What is Cap table?
A cap table (capitalization table) is a record of who owns what in your company: founders, employees, investors and option pools, with their shares and ownership percentages.
Example
Two founders own 50% each. After raising $500,000 at a $4.5M post-money valuation and creating a 10% option pool, the founders own about 39.4% each, the investor 11.1%, and the pool 10%.
Why it matters for early-stage founders
Every fundraising, hire and option grant changes it. A clean cap table makes due diligence faster, and a messy one can scare investors away.
The common mistake
Giving away large stakes early to advisors or first investors. Small percentages compound over several rounds.
Model your dilution
The free Equity Dilution calculator shows how each round changes your ownership.
Try the calculatorRelated terms
Reviewed October 12, 2026