---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001193125-26-304789"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "CTKB"
cik: "0001831915"
company_name: "Cytek Biosciences, Inc."
filed_at: "2026-07-15T20:15:11+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-07-15T20:16:14.652633+00:00"
event_type: "leadership"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.55
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.55
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# Cytek Biosciences enters severance and consulting agreements with former CLO Valerie Barnett

## Summary
- Valerie Barnett's CLO role terminated June 29, 2026; severance lump sum of $365,775.12 plus COBRA through April 30, 2027.
- If change in control occurs within 3 months, enhanced severance: 18 months base salary plus 2026 bonus target, COBRA through Jan 31, 2028, and equity acceleration.
- Consulting agreement from July 10 to Aug 31, 2026 at $1,000/hour, max 10 hours/week, with continued equity vesting during term.
- Previously granted equity awards under 2021 Equity Incentive Plan continue to vest subject to Continuous Service during consulting.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001193125-26-304789
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: CTKB
- cik: 0001831915
- company_name: Cytek Biosciences, Inc.
- filed_at: 2026-07-15T20:15:11+00:00
- event_type: leadership
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.55
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.55
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 5.02
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1831915/000119312526304789/0001193125-26-304789-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1831915/000119312526304789/d99130d8k.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-304789
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-304789.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-304789.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.