I'd be interested in the economics of founders selling to their employees from a founder's point of view. It seems like a way to protect a founder's legacy after they exit.
Where does the money come from? Do the employees get a loan and then the money from the loan go to the founder? Does the founder provide a loan to the employees and receive regular payments on the loan? Do the employees have to have cash? Do all employees own equal shares regardless of role of employment length? Do employees buy businesses at the market rate?
Employee Stock Options Programs (ESOPs) are the way most conduct this transaction. It's frequently a way for a founder to sell to employees due to relationships/promises, to get a higher valuation than the market offers, or, like with options, to incentivize productivity and retention.
The employees can get a loan with the business as collateral but the founder/s is going to hold a note as well. Assignments of stock are similar to options - customizable but more valuable employees get the lion's share.
Where does the money come from? Do the employees get a loan and then the money from the loan go to the founder? Does the founder provide a loan to the employees and receive regular payments on the loan? Do the employees have to have cash? Do all employees own equal shares regardless of role of employment length? Do employees buy businesses at the market rate?