Estimate founder dilution after a funding round, including new investor ownership and option pool expansion. Use it to judge whether a raise protects control, future exit value, and long-term founder economics.
The result estimates how much of the company the founder keeps after the round. Higher post-round ownership and lower dilution usually mean better control and stronger exit economics.
This is a planning estimate. Actual cap tables can differ because of SAFEs, convertible notes, preferences, and legal terms.
A founder with 80% ownership raises $2.5M on an $8M pre-money valuation with a 10% option pool increase. Post-money is $10.5M, investor ownership is about 23.81%, and founder ownership falls to about 52.95%.
Many founders give up about 15% to 30% in a priced Series A, depending on valuation, round size, and option pool requirements.
Founders can reduce dilution by raising at a higher valuation, raising only the needed amount, improving traction before the round, and negotiating option pool timing.
There is no fixed rule, but founders often try to preserve meaningful control and economic upside after Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds.
A pre-money option pool increase usually dilutes existing holders before the investor enters, so founders often absorb a large part of that dilution.
Founders should balance valuation, cash runway, investor quality, and dilution. A higher valuation helps, but insufficient capital can create greater risk.
| Module | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Dilution Summary | Post-round ownership, investor ownership, and total dilution. |
| Control Indicator | Whether founder ownership remains above key control thresholds. |
| Option Pool Impact | How the option pool increase changes founder economics. |
| Scenario Comparison | Use different investment or valuation assumptions before negotiating. |