STOCK TITAN

[8-K] Silvaco Group, Inc. Reports Material Event

Filing Impact
(Neutral)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Silvaco Group, Inc. reported a CEO transition and related compensation arrangements. Dr. Babak A. Taheri stepped down as CEO and director, effective August 19, 2025, and entered a Separation Agreement providing severance and other benefits. Under that agreement he will receive aggregate cash severance of $975,484 (equal to 18 months' base salary plus pro‑rata target bonus), COBRA health benefit payments for 15 months, accelerated vesting of 126,161 unvested time‑based restricted stock units, 12 months of car lease payments totaling $12,000, and payment of a $20,000 life insurance premium. The agreement also preserves confidentiality, non‑disparagement and non‑solicit covenants and includes a release of claims.

The Board appointed Dr. Walden C. Rhines as CEO, effective August 19, 2025, and the company entered an employment agreement through March 31, 2027. Dr. Rhines will receive an annual base salary of $160,000 and may receive performance‑based restricted stock unit grants with grant‑date fair values ranging from $100,000 up to an aggregate of $6,252,636, vesting upon achievement of specified VWAP trading thresholds and continued employment through the Term. If terminated under certain conditions before or at the end of the Term, Dr. Rhines may be eligible for a lump sum severance ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000 and accelerated vesting of PRSUs, subject to a release and covenant compliance.

Silvaco Group, Inc. ha comunicato un avvicendamento al ruolo di CEO e le relative misure compensative. Il Dott. Babak A. Taheri si è dimesso da CEO e direttore, con effetto dal 19 agosto 2025, e ha sottoscritto un Accordo di Separazione che prevede indennità e altri benefit. In base all'accordo riceverà una liquidazione in contanti complessiva di $975,484 (pari a 18 mesi di stipendio base più bonus target pro‑rata), pagamenti per le coperture sanitarie COBRA per 15 mesi, l'accelerazione della maturazione di 126,161 unità azionarie ristrette basate sul tempo non ancora vestite, 12 mesi di pagamenti per il noleggio auto per un totale di $12,000 e il pagamento di un premio assicurativo sulla vita di $20,000. L'accordo mantiene inoltre obblighi di riservatezza, non denigrazione e non sollecitazione e include una rinuncia a eventuali reclami.

Il Consiglio ha nominato il Dott. Walden C. Rhines come CEO, con effetto dal 19 agosto 2025, e la società ha stipulato un contratto di lavoro fino al 31 marzo 2027. Il Dott. Rhines percepirà una retribuzione base annua di $160,000 e potrà ricevere assegnazioni di unità azionarie ristrette legate alla performance con valori alla data di concessione compresi tra $100,000 e fino a un totale di $6,252,636, che matureranno al raggiungimento di specifiche soglie di VWAP e al mantenimento dell'impiego per la durata del termine. Se il rapporto di lavoro dovesse terminare in determinate circostanze prima o alla scadenza del termine, il Dott. Rhines potrebbe avere diritto a una liquidazione unica compresa tra $500,000 e $1,000,000 e all'accelerazione della maturazione delle PRSU, subordinatamente a rilascio di reclami e al rispetto delle convenzioni previste.

Silvaco Group, Inc. informó un cambio en la dirección ejecutiva y las compensaciones asociadas. El Dr. Babak A. Taheri renunció como CEO y director, con efecto el 19 de agosto de 2025, y suscribió un Acuerdo de Separación que contempla indemnización y otros beneficios. Según ese acuerdo recibirá una compensación en efectivo total de $975,484 (equivalente a 18 meses de salario base más la bonificación objetivo prorrateada), pagos de COBRA para cobertura de salud durante 15 meses, el aceleramiento del vencimiento de 126,161 unidades restringidas de acciones basadas en tiempo no adquiridas, 12 meses de pagos del leasing del automóvil por un total de $12,000 y el pago de una prima de seguro de vida de $20,000. El acuerdo también mantiene obligaciones de confidencialidad, no desprestigio y no solicitación e incluye una liberación de reclamaciones.

La Junta nombró al Dr. Walden C. Rhines como CEO, con efecto el 19 de agosto de 2025, y la compañía celebró un contrato de trabajo hasta el 31 de marzo de 2027. El Dr. Rhines recibirá un salario base anual de $160,000 y podrá recibir concesiones de unidades restringidas de acciones basadas en desempeño con valores en la fecha de concesión que van desde $100,000 hasta un total de $6,252,636, que vencerán al alcanzar ciertos umbrales de VWAP y al continuar en el puesto durante el plazo. Si se termina su contrato en ciertas condiciones antes o al final del plazo, el Dr. Rhines podría ser elegible para una indemnización única entre $500,000 y $1,000,000 y para el aceleramiento del vencimiento de las PRSU, sujeto a liberación y cumplimiento de convenios.

Silvaco Group, Inc.는 최고경영자 교체 및 관련 보상 조치를 공지했습니다. 바박 A. 타헤리 박사는 2025년 8월 19일부로 CEO 겸 이사직에서 물러났으며, 퇴직 합의서에 따라 퇴직금 및 기타 혜택을 받습니다. 해당 합의에 따라 그는 총 $975,484의 현금 퇴직금(기본급 18개월분 및 비례 배분된 목표 보너스 포함), 15개월분의 COBRA 건강보험료 납부, 미지급 시간 기반 제한주식유닛(RSU) 126,161주의 가속 베스팅, 자동차 리스비 12개월분 총액 $12,000, 생명보험료 $20,000 지급을 받습니다. 또한 합의서는 기밀유지, 비난 금지 및 모집 금지 의무를 유지하고 청구권 포기를 포함합니다.

이사회는 2025년 8월 19일부로 왈든 C. 라인스 박사를 CEO로 임명했으며, 회사는 2027년 3월 31일까지의 고용계약을 체결했습니다. 라인스 박사는 연간 기본급 $160,000을 받으며, 부여일 공정가치가 $100,000에서 최대 총 $6,252,636 범위인 성과기반 제한주식유닛(PRSUs)을 받을 수 있고, 이는 특정 VWAP 거래 기준 달성 및 계약 기간 동안의 계속 고용을 조건으로 베스트됩니다. 계약이 특정 사유로 기간 중 또는 종료 시 해지되는 경우 라인스 박사는 $500,000에서 $1,000,000 사이의 일시금 퇴직금을 받을 수 있고 PRSU의 가속 베스팅 대상이 될 수 있으며, 이는 청구권 포기 및 약정 준수 조건이 붙습니다.

Silvaco Group, Inc. a annoncé une transition du poste de PDG et les dispositions de rémunération associées. Le Dr Babak A. Taheri a démissionné de ses fonctions de PDG et d'administrateur, avec effet au 19 août 2025, et a signé un accord de séparation prévoyant des indemnités et autres avantages. Conformément à cet accord, il percevra une indemnité en espèces totale de $975,484 (équivalente à 18 mois de salaire de base plus la prime cible au prorata), des paiements COBRA pour la couverture santé pendant 15 mois, l'accélération de l'acquisition de 126,161 unités d'actions restreintes à acquisition temporelle non encore acquises, 12 mois de paiements de location de voiture pour un total de $12,000, et le paiement d'une prime d'assurance-vie de $20,000. L'accord maintient également des engagements de confidentialité, de non-dénigrement et de non-sollicitation et comprend une renonciation aux réclamations.

Le conseil d'administration a nommé le Dr Walden C. Rhines au poste de PDG, avec effet au 19 août 2025, et la société a conclu un contrat de travail jusqu'au 31 mars 2027. Le Dr Rhines percevra un salaire de base annuel de $160,000 et pourra recevoir des attributions d'unités d'actions restreintes liées à la performance dont la juste valeur à la date d'attribution est comprise entre $100,000 et jusqu'à un total de $6,252,636, qui seront acquises à la réalisation de seuils VWAP spécifiés et au maintien de l'emploi pendant la durée. Si son contrat est résilié dans certaines conditions avant ou à la fin de la période, le Dr Rhines pourrait avoir droit à une indemnité forfaitaire comprise entre $500,000 et $1,000,000 et à l'accélération de l'acquisition des PRSU, sous réserve d'une renonciation et du respect des engagements.

Silvaco Group, Inc. meldete einen CEO‑Wechsel sowie die damit verbundenen Vergütungsregelungen. Dr. Babak A. Taheri trat zum 19. August 2025 als CEO und Direktor zurück und schloss eine Abfindungsvereinbarung ab, die Abfindungszahlungen und weitere Leistungen vorsieht. Gemäß dieser Vereinbarung erhält er eine einmalige Barabfindung in Höhe von insgesamt $975,484 (entsprechend 18 Monaten Grundgehalt zuzüglich anteiligem Zielbonus), COBRA‑Krankenversicherungszahlungen für 15 Monate, die beschleunigte Vesting von 126,161 noch nicht ausgefallenen zeitbasierten Restricted Stock Units, 12 Monate Leasingzahlungen für ein Auto in Höhe von insgesamt $12,000 sowie die Zahlung einer Lebensversicherungsprämie von $20,000. Die Vereinbarung bewahrt außerdem Vertraulichkeits‑, Nichtverunglimpfungs‑ und Nichtabwerbungsvereinbarungen und beinhaltet einen Verzicht auf Ansprüche.

Der Vorstand ernannte Dr. Walden C. Rhines zum CEO mit Wirkung zum 19. August 2025, und das Unternehmen schloss einen Arbeitsvertrag bis zum 31. März 2027 ab. Dr. Rhines erhält ein jährliches Grundgehalt von $160,000 und kann leistungsabhängige Restricted Stock Unit‑Zuteilungen mit einem Grant‑Date‑Fair‑Value von $100,000 bis zu insgesamt $6,252,636 erhalten, die bei Erreichen bestimmter VWAP‑Handelsschwellen und fortgesetzter Beschäftigung während der Laufzeit vesten. Sollte sein Arbeitsverhältnis unter bestimmten Bedingungen vor oder zum Ende der Laufzeit beendet werden, kann Dr. Rhines Anspruch auf eine Abfindung in Form einer Einmalzahlung zwischen $500,000 und $1,000,000 sowie auf beschleunigtes Vesting der PRSUs haben, vorbehaltlich einer Freistellung von Ansprüchen und der Einhaltung von Zusagen.

Positive
  • Orderly leadership succession: Board appointed an experienced industry veteran, Dr. Walden C. Rhines, as CEO, preserving continuity.
  • Performance‑linked compensation: New CEO’s equity grants (up to $6,252,636) vest only upon achievement of specified VWAP thresholds, aligning pay with shareholder value.
Negative
  • Material separation cost: Former CEO’s cash severance and benefits total at least $975,484 plus COBRA and other payments, and accelerated vesting of 126,161 RSUs increases potential dilution.
  • Significant potential dilution/expense: Performance‑based awards with grant‑date fair value up to $6,252,636 and severance provisions ($500,000–$1,000,000) could materially increase compensation expense if milestones are met or termination triggers occur.

Insights

TL;DR: Leadership change with sizeable exit package and performance‑linked CEO replacement that shifts compensation toward equity tied to stock performance.

The filing documents a voluntary, non‑dispute departure of the prior CEO with a separation package combining cash, benefits continuation and accelerated equity vesting, totaling concrete cash and benefit amounts plus material equity acceleration (126,161 RSUs). The new CEO agreement emphasizes performance‑based equity of up to $6.25M and modest base salary ($160k), aligning pay with market performance thresholds. Standard restrictive covenants and releases are in place. For governance, the accelerated vesting on departure and the thresholded PRSUs for the incoming CEO are material items investors should note for potential dilution and incentive alignment, respectively.

TL;DR: Substantial cash severance and significant equity awards could materially affect compensation expense and potential dilution; incentives are performance‑contingent.

The separation payment of $975,484 plus benefit payments and accelerated vesting of 126,161 RSUs constitute a meaningful one‑time compensation charge. The incoming CEO’s award structure (grant‑date fair values up to $6,252,636 tied to VWAP milestones) transfers upside to long‑term, performance‑contingent equity that vests only with sustained tenure through the Term. The contractual severance floor and cap ($500k–$1M) provide predictable termination costs. These arrangements are customary but materially sized relative to typical executive packages and should be monitored for accounting impact and potential dilution upon vesting.

Silvaco Group, Inc. ha comunicato un avvicendamento al ruolo di CEO e le relative misure compensative. Il Dott. Babak A. Taheri si è dimesso da CEO e direttore, con effetto dal 19 agosto 2025, e ha sottoscritto un Accordo di Separazione che prevede indennità e altri benefit. In base all'accordo riceverà una liquidazione in contanti complessiva di $975,484 (pari a 18 mesi di stipendio base più bonus target pro‑rata), pagamenti per le coperture sanitarie COBRA per 15 mesi, l'accelerazione della maturazione di 126,161 unità azionarie ristrette basate sul tempo non ancora vestite, 12 mesi di pagamenti per il noleggio auto per un totale di $12,000 e il pagamento di un premio assicurativo sulla vita di $20,000. L'accordo mantiene inoltre obblighi di riservatezza, non denigrazione e non sollecitazione e include una rinuncia a eventuali reclami.

Il Consiglio ha nominato il Dott. Walden C. Rhines come CEO, con effetto dal 19 agosto 2025, e la società ha stipulato un contratto di lavoro fino al 31 marzo 2027. Il Dott. Rhines percepirà una retribuzione base annua di $160,000 e potrà ricevere assegnazioni di unità azionarie ristrette legate alla performance con valori alla data di concessione compresi tra $100,000 e fino a un totale di $6,252,636, che matureranno al raggiungimento di specifiche soglie di VWAP e al mantenimento dell'impiego per la durata del termine. Se il rapporto di lavoro dovesse terminare in determinate circostanze prima o alla scadenza del termine, il Dott. Rhines potrebbe avere diritto a una liquidazione unica compresa tra $500,000 e $1,000,000 e all'accelerazione della maturazione delle PRSU, subordinatamente a rilascio di reclami e al rispetto delle convenzioni previste.

Silvaco Group, Inc. informó un cambio en la dirección ejecutiva y las compensaciones asociadas. El Dr. Babak A. Taheri renunció como CEO y director, con efecto el 19 de agosto de 2025, y suscribió un Acuerdo de Separación que contempla indemnización y otros beneficios. Según ese acuerdo recibirá una compensación en efectivo total de $975,484 (equivalente a 18 meses de salario base más la bonificación objetivo prorrateada), pagos de COBRA para cobertura de salud durante 15 meses, el aceleramiento del vencimiento de 126,161 unidades restringidas de acciones basadas en tiempo no adquiridas, 12 meses de pagos del leasing del automóvil por un total de $12,000 y el pago de una prima de seguro de vida de $20,000. El acuerdo también mantiene obligaciones de confidencialidad, no desprestigio y no solicitación e incluye una liberación de reclamaciones.

La Junta nombró al Dr. Walden C. Rhines como CEO, con efecto el 19 de agosto de 2025, y la compañía celebró un contrato de trabajo hasta el 31 de marzo de 2027. El Dr. Rhines recibirá un salario base anual de $160,000 y podrá recibir concesiones de unidades restringidas de acciones basadas en desempeño con valores en la fecha de concesión que van desde $100,000 hasta un total de $6,252,636, que vencerán al alcanzar ciertos umbrales de VWAP y al continuar en el puesto durante el plazo. Si se termina su contrato en ciertas condiciones antes o al final del plazo, el Dr. Rhines podría ser elegible para una indemnización única entre $500,000 y $1,000,000 y para el aceleramiento del vencimiento de las PRSU, sujeto a liberación y cumplimiento de convenios.

Silvaco Group, Inc.는 최고경영자 교체 및 관련 보상 조치를 공지했습니다. 바박 A. 타헤리 박사는 2025년 8월 19일부로 CEO 겸 이사직에서 물러났으며, 퇴직 합의서에 따라 퇴직금 및 기타 혜택을 받습니다. 해당 합의에 따라 그는 총 $975,484의 현금 퇴직금(기본급 18개월분 및 비례 배분된 목표 보너스 포함), 15개월분의 COBRA 건강보험료 납부, 미지급 시간 기반 제한주식유닛(RSU) 126,161주의 가속 베스팅, 자동차 리스비 12개월분 총액 $12,000, 생명보험료 $20,000 지급을 받습니다. 또한 합의서는 기밀유지, 비난 금지 및 모집 금지 의무를 유지하고 청구권 포기를 포함합니다.

이사회는 2025년 8월 19일부로 왈든 C. 라인스 박사를 CEO로 임명했으며, 회사는 2027년 3월 31일까지의 고용계약을 체결했습니다. 라인스 박사는 연간 기본급 $160,000을 받으며, 부여일 공정가치가 $100,000에서 최대 총 $6,252,636 범위인 성과기반 제한주식유닛(PRSUs)을 받을 수 있고, 이는 특정 VWAP 거래 기준 달성 및 계약 기간 동안의 계속 고용을 조건으로 베스트됩니다. 계약이 특정 사유로 기간 중 또는 종료 시 해지되는 경우 라인스 박사는 $500,000에서 $1,000,000 사이의 일시금 퇴직금을 받을 수 있고 PRSU의 가속 베스팅 대상이 될 수 있으며, 이는 청구권 포기 및 약정 준수 조건이 붙습니다.

Silvaco Group, Inc. a annoncé une transition du poste de PDG et les dispositions de rémunération associées. Le Dr Babak A. Taheri a démissionné de ses fonctions de PDG et d'administrateur, avec effet au 19 août 2025, et a signé un accord de séparation prévoyant des indemnités et autres avantages. Conformément à cet accord, il percevra une indemnité en espèces totale de $975,484 (équivalente à 18 mois de salaire de base plus la prime cible au prorata), des paiements COBRA pour la couverture santé pendant 15 mois, l'accélération de l'acquisition de 126,161 unités d'actions restreintes à acquisition temporelle non encore acquises, 12 mois de paiements de location de voiture pour un total de $12,000, et le paiement d'une prime d'assurance-vie de $20,000. L'accord maintient également des engagements de confidentialité, de non-dénigrement et de non-sollicitation et comprend une renonciation aux réclamations.

Le conseil d'administration a nommé le Dr Walden C. Rhines au poste de PDG, avec effet au 19 août 2025, et la société a conclu un contrat de travail jusqu'au 31 mars 2027. Le Dr Rhines percevra un salaire de base annuel de $160,000 et pourra recevoir des attributions d'unités d'actions restreintes liées à la performance dont la juste valeur à la date d'attribution est comprise entre $100,000 et jusqu'à un total de $6,252,636, qui seront acquises à la réalisation de seuils VWAP spécifiés et au maintien de l'emploi pendant la durée. Si son contrat est résilié dans certaines conditions avant ou à la fin de la période, le Dr Rhines pourrait avoir droit à une indemnité forfaitaire comprise entre $500,000 et $1,000,000 et à l'accélération de l'acquisition des PRSU, sous réserve d'une renonciation et du respect des engagements.

Silvaco Group, Inc. meldete einen CEO‑Wechsel sowie die damit verbundenen Vergütungsregelungen. Dr. Babak A. Taheri trat zum 19. August 2025 als CEO und Direktor zurück und schloss eine Abfindungsvereinbarung ab, die Abfindungszahlungen und weitere Leistungen vorsieht. Gemäß dieser Vereinbarung erhält er eine einmalige Barabfindung in Höhe von insgesamt $975,484 (entsprechend 18 Monaten Grundgehalt zuzüglich anteiligem Zielbonus), COBRA‑Krankenversicherungszahlungen für 15 Monate, die beschleunigte Vesting von 126,161 noch nicht ausgefallenen zeitbasierten Restricted Stock Units, 12 Monate Leasingzahlungen für ein Auto in Höhe von insgesamt $12,000 sowie die Zahlung einer Lebensversicherungsprämie von $20,000. Die Vereinbarung bewahrt außerdem Vertraulichkeits‑, Nichtverunglimpfungs‑ und Nichtabwerbungsvereinbarungen und beinhaltet einen Verzicht auf Ansprüche.

Der Vorstand ernannte Dr. Walden C. Rhines zum CEO mit Wirkung zum 19. August 2025, und das Unternehmen schloss einen Arbeitsvertrag bis zum 31. März 2027 ab. Dr. Rhines erhält ein jährliches Grundgehalt von $160,000 und kann leistungsabhängige Restricted Stock Unit‑Zuteilungen mit einem Grant‑Date‑Fair‑Value von $100,000 bis zu insgesamt $6,252,636 erhalten, die bei Erreichen bestimmter VWAP‑Handelsschwellen und fortgesetzter Beschäftigung während der Laufzeit vesten. Sollte sein Arbeitsverhältnis unter bestimmten Bedingungen vor oder zum Ende der Laufzeit beendet werden, kann Dr. Rhines Anspruch auf eine Abfindung in Form einer Einmalzahlung zwischen $500,000 und $1,000,000 sowie auf beschleunigtes Vesting der PRSUs haben, vorbehaltlich einer Freistellung von Ansprüchen und der Einhaltung von Zusagen.

FALSE000194328900019432892025-03-052025-03-05

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 21, 2025
Silvaco Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
001-42043
27-1503712
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
Silvaco Group Inc.
4701 Patrick Henry Drive, Building #23
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (408) 567-1000
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading
Symbol
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Common stock, $0.0001 par value per shareSVCOThe Nasdaq Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
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 13(a) of the Exchange Act.



Item 5.02 Departure of Directors of Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On August 21, 2025, Silvaco Group, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) and Dr. Babak A. Taheri had mutually agreed that Dr. Taheri would step down as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The decision of the Company and Dr. Taheri was not the result of any disagreement on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices. On August 21, 2025, the Board appointed Dr. Walden C. Rhines, as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

In connection with his separation, on August 22, 2025, the Company and Dr. Taheri entered into a Separation Agreement and Release (the “Separation Agreement”), a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto, pursuant to which Dr. Taheri resigned as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board, effective as of August 19, 2025. Under the Separation Agreement Dr. Taheri will receive the severance payments and benefits otherwise payable to him under the Company’s Executive Severance Plan, dated February 20, 2024 (the “Plan”), and certain additional benefits as agreed between Dr. Taheri and the Company, which include (a) aggregate cash severance payments of $975,484, which is equal to 18 months’ annual base salary plus pro-rata target annual bonus; (b) payment of the Company’s portion of Dr. Taheri’s health and welfare benefit costs pursuant to COBRA for 15 months; (c) accelerated vesting of 126,161 unvested, time-based restricted stock units; (d) 12 months of car lease payments, totaling $12,000; and (e) payment of Dr. Taheri’s 2025 life insurance premium, totaling $20,000, to be paid directly to the insurance company. The Separation Agreement provides that Dr. Taheri will remain bound by the restrictive covenants (including those related to confidentiality, non-disparagement, and employee non-solicitation) contained therein and within his Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, dated July 13, 2021. The Separation Agreement contains other customary terms and conditions, including a release by Dr. Taheri of any claims against the Company.

Dr. Rhines, age 78, has served as a non-employee member of the Company’s Board since September 2022. He is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Cornami, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company, where he served for over five years. He also previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mentor Graphics Corporation, an electric design automation software and hardware solutions acquired by Siemens AG in 2017, for 23 years, and as Executive Vice President of the Semiconductor Group of Texas Instruments Incorporated for 21 years.

In connection with his appointment as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, on August 25, 2025, the Company and Dr. Rhines entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”), a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto. The Employment Agreement includes a term beginning on August 19, 2025 until March 31, 2027 (the “Term”). Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Dr. Rhines will receive an annual base salary of $160,000, and he will be eligible to receive grants of unvested performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) under the Company’s 2024 Stock Incentive Plan upon the achievement of trading price levels of the Company’s common stock based on specified volume-weighted average price thresholds, with grant-date fair values ranging from $100,000 to an aggregate value of $6,252,636, which will vest following Dr. Rhines’ employment through the end of the Term. In the event of (x) Dr. Rhines’ termination by the Company or Dr. Rhines’ voluntary resignation following a material breach of the Employment Agreement by the Company which is not cured within 30 days after Dr. Rhines provides written notice of such breach, in each case, prior to March 31, 2027, or (y) the termination of Dr. Rhines’ employment as of March 31, 2027 following the non-extension of Dr. Rhines’ services as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Dr. Rhines will be entitled to receive a lump-sum severance payment based on the length of his employment as Chief Executive Officer with the Company, ranging from $500,000 for six (6) months to $1,000,000 for 12 months or more, and accelerated vesting of all outstanding grants of his PRSUs, subject to Dr. Rhines’ execution and nonrevocation of a release of claims in favor of the Company and continued compliance with restrictive covenants.

Dr. Rhines does not have any family relationships with any director or executive officer of the Company, and there are no arrangements or understandings with any persons pursuant to which Dr. Rhines has been appointed to his position. In addition, there have been no transactions directly or indirectly involving Dr. Rhines that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).




The foregoing descriptions of the Separation Agreement and Employment Agreement are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements included as exhibits hereto.


Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

On August 21, 2025, the Company issued a press release announcing the matters described in Item 5.02 above. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information in this Item 7.01, including the exhibit attached hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. This information shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference to such disclosure in this Form 8-K in such a filing.


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit No.Description
10.1
Separation Agreement and Release, by and between Dr. Babak A. Taheri and Silvaco Group, Inc. dated August 22, 2025
10.2
Employment Agreement, by and between Dr. Walden C. Rhines and Silvaco Group, Inc. dated August 25, 2025
99.1
Press release issued by Silvaco Group, Inc., dated August 21, 2021.
*Annexes, schedules and/or exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted attachment to the SEC upon request



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
SILVACO GROUP, INC.
Date: August 26, 2025By:/s/ Candace Jackson
Candace Jackson
SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

FAQ

What happened to Silvaco Group’s CEO (SVCO)?

Dr. Babak A. Taheri stepped down as CEO and director effective August 19, 2025, pursuant to a Separation Agreement.

How much will the departing CEO receive?

Under the Separation Agreement the departing CEO will receive $975,484 in aggregate cash severance, COBRA payments for 15 months, accelerated vesting of 126,161 RSUs, $12,000 in car lease payments, and a $20,000 life insurance premium payment.

Who is the new CEO and what is his pay package?

The Board appointed Dr. Walden C. Rhines as CEO effective August 19, 2025; his base salary is $160,000 and he is eligible for PRSUs with grant‑date fair values from $100,000 up to $6,252,636, subject to VWAP thresholds and continued employment through March 31, 2027.

What severance protections does the new CEO have?

If terminated under specified conditions before or at March 31, 2027, Dr. Rhines may receive a lump‑sum severance payment ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000 and accelerated vesting of outstanding PRSUs, subject to a release and covenant compliance.

Are there restrictive covenants for the departing CEO?

Yes, the Separation Agreement and the departing CEO’s Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement include confidentiality, non‑disparagement, and employee non‑solicit covenants that remain binding.
Silvaco Group

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