CoreWeave, the AI-hyperscaler, went public on March 28, 2025, pricing its IPO at $40 per share under ticker CRWV, raising $1.5 billion at a valuation of approximately $19 billion ($23 billion fully diluted).
The debut came after an IPO price range reduction from $47–$55—a signal of recalibrated investor sentiment. The offering included a 5% directed share program for employees, plus a 30-day over-allotment option for underwriters.
This public event marks a pivotal moment: your RSUs convert to actual shares and may be taxable, and your stock options are exercisable under new rules. Let's break down how this affects you—and what to do next.
🧩 What Equity You Likely Hold
1. 🔐 RSUs
- 4‑year vesting with 1-year cliff and monthly thereafter.
- Double-trigger: vesting plus liquidity event (IPO) required
- S‑1 confirms prior settlement of performance‑based RSUs upon IPO
2. 💼 Stock Options (ISOs & NSOs)
- Early hires may hold ISOs/NSOs.
- Early exercise has been permitted—starts the QSBS clock and lays groundwork for AMT strategies.
💰 What IPO Means for Your Tax and Liquidity
✅ RSU Settlement & Taxes
- Vested RSUs will settle based on the $40 IPO price, producing W-2 income.
- Withholding may lag (~22%), but your marginal tax bracket could be 35–37%—creating a funding gap.
⚠️ Lock-Up & Selling Timeline
- Standard 180-day lock-up, with possible partial sales afterward.
- Plan for liquidity needs before the lock-up ends.
🧾 Exercise ISOs Post-IPO
- Exercising now may expose you to grant–to–FMV AMT and establish long-term capital gains & QSBS eligibility (if held >5 years).
🌟 Strategic Moves for CoreWeave Employees
- Model Your Tax Outcomes
Project income from RSUs × $40/share. Build out withholding needs and April tax liquidity. - Plan for Lock-Up Restrictions
Hold enough cash or liquidate post-lock-up to fund taxes—even if the stock sits stagnant early. - Leverage the Employee Directed Share Program
Participate but don’t overcommit. Diversify revenue-driven equity to manage risk. - Build Your QSBS & AMT Plan
Identify early shares acquired pre-funding >$50M. Document timelines and ISO exercise dates to maximize §1202 benefits. - Coordinate Tax & Financial Planning
I help clients integrate stock planning with their tax returns, diversification, charitable giving, and longer-term wealth goals.
❌ Common Employee Pitfalls
Mistake | Consequence |
---|---|
Under-withholding | Large April tax bills |
Overconcentration in CRWV | Portfolio volatility |
Neglecting QSBS holding period | Missed tax savings |
Exercising without AMT plan | Unnecessary tax burden |
🧠 Why Work With Me — A Flat‑Fee Equity + Tax Advisor
- Expertise in tax-integrated equity planning.
- Flat-fee model—no AUM fees, no commissions, no conflicts.
- I handle everything from RSU/ISO modeling to lock-up timing, QSBS eligibility, and full tax prep.
- I've helped professionals at Palantir, Asana and Braze manage IPO, AMT, and long-term wealth outcomes.
💼 Ready to Build Your CoreWeave Equity Strategy?
If you’re a CoreWeave employee navigating vesting, tax, and sale timing at CRWV post-IPO, let’s connect. We'll build a tactical, tax-smart plan to protect your wealth and optimize outcomes.
📅 Schedule Your Equity Strategy Call
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