#962 · Startup Tool

Series A Ownership Calculator

Build a simple post-Series A cap table showing founder ownership, investor shares, option pool allocation, voting control, and dilution risk.

Calculator

Startup assumptions
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How to use this calculator

  • Enter founder and seed investor ownership before Series A.
  • Add the Series A investor percentage and employee option pool target.
  • Review the updated ownership split and founder control signal.

What the result means

The result estimates founder ownership after allocating Series A investor shares and employee option pool. Higher founder ownership improves control and future fundraising flexibility.

Founder after round = remaining ownership pool × founder share of existing ownership.

This model simplifies liquidation preferences and voting classes. Use it for directional ownership planning.

Example calculation

If founders own 80%, seed investors own 20%, Series A investors receive 20%, and option pool is 10%, founders keep 56%.

Tips for better results

  • Avoid promising investor percentages before modeling the full cap table.
  • Check whether the option pool is calculated pre-money or post-money.
  • Preserve enough founder control for later strategic decisions.

FAQ

How much equity do founders own after Series A?

Founder ownership after Series A depends on pre-round ownership, investor allocation, and option pool size.

What is a normal startup cap table after Series A?

A normal post-Series A cap table often includes founders, seed investors, Series A investors, and a 10–20% employee option pool.

How does dilution affect founder ownership?

Dilution reduces each existing holder’s percentage when new shares are issued to investors or employees.

How much should employees own after Series A?

Employees commonly share an option pool around 10–20%, depending on hiring needs and stage.

How much equity should Series A investors receive?

Series A investors often target enough ownership to justify the risk, frequently around 15–30%.

Startup decision modules

ModuleWhat it shows
Main ResultPrimary startup KPI for this calculator.
Health Score0–100 score based on founder-friendly thresholds.
Scenario SignalShows whether the current assumption is healthy, average, or risky.
RecommendationPractical next action for fundraising, growth, retention, or cost control.

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