I think that having a new set of options is a reward to all management and employees (especially for any recent arrivals). The strike price for the options is where it is at likely because of where the share price has been for a long time. The timeframe of 10 years allows employees of Poet to decide for themselves to reward themselves deservedly at a great profit for their efforts (probably many personal hours put in beyond a 40 hour work week) that salary structures often overlook. Many have also likely worked for lower pay or they sacrificed to work for Poet when they might have been able to make more money elsewhere. 

The options compensates as they can cash in on Poet's growth which happens in stages. The vesting portions of options give people up to 3 years to purchase their option entitlement and they have many years then to decide when to sell their Poet shares. The options also solidify loyalty by employees to the company and incent everyone to perform at their best. It also might help Poet not lose talented employees to other companies in the near to medium term when they are most needed and valued now. From a company point of view, retaining talent during a hopeful hyperbolic growth phase is important.

Monolithic