# What is Single-Trigger Acceleration? Definition & Technical Mechanics

> **Source:** [SPIDITS AI Startup & Venture Intelligence Glossary](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary)  
> **Category:** Legal  
> **Canonical Citation:** [https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/single-trigger](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/single-trigger)

## Definition
Single-Trigger Acceleration is an equity clause that accelerates vesting immediately upon a change of control (acquisition), regardless of whether the employee remains with the company.

## Architectural Mechanics & Deep Dive
Single-Trigger Acceleration provides immediate equity liquidity upon acquisition. Because it can lead to talent departures, acquirers often push back on single-trigger clauses for key employees.

## Industry Applications & Real-World Use Cases
Early advisor agreements and key hiring incentive design

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Why are investors wary of single-trigger acceleration?
It allows employees to exit immediately after an acquisition with fully vested equity, leaving the acquirer without key personnel.

### When is single-trigger acceleration acceptable?
It is sometimes granted to early advisors, board members, or consultants who are not critical to post-acquisition operations.

## Related Terminology
- [vesting-acceleration](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/vesting-acceleration)
- [acquisition](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/acquisition)
- [double-trigger](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary/double-trigger)

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*From the SPIDITS AI Knowledge Base (311+ terms indexed). Explore full technical definitions: [https://spidits.com/startup-glossary](https://spidits.com/startup-glossary)*