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Cap table management is an integral part of your startup’s success. With it, you are keeping an accurate record of a company's equity ownership, ensuring transparency with investors, and aiding in strategic decision-making.
But that’s not all. Effective cap table management is essential for complying with legal and tax regulations, attracting investment, and planning future funding rounds. In essence, a well-managed cap table provides a clear financial picture, builds investor trust, and supports the company’s growth and stability.
There are many vendors offering cap table solutions, and they all have pretty nice features. But which of them stands out and offers the perfect tool that can make all the difference for your burgeoning business?
In this comprehensive guide, we review the top cap table management solutions that can streamline your equity management, enhance transparency, and set your startup on a path to sustainable growth.
This is important for understanding the distribution of equity, especially during fundraising, issuing new shares, or planning for future dilution.
Understanding Cap Table Management
A cap table, short for “capitalization table”, is a document or spreadsheet that shows the ownership stakes in a company. It details who owns shares in the company, how many shares they own, and the percentage of the company they represent. It typically includes founders, investors, and employees with stock options.
So, managing a cap table essentially involves defining and monitoring who owns part of the company, how much of the company each person or entity owns, and the total number of shares outstanding.
Traditionally, spreadsheets came in handy for cap table management. However, looking at the vital roles this concept plays in the success of a startup, some tools have been made to mitigate the rigorous process and ensure accuracy.
Are these tools worth investing in, over a simple spreadsheet? Well, you might find the answer in how crucial cap tables are for your business.
Importance of Cap Tables
- Ownership Clarity: A well-maintained cap table provides a clear record of who owns shares, how many they own, and the class of shares they hold. This ensures that all stakeholders have a precise understanding of their ownership stake in the company. Clear ownership information helps founders and the board make informed decisions about issuing new shares, offering stock options, or planning for future funding rounds.
- Investor Relations: Investors want to see a transparent and accurate cap table. It helps build trust and shows that the company is organized and reliable. They use the cap table to understand their position and potential returns. A messy or inaccurate cap table can deter investment, while a well-managed one can attract more interest.
- Fundraising: During fundraising, potential investors scrutinize the cap table to understand the impact of their investment. A clear cap table simplifies negotiations by showing exactly how new investments will affect ownership percentages and dilution. Investors need to see how their investment will affect the company's valuation and their own equity stake. An accurate cap table helps in calculating these figures precisely.
- Compliance: Companies must comply with various legal and regulatory requirements related to equity distribution. A well-maintained cap table ensures that all transactions and ownership changes are properly documented and compliant with laws. Accurate cap table management helps the company prepare for audits, due diligence processes, and regulatory reviews, reducing the risk of legal issues.
- Planning and Strategy: A detailed cap table helps in planning for future growth by providing insights into current equity distribution and potential dilution effects of new funding rounds or issuing stock options. For planning an exit strategy, such as a merger, acquisition, or IPO, a clear cap table is crucial. It helps in understanding how proceeds will be distributed among stakeholders.
- Conflict Avoidance: Accurate records of equity distribution prevent disputes over ownership stakes. Discrepancies in ownership records can lead to conflicts among founders, investors, and employees. In case of disagreements, a well-maintained cap table serves as a single source of truth, helping to resolve conflicts quickly and efficiently.
In essence, employing a tailored solution for your cap table needs might be a good idea to ensure accuracy, clean presentation to investors and partners, and compliance. Furthermore, you might also want to consider what these tools have in general —benefits a spreadsheet might not offer.
Effective cap table management solutions help startups maintain accurate records, ensure compliance, and make informed decisions about their equity structure. These features collectively contribute to the efficient management of a company’s capitalization and support its strategic growth and fundraising efforts.
Let’s do a detailed review.
Key Features of Cap Table Management Solutions
- Equity Tracking: This feature keeps an up-to-date record of all changes in ownership, immediately reflecting new issuances, transfers, or buybacks of shares. It maintains a detailed history of who owns what, including the types and numbers of shares each person or entity holds.
- Stakeholder Management: Cap table solutions store information about all shareholders, including founders, investors, and employees, in one centralized database. They also provide controlled access, so only authorized users can view or modify certain information, protecting sensitive data.
- Scenario Modeling: This feature allows companies to model different financial scenarios to see how new investments, stock option grants, or other changes will affect ownership percentages and dilution. It can also simulate potential exit events like mergers, acquisitions, or IPOs to understand the financial outcomes for stakeholders.
- Compliance and Reporting: Cap table solutions ensure that all equity transactions comply with legal and regulatory requirements, helping companies avoid legal issues. They can also generate detailed reports for internal and external stakeholders, including investors and regulatory bodies, without additional effort.
- Valuation Support: These tools help companies determine the fair market value of their shares for tax purposes, often through 409A valuations. They also show how different valuations affect the cap table and equity distribution, aiding in strategic decision-making.
- Employee Equity Management: This feature manages employee stock options, tracking how they vest and when they are exercised. It also includes communication tools to keep employees informed about their equity stakes and potential tax implications.
- Document Management: Cap table solutions securely store all important documents related to equity transactions, such as stock certificates and legal agreements. They maintain version control to track changes and ensure the latest versions are always accessible.
- Integration Capabilities: These solutions can integrate with other software, such as accounting programs, to ensure consistency between financial and equity records. They also connect with HR systems to manage employee information and stock option plans seamlessly.
- User-Friendly Interface: They provide an intuitive dashboard that offers a clear and easy-to-understand overview of the cap table, ownership structure, and recent changes. Users can customize views to focus on the most relevant information for their needs.
- Security and Privacy: Cap table solutions ensure that all data is securely stored and encrypted to protect sensitive information. They implement robust access controls so that only authorized users can view or modify the cap table, ensuring privacy and security.
Criteria for Selecting Cap Table Management Vendors
There are tons of cap table management solutions in the market. When selecting a cap table management vendor, consider the following criteria to ensure you choose the right solution for your needs:
- Ease of Use: The tool should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and manage the cap table without a steep learning curve. Look for demos or trial periods to test usability.
- Comprehensive Features: Ensure the vendor offers all the necessary features, such as equity tracking, stakeholder management, scenario modelling, compliance and reporting, valuation support, employee equity management, document management, and integration capabilities.
- Scalability: The solution should be able to grow with your company. It should handle increasing numbers of stakeholders and more complex equity structures as your company expands.
- Security and Privacy: Robust security measures, including data encryption, secure storage, and strict access controls, are essential to protect sensitive ownership information. Ensure the vendor complies with relevant data protection regulations.
- Compliance Support: The platform should help you stay compliant with legal and regulatory requirements, including SEC filings, tax obligations, and other local regulations. Automated compliance features can save time and reduce errors.
- Integration Capabilities: The ability to integrate with other software systems, such as accounting software, HR systems, and financial management tools, is crucial for maintaining consistency and efficiency across your business operations.
- Customer Support: Reliable and responsive customer support is vital. Check if the vendor offers multiple support channels, such as phone, email, and live chat, and assess their reputation for solving issues quickly and effectively.
- Cost: Consider the pricing structure and ensure it fits within your budget. Evaluate whether the cost is justified by the features and benefits provided. Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Reputation and Reviews: Research the vendor’s reputation by reading customer reviews and testimonials. Look for feedback on the platform’s reliability, ease of use, customer service, and overall performance.
- Customization and Flexibility: The platform should offer customization options to fit your specific needs and workflows. Flexibility in managing different types of equity instruments and adjusting to unique business requirements is important.
- User Training and Resources: Check if the vendor provides adequate training resources, such as tutorials, webinars, and documentation, to help you and your team get the most out of the platform.
- Track Record and Experience: Consider the vendor’s experience and track record in the industry. Vendors with a proven history of working with companies similar to yours are more likely to understand your specific needs and challenges.
Top Cap Table Management Vendors Reviewed
Carta
Carta, formerly known as eShares provides cap table management, valuations, and equity management solutions for startups, private companies, and investors. Its platform helps manage equity ownership, issue electronic securities, and ensure regulatory compliance, serving as a crucial tool for both companies and venture capital firms.
Founded in 2012 by Henry Ward and Manu Kumar, Carta began as eShares with a mission to digitize paper stock certificates. The company rebranded to Carta in 2017 to reflect its broader mission of managing ownership for private markets. Over the years, Carta has grown significantly, becoming a market leader in equity management, and achieving a valuation of over $7 billion by 2021. Currently, Carta provides support to over 40,000 companies and over 2.3 million equity holders. Their platform has facilitated the valuation of private assets totalling over $2.5 trillion.
Key Features of Carta
- Cap Table Management: Carta simplifies cap table management for private companies by automatically updating records with each transaction. This is achieved through electronic signatures, shared access, automated checks, and the inclusion of restricted stock awards.
- Comprehensive Products: The platform includes three main products—investor updates, board resolutions, and board management—designed to streamline the management of investors and boards.
- Public Company Support: For public companies, Carta acts as an SEC-acknowledged transfer agent, offering services such as proxy services, annual meeting support, and stakeholder information access.
- Equity Plan Administration: Carta's equity plan administration functionality accommodates a wide range of equity plans and award types, ensuring comprehensive support.
- Security and Custody: The solution also provides safekeeping and custody features, allowing users to digitize their securities and keep their data updated on the platform.
Pricing
Carta offers a range of pricing plans tailored to different stages of a company's growth. The pricing structure is primarily influenced by the number of stakeholders and the complexity of the cap table.
Launch
Free
Suitable for new companies with up to 25 stakeholders and up to $1 million raised. It includes basic cap table management, SAFE and priced round modelling, and fundraising benchmarks.
Build
Starts from $2800 annually
Includes everything in the Launch plan, along with white-glove onboarding and premier support. This plan is designed for companies looking to manage end-to-end fundraising and equity management.
Grow
Available upon request
Incorporates features from the Build plan plus industry-leading valuations and tax support, including 409A valuations and 83(b) electronic filing. It is aimed at companies needing more comprehensive equity and compliance management.
Scale
Also available upon request
Includes everything in the Grow plan, with additional features for GAAP and IFRS financial reporting, making it ideal for larger companies with extensive compliance and reporting needs
In addition to these plans, Carta offers various add-ons for total compensation, equity advisory, and liquidity management, allowing companies to customize their services based on specific needs.
It's also worth noting that Carta has a history of adjusting its pricing, so potential customers should be prepared for possible changes and consider negotiating terms such as multi-year contracts for better rates.
Pros and Cons based on Users’ Review
Carta is well-regarded for its comprehensive and user-friendly approach to equity management, though it does come with some drawbacks, particularly related to the cost and complexity of advanced features.
Pros:
- User-Friendly Interface: Many users appreciate Carta's intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which simplifies complex equity management tasks. The platform's design allows for quick access to important information and actions, making it efficient for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Comprehensive Capabilities: Carta offers a wide range of features, including cap table management, valuations, and compliance tools, which are beneficial for startups and growing companies. The ability to handle different types of equity instruments and detailed reporting capabilities is often highlighted as a significant advantage.
- Streamlined Equity Management: The platform helps automate and streamline equity management processes, reducing manual errors and saving time for legal and finance teams. Users report that Carta's tools for managing stock options, grants, and employee ownership plans are particularly effective.
- Customer Support: Many reviews commend Carta’s responsive and knowledgeable customer support team, which helps address user issues and queries promptly. The support resources, including guides and tutorials, are also seen as valuable for onboarding new users.
- Integration with Other Systems: Carta integrates well with other financial and HR systems, allowing for a seamless flow of information across platforms. This integration capability helps in maintaining data consistency and improving overall operational efficiency.
Cons
- Cost: Some users find Carta's pricing to be on the higher side, especially for startups and small businesses with limited budgets. There are complaints about additional fees for certain features and services, which can add up and make the platform expensive.
- Complexity for Advanced Features: While the basic features are user-friendly, some advanced features can be complex and difficult to navigate without proper guidance. Users have mentioned a steep learning curve for certain functionalities, which may require additional training or support.
- Customization Limitations: There are reports that Carta lacks some customization options, limiting users’ ability to tailor the platform to their specific needs. The rigidity in customization can be a drawback for companies with unique equity management requirements.
- Occasional Technical Issues: Some users have experienced technical glitches and system downtimes, which can be frustrating during critical operations. Although these issues are not frequent, they can impact the user experience when they occur.
- Data Migration Challenges: Users migrating from other systems have reported difficulties in transferring data to Carta, which can be time-consuming and complex. There are also concerns about data accuracy and integrity during the migration process.
Capshare
Capshare is a software platform designed to help companies manage their equity and cap tables. It offers tools for tracking shares, options, warrants, and convertible notes, making it easier for businesses to manage ownership structures and equity plans.
Capshare provides a cloud-based solution that automates many of the processes involved in equity management. This includes tracking stock issuances, managing vesting schedules, and generating reports for stakeholders. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and aims to simplify the complex aspects of equity management for startups and growing companies.
Founded in 2014 by Jeron Paul to make equity management more accessible and efficient for companies of all sizes, the idea was to create a comprehensive solution that could handle the intricacies of cap tables and equity plans, which are often managed manually or with cumbersome spreadsheets.
In 2017, Capshare was acquired by Solium, a leading provider of cloud-enabled services for global equity administration, financial reporting, and compliance. Solium, known for its Shareworks platform, saw Capshare as a strategic addition to its suite of tools, particularly for servicing private companies and early-stage startups.
Subsequently, Solium itself was acquired by Morgan Stanley in 2019, further integrating Capshare into a broader array of financial services and enhancing its capabilities and reach. Under Morgan Stanley's umbrella, Capshare continues to be a valuable tool for companies needing sophisticated equity management solutions, benefiting from the resources and expertise of a major financial institution.
Key Features
- Real-Time Cap Table Management
- Equity Plan Administration
- Compliance and Regulatory Support
- Stakeholder Access and Communication Tools
- Data Security and Reliability
- Integration and API Connectivity
Pricing
Capshare only has a free version and one paid (pro) version, which goes for $3.00.
Capshare offers various pricing plans designed to cater to different needs and organizational sizes. Here are the main pricing details for Capshare:
Free (Lite)
- Basic cloud-based cap table management
- Shareholder/Investor Portal
- Book-entry, electronic shares
- Convertible debt, SAFE docs
- Document automation and e-signatures
- Equity plan management
- Downloadable reports
- Support via email and chat
- Cap table upload (one-time fee of $500)
Pro$3.00
- All Lite plan features
- Unlimited shareholders
- Financing rounds
- Waterfall analysis
- Cap table versions
- Breakpoints analysis
- 409A valuation
- Unlimited ASC 718 reports ($149/month additional)
- Enhanced support (email, chat, phone)
These plans offer scalability and various levels of features to suit startups and larger enterprises, providing flexibility and comprehensive cap table management tools.
Pros and Cons based on users’ review
Pros:
- Comprehensive Overview: Users appreciate the platform's ability to provide a comprehensive overview of the current dollar value of options, helping them stay informed about their equity portfolio.
- Future Options Display: The ability to display future options is valued for planning and decision-making regarding stock compensation.
- Ease of Use: Many users find the software straightforward and user-friendly for performing capitalization computations.
- Valuable Summaries: Summaries of value and quantity of shares help users track and manage their equity holdings efficiently.
Cons:
- Outdated Interface: Some users find the software's interface design outdated and lacking a modern look and feel.
- Navigation Challenges: Navigating the software can be difficult, especially for non-financial users due to complex terms and concepts.
- Slow Performance: Users with large cap tables report that the system can be slow, taking over 20-30 seconds to load or move between pages.
- Manual Activation Process: The activation process for new users requires manual input of personal information, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
- IPO Support: The system does not support IPO companies, necessitating a transition to Shareworks for such users.
Pulley
Pulley streamlines the complexities involved in cap table management, facilitating compliance, financial planning, and investor relations. It provides tools to manage equity distribution, track ownership stakes, and model financing scenarios. It automates many of the manual processes involved in cap table management, reducing errors and saving time.
Pulley is primarily used by startups and growing companies, but it can also serve venture capital firms, law firms, and other entities involved in equity management.
It was founded in 2019 by Yin Wu and Mark Erdmann. The company was created to address the pain points startups face when managing cap tables and equity distribution. Since its founding, Pulley has rapidly expanded its feature set and user base. The platform has become known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive tools that simplify complex equity management tasks.
Key features
Pulley offers a range of key features and benefits designed to streamline and optimize cap table management for startups and growing companies:
- Scenario Modeling: Allows users to model various financing scenarios, including fundraising rounds, employee stock option exercises, and exit strategies.
- Automated Legal Document Generation: Generates essential legal documents such as stock certificates, option grant letters, and board consents automatically.
- Compliance and Reporting: Tracks and generates reports for 409A valuations, vesting schedules, and other compliance-related needs.
- Integration with Financial and HR Systems: Integrates with popular financial and HR software, such as QuickBooks, Gusto, and Xero.
- Employee and Investor Portals: Provides dedicated portals for employees and investors to view their equity holdings and related information.
7. User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface designed for users with varying levels of financial expertise.
8. Security and Data Privacy: Employs robust security measures to protect sensitive financial and personal data.
Pricing
Pulley offers several pricing plans to cater to different stages and needs of businesses:
Startup Plan
$1,200 per year (or $100 per month)
- This plan includes cap table management, share certificates, electronic sending and signing of option grants and SAFEs, fundraising modelling, concierge onboarding, option and equity templates, offer letters, and a communications hub.
- Stakeholders: Includes up to 25 stakeholders. Additional stakeholders cost $4 each per month.
Growth Plan
$3,500 per year (or $280 per month)
- Includes all features of the Startup plan plus 409A valuations, onboarding due diligence, electronic option exercises, Rule 701, Form 3921, board approvals, and HRIS integration.
- Stakeholders: Includes up to 40 stakeholders. Additional stakeholders cost $7 each per month.
Custom Plan
Contact support for cost
Includes all features of the Growth plan plus ASC 718, priority onboarding, phone support, and waterfall modelling (coming soon). This plan is designed for companies with more complex equity needs and can be customized to fit specific requirements.
These pricing details ensure that Pulley can scale with your company's growth, providing essential cap table management and additional functionalities as needed.
Pros and Cons of Pulley based on user reviews
Pros:
- Ease of Use: Users consistently praise Pulley for its user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and manage cap tables without extensive financial expertise.
- Comprehensive Features: Users appreciate the all-in-one solution that reduces the need for multiple tools and manual processes. Pulley offers a wide range of features that cover all aspects of cap table management, including equity tracking, scenario modelling, and automated legal document generation.
- Time-Saving Automation: The platform automates many manual tasks, such as generating legal documents and tracking compliance requirements. Users report significant time savings and reduced administrative burden, allowing them to focus on other critical business activities.
- Customer Support: Pulley is known for its responsive and helpful customer support team, providing assistance and guidance when needed. Positive reviews often mention the quality and availability of customer support, which helps users resolve issues quickly.
- Scenario Modeling: The ability to model various financing scenarios is highly valued, helping users understand the impact of different decisions on ownership and dilution. Users find this feature particularly useful for strategic planning and making informed decisions about fundraising and equity distribution.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: Despite its user-friendly design, some users find there is still a learning curve to fully understand and utilize all the features. A few users mention the need for initial training or time to get accustomed to the platform’s full capabilities.
- Pricing: Some users feel that Pulley’s pricing can be high, particularly for very early-stage startups or smaller companies with limited budgets. While many users acknowledge the value Pulley provides, cost concerns are a common theme in reviews from smaller organizations.
- Feature Depth for Advanced Users: Advanced users sometimes feel that certain features could be more robust or offer deeper functionality. While generally satisfied, some power users desire more advanced options and greater customization within specific features.
- Integration Limitations: Although Pulley integrates with many financial and HR systems, there are occasional reports of integration challenges or limitations. Some users have encountered issues with data syncing or wish for broader integration capabilities with additional tools and platforms.
Shareworks by Morgan Stanley
Shareworks offers a range of features such as cap table management, employee equity plan administration, financial reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements. It also includes tools for modelling and forecasting, scenario analysis, and custom reporting. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with portals for employees, administrators, and investors to access relevant information and manage their equity holdings.
It originated from Solium Capital, a company founded in 1999 that specialized in equity management solutions. Solium developed the Shareworks platform to address the growing needs of companies managing complex equity compensation plans.
In 2019, Morgan Stanley acquired Solium Capital for approximately $900 million. This acquisition allowed Morgan Stanley to expand its wealth management services by integrating Shareworks into its suite of offerings, providing clients with a robust solution for equity plan management.
Shareworks by Morgan Stanley stands out for its comprehensive feature set, robust integration capabilities, and strong backing by a leading financial services firm, making it a preferred choice for companies looking to manage their equity compensation plans efficiently.
Key Features
- Cap Table Management: Comprehensive tracking of all types of equity instruments, including stock options and RSUs.
- Equity Plan Administration: Automation of grant management, vesting schedules, and exercise processes.
- Scenario Modeling and Forecasting: Tools for modelling financial scenarios and understanding their impact on dilution and ownership.
- Compliance and Reporting: Generation of reports for regulatory compliance, including ASC 718 and IFRS 2.
- Employee and Investor Portals: Secure portals for employees and investors to view and manage equity holdings.
- Integration Capabilities: Integration with HR, payroll, and financial systems for seamless data flow.
- Document Management and E-Signatures: Support for generating, storing, and electronically signing equity-related documents.
- Financial Reporting and Audit Trails: Detailed financial reports and audit trails tracking all equity transactions.
- Global Equity Management: Administration of equity plans across multiple countries, including compliance with local requirements.
Pricing
- Shareworks has no free plan. However, there’s a free trial available
- Paid plan starts from $3.00/month, and you’ll have to contact the customer support for pricing features.
Pros and Cons based on users review
Pros:
- Comprehensive platform: Shareworks offers a wide range of tools and features for managing equity compensation plans, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs), and more.
- User-friendly interface: Many users find Shareworks easy to navigate and use, with intuitive interfaces that simplify the process of managing equity grants and transactions.
- Reporting and analytics: Shareworks typically offers robust reporting and analytics tools, allowing companies to track and analyze equity data effectively.
- Integration capabilities: Shareworks may integrate with other financial and HR systems, streamlining processes and improving efficiency for users.
Cons:
- Customer support: While many users report positive experiences with Shareworks customer support, others have expressed dissatisfaction with response times or the level of assistance provided.
- Complexity: Managing equity compensation can be inherently complex, and some users may find Shareworks challenging to navigate, particularly if they lack experience with equity plans.
- Learning curve: Due to its comprehensive feature set, Shareworks may have a learning curve for new users, requiring time and effort to become proficient in using the platform effectively.
- Technical issues: Like any software platform, Shareworks may experience occasional technical glitches or issues that can disrupt workflow and cause frustration for users.
- Pricing: On the one hand, there’s no free plan available, and on the other hand, you’ll have to contact the admin for pricing features, which can be a bit of hassle.
Eqvista
Eqvista offers a range of tools and services to help companies manage their equity, including cap table management, electronic share issuance, and equity plan administration. The platform aims to simplify the process of managing equity ownership, allowing companies to issue and track shares, manage equity transactions, and communicate with shareholders effectively.
Eqvista was founded in 2017 by Sohail Ahmad, Fahad Shoukat, and Hamed Abbasi. The company was established to provide a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for managing equity, particularly for startups and small businesses. Since its founding, Eqvista has grown to serve clients worldwide, offering a range of features and services to help companies manage their equity effectively.
Key Features
- Electronic share issuance: The platform enables companies to issue shares electronically to shareholders, streamlining the process and reducing paperwork.
- Equity plan administration: Eqvista offers features for managing various types of equity plans, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs).
- Investor relations: Eqvista includes tools for communicating with shareholders, and providing transparency into company ownership and performance.
- Compliance and reporting: The platform helps companies stay compliant with regulatory requirements and provides reporting tools to track equity data and trends over time.
- Scenario Modeling: Eqvista allows users to perform scenario modelling to simulate different equity events, such as funding rounds, stock splits, or M&A transactions. This feature helps companies understand the potential impact of various scenarios on their cap table and shareholder ownership.
- Document Management: Eqvista offers document management capabilities, allowing users to store and organize important documents related to equity management, such as shareholder agreements, option grants, and board resolutions.
- Mobile Access: Eqvista provides mobile access through its app, allowing users to manage their equity on the go. The mobile app enables users to view their cap table, track equity transactions, and communicate with shareholders from anywhere.
Pricing
Plan
Features
Free plan
- Free for up to 20 shareholders
- No credit card required
- Upgrade to Premium at any time to unlock all features
- Unlimited companies
- Up to 3 users per company
- Easy cap table management
- Record and manage Convertible Notes, KISS, and SAFE
- Equity plan management
- Manage Employee Stock Options (ESO)
- Set vesting schedules for ESOs
- Secondary stock transactions
Premium
- Unlimited shareholders
- $2 per shareholder monthly
- Includes all Freemium features plus more
- Unlimited companies and users
- Comprehensive cap table management
- E-signature for all grant certificates
- Compliance services (ASC 718, Form 3921, and 83(b) Election)
- Waterfall analysis
- Financing rounds modeling
- Spreadsheet integration
- One-time setup for your cap table
Enterprise
- Cap Table + 409A Valuation starting at $125
- All Premium features included
- Free cap table setup (valued at $350)
- Annual corporate filings (provided by our partner, IncParadise)
- Unlimited 409A valuations
Pricing by Number of Shareholders
- Under 30: $125/month
- Under 60:$160/month
- Under 100: $210/month
- Under 200: $280/month
- 200+:By quotation
Pros and Cons based on users’ review
Pros:
- User-friendly Interface: Many users appreciate Eqvista's intuitive and easy-to-use interface, which simplifies the process of managing equity and navigating the platform.
- Electronic Share Issuance: Users often find Eqvista's electronic share issuance feature convenient and efficient, streamlining the process of issuing shares to shareholders.
- Customization Options: Eqvista may offer customization options to tailor the platform to the specific needs and preferences of each company, providing flexibility and scalability as businesses grow.
- Responsive Customer Support: Some users report positive experiences with Eqvista's customer support team, noting prompt responses and helpful assistance with inquiries or issues.
Cons:
- Pricing: Pricing for Eqvista's paid plans may be a concern for some users, particularly for smaller companies or startups with limited budgets.
- Limited Features in Free Plan: Users on the free plan may find the features and functionality limited compared to paid plans, potentially requiring an upgrade to access advanced capabilities.
- Learning Curve: While Eqvista aims to be user-friendly, some users still experience a learning curve, particularly if they are new to equity management or complex financial tools.
- Integration Challenges: Users encounter difficulties with integrating Eqvista with other software or platforms, particularly if they rely on multiple systems for financial or HR management.
Recommendations
When selecting cap table software for your startup, consider these key factors:
- Compatibility: Early-stage companies often rely on their law firms to manage their cap tables, and nearly all Series A startups have their lawyers handle this task. Consult with your law firm to see which tools they are comfortable using.
- Cost: For super early-stage companies, keeping costs low is essential. Choose a cap table management solution that offers affordable pricing to fit your budget.
- Ease of Use: If you're managing the cap table yourself, the software must be user-friendly. Some systems are designed for easy option grant approvals by boards, with user interfaces that are convenient for VCs to use on the go.
- Support for Common Securities: Ensure the software supports various securities such as preferred stock, restricted stock, warrants, SAFEs, convertible notes, and options. Verify that the vendor can handle both pre- and post-money notes, as newer vendors might lack this capability.
Our recommendations:
- Best Overall Cap Table Tool: Carta
Our reason: Carta is widely recognized as the most comprehensive cap table management solution, offering robust features for equity management, compliance, and reporting. It integrates seamlessly with other financial and HR systems, supports a wide range of equity instruments, and is trusted by many startups and established companies alike.
- Best for Small Startups: Eqvista
Our reason: Eqvista is ideal for startups with limited budgets, offering a free plan for up to 20 shareholders and affordable pricing for additional features. It provides essential cap table management tools, electronic share issuance, and equity plan administration without the high costs associated with more extensive platforms.
- Best for Scaling Startups: Shareworks by Morgan Stanley
Our reason: Shareworks is best suited for rapidly growing companies, providing scalable solutions that can handle increasing complexity as your business expands. It offers advanced features for equity plan management, financial reporting, and compliance, making it a great choice for startups preparing for significant growth or public offerings.
- Best for User Experience: Pulley or Carta
Our reason: Pulley is praised for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for founders and stakeholders to navigate and manage their cap tables. Its intuitive design simplifies complex equity transactions and is accessible even for those new to cap table management, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.
On the other hand, Carta may also be particularly good for user interface due to its intuitive and well-designed platform that simplifies complex equity management tasks. The software is designed with ease of use in mind, featuring a clean layout, easy navigation, and helpful visualizations that make it easy for users to understand their cap table at a glance. Carta also provides guided workflows and comprehensive support resources, ensuring that even users with limited experience in equity management can effectively use the platform. These user-friendly design elements contribute to a positive experience for both founders and stakeholders.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cap table management solution is ensures accurate equity tracking, legal compliance, and investor transparency. A well-managed cap table supports strategic decision-making and helps attract investment by providing a clear financial picture. You should carefully evaluate your startup’s specific needs and choose the best vendor to ensure your equity management is streamlined and effective.
Evaluate your startup's needs today and explore the best cap table management solutions to find the one that fits your requirements perfectly. Make an informed choice to set your business on the path to growth and stability.
