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
Cite this term
Round Funded. "Cap Table." Startup Fundraising Glossary.
Stable URL, it will not change: https://www.roundfunded.com/en/glossary/cap-table
Related terms
Put this term to work
Definitions win negotiations only when you are in one. Find the investors who fund your stage and start the conversation.
Browse the investor database