Cap Table
Definition
A capitalization table (cap table) is the ledger of who owns what in a company: founders, investors, employees, and option holders, with share counts and percentages.
How it comes up in fundraising
Every financing reshapes the cap table; investors read it in diligence to check ownership, past terms, and whether founders retain enough equity to stay motivated.
Frequently asked questions
What does a clean cap table look like?
Few entities, standard terms, documented SAFEs, a right-sized option pool, and founders holding a healthy majority before Series A.
What are common cap table mistakes?
Stacking too many SAFEs at low caps, giving large chunks to departed co-founders without vesting, and forgetting the option pool in dilution math.
Round Funded resources
Related terms
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