) ten (10) days after the Company gives notice to Executive of Executive’s termination on account of Executive’s Disability, unless the Company specifies a later date, in which case, termination shall be effective as of such later date, provided that Executive has not returned to the full-time performance of Executive’s duties prior to such date;

(iv) ten (10) days after the Executive gives written notice to the Company of Executive’s resignation, provided that the Company may set a termination date at any time between the date of notice and the date of resignation, in which case the Executive’s resignation shall be effective as of such other date. Executive will receive compensation through any required notice period; or

(v) for a termination for Good Reason, immediately upon Executive’s full satisfaction of the requirements of Section 6.1(f).

(b) In the event of a termination for Cause, written confirmation shall specify the subsection(s) of the definition of Cause relied on to support the decision to terminate.

6.7 Cooperation with Company after Termination of Employment. Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to provide reasonable cooperation to the Company in connection with its actual or contemplated defense, prosecution, or investigation of any claims or demands by or against third parties, or other matters arising from events, acts, or failures to act that occurred during the period of Executive’s employment by the Company. Such cooperation includes, without limitation, making Executive available to the Company upon reasonable notice, without subpoena, to provide complete, truthful and accurate information in witness interviews, depositions and trial testimony. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses Executive incurs in connection with any such cooperation (excluding forgone wages, salary, or other compensation) and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs and for more than de minimis service, the parties will agree on a mutually agreeable per diem rate. In addition, in the event Executive is receiving Severance Benefits or Change in Control Severance Benefits, for twelve (12) months after Executive’s employment with the Company ends for any reason, Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in all matters relating to the transition of Executive’s work and responsibilities on behalf of the Company, including, but not limited to, any present, prior or subsequent relationships and the orderly transfer of any such work and institutional knowledge to such other persons as may be designated by the Company. Such transition assistance described in the previous sentence shall not be subject to additional compensation, and the Company will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Executive’s scheduling needs.

 

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6.8 Application of Section 409A. It is intended that all of the severance payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively, “Section 409A”) provided under Treasury Regulations Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4) and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. If not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and incorporates by reference all required definitions and payment terms. No severance payments will be made under this Agreement unless Executive’s termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)). For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executive’s right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. If the Company determines that the severance benefits provided under this Agreement constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and if Executive is a “specified employee” of the Company, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance will be delayed as follows: on the earlier to occur of (a) the date that is six months and one day after Executive’s Separation from Service, and (b) the date of Executive’s death (such earlier date, the “Delayed Initial Payment Date”), the Company will (i) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the severance benefits that Executive would otherwise have received through the Delayed Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the severance benefits had not been delayed pursuant to this Section 6.8 and (ii) commence paying the balance of the severance benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedule set forth in Section 6. No interest shall be due on any amounts deferred pursuant to this Section 6.8. To the extent that any Severance Benefits are deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, and are not otherwise exempt from the application of Section 409A, then, if the period during which Executive may consider and sign the Release spans two calendar years, the payment of any such Severance Benefit will not be made or begin until the later calendar year.

6.9 Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if payments made or benefits provided pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise from the Company or any person or entity are considered “parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Code after the application of all exemptions available under Code Section 280G(b)(5)(A), then such parachute payments will be limited to the greatest amount that may be paid to Executive under Section 280G of the Code without causing any loss of deduction to the Company Group under such section, but only if, by reason of such reduction, the net after tax benefit to Executive will exceed the net after tax benefit if such reduction were not made. “Net after tax benefit” for purposes of this Agreement will mean the sum of (i) the total amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement, plus (ii) all other payments and benefits which the Executive receives or then is entitled to receive from the Company or otherwise that would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, less (iii) the amount of federal, state

 

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and local taxes payable with respect to the foregoing calculated at the maximum marginal income tax rate for each year in which the foregoing will be paid to Executive (based upon the rate in effect for such year as set forth in the Code at the time of termination of Executive’s employment), less (iv) the amount of excise taxes imposed with respect to the payments and benefits described in (i) and (ii) above by Section 4999 of the Code. The determination as to whether and to what extent payments are required to be reduced in accordance with this Section 6.9 will be made at the Company’s expense by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional services firm, in either case, as may be designated by the Company prior to a change in control (the “Firm”). In the event of any mistaken underpayment or overpayment under this Agreement, as determined by the Firm, the amount of such underpayment or overpayment will forthwith be paid to Executive or refunded to the Company, as the case may be, with interest at one hundred twenty (120%) of the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code. Any reduction in payments required by this Section 6.9 will occur in the following order: (1) any cash severance, (2) cancellation of equity awards being taken into account at full value that were granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” within the meaning of 280G of the Code in the reverse order of date of grant of the awards (that is, the most recently granted equity awards will be cancelled first); (3) any other cash amount payable to Executive, (4) any benefit valued as a “parachute payment,” (5) the acceleration of vesting of any equity awards that are options, and (6) the acceleration of vesting of any other equity awards. Within any such category of payments and benefits, a reduction will occur first with respect to amounts that are not “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and then with respect to amounts that are. In the event that acceleration of compensation from equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be canceled, subject to the immediately preceding sentence, in the reverse order of the date of grant.

7. General Provisions.

7.1 Notices. Any notices hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after timely deposit for next-business-day delivery with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next-business-day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at its primary office location, or to legal@rigetti.com, and to Executive at either Executive’s address as listed on the Company payroll records, or Executive’s Company-issued email address, or at such other address as the Company or Executive may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other.

7.2 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.

 

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7.3 Survival. Provisions of this Agreement which by their terms must survive the termination of this Agreement in order to effectuate the intent of the parties will survive any such termination for such period as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

7.4 Waiver. If either party should waive any breach of any provisions of this Agreement, it shall not thereby be deemed to have waived any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.

7.5 Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with regard to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement is the complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of their agreement with regard to this subject matter and supersedes any prior oral discussions or written communications and agreements, including the Prior Agreement. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation other than those expressly contained herein, and it cannot be modified or amended except in writing signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company. The parties have entered into a separate Proprietary Information Agreement and have or may enter into separate agreements related to equity. These separate agreements govern other aspects of the relationship between the parties, have or may have provisions that survive termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, may be amended or superseded by the parties without regard to this Agreement and are enforceable according to their terms without regard to the enforcement provision of this Agreement.

7.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one party, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same Agreement. The parties agree that facsimile and scanned image copies of signatures, including DocuSign, will suffice as original signatures.

7.7 Withholding Taxes. The Company will be entitled to withhold from any payment due to Executive hereunder any amounts required to be withheld by applicable tax laws or regulations.

7.8 Headings. The headings of the sections hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.

7.9 Successors and Assigns. The Company shall assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any Company or other entity with or into which the Company may hereafter merge or consolidate or to which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said Company or other entity shall by operation of law or expressly in writing assume all obligations of the Company hereunder as fully as if it had been originally made a party hereto, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder. Executive may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder, other than to Executive’s estate upon Executive’s death.

7.10 Choice of Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington.

 

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7.11 Dispute Resolution. The parties recognize that litigation in federal or state courts or before federal or state administrative agencies of disputes arising out of the Executive’s employment with the Company or out of this Agreement, or the Executive’s termination of employment or termination of this Agreement, may not be in the best interests of either the Executive or the Company, and may result in unnecessary costs, delays, complexities, and uncertainty. Except where prohibited by law, the parties agree that any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to the negotiation, execution, performance or termination of this Agreement or the Executive’s employment, including, but not limited to, any claim arising out of this Agreement, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1966, as amended, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Executive Retirement Income Security Act, and any similar federal, state or local law, statute, regulation, or any common law doctrine, whether that dispute arises during or after employment, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association. The location for the arbitration shall be in King County, Washington. Any award made by such panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties for all purposes, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators’ fees and expenses and all administrative fees and expenses associated with the filing of the arbitration shall be borne by the Company; provided however, that at the Executive’s option, Executive may voluntarily pay up to one-half the costs and fees. The parties acknowledge and agree that their obligations to arbitrate under this Section survive the termination of this Agreement and continue after the termination of the employment relationship between Executive and the Company. The parties each further agree that the arbitration provisions of this Agreement shall provide each party with its exclusive remedy, and each party expressly waives any right it might have to seek redress in any other forum, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement. By election arbitration as the means for final settlement of all claims, the parties hereby waive their respective rights to, and agree not to, sue each other in any action in a Federal, State or local court with respect to such claims, but may seek to enforce in court an arbitration award rendered pursuant to this Agreement. The parties specifically agree to waive their respective rights to a trial by jury, and further agree that no demand, request or motion will be made for trial by jury.

[SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

RIGETTI HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Chad Rigetti

  Name: Chad Rigetti
  Title:   CEO
EXECUTIVE

/s/ Rick Danis

Rick Danis

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]