Startup already received Series A funding. I have a minor amount (around 1,500) of vested options at a roughly $3.25 strike price. New valuation post sale of part of business is around $8.50. As part of the distribution, company is offering employees the opportunity to exercise/sell their vested options at new option price, netting me a minor profit (several thousand). FYI, I also received a regular cash bonus, to reward me for my contribution to the product sold and to compensate for my minimal vestment at the time of distribution.
Is it wise to take the minor profit or hold on to my options (which now constitute a larger slice of a smaller pie, given the company's valuation and outstanding shares are decreased post-distribution/sale).
I know that the profit will be subject to regular income tax, which sucks. Anyway, should the only consideration be whether I'm bullish on the company's future?
I'm new to this stuff, so any insight is appreciated...thank you.
