Cap Table Explained
What a cap table is, what goes in it, and why it is the most important document in your company that most founders understand least.
How to Build a Cap Table from Scratch
A 7-step process for building a cap table from incorporation — what to record, how to structure it, and how to keep it accurate as your company grows.
Cap Table Template: What to Include
A proper cap table has 7 required columns. Most Excel templates miss at least 3 of them — specifically the ones that cause problems in due diligence.
Best Cap Table Software for Startups
Most cap table software is built for Series A+ companies. Here is what actually matters for early-stage founders — and what to skip.
Startup Dilution Guide
How funding rounds shrink founder ownership — with a worked example from incorporation to Series A, plus the three things that accelerate dilution faster than you expect.
Equity Dilution Calculator: How Dilution Works
Every funding round dilutes your ownership. Here is how to calculate exactly what you give up — and how to model multiple rounds before you sign anything.
SAFE Note vs Convertible Note
Both convert into equity at your next priced round — but the legal structure, SEIS/EIS implications, and investor rights are different. Here is how to choose.
Pre-Money vs Post-Money Valuation
A £1M raise at "£4M pre" gives investors 20%. The same raise at "£4M post" gives them 25%. That ambiguity is rarely accidental — here is how to protect yourself.
Investor Update Template
Monthly investor updates take 20 minutes to write and buy you goodwill that takes months to earn any other way. Here is exactly what to include.
SEIS and EIS Eligibility Guide
SEIS gives investors 50% income tax relief. EIS gives 30%. Here is what your company must do — and must never do — to qualify, including the advance assurance process most founders skip.
Startup Funding Rounds Explained
Pre-seed to Series C — what changes at each round, how much equity to give up, and how UK-specific programmes like SEIS, Innovate UK, and R&D credits fit into your strategy.
Option Pool and Vesting Schedules
How to set up an option pool, structure 4-year vesting with a 1-year cliff, use EMI for maximum tax efficiency, and understand how grants appear on your fully diluted cap table.
SEIS vs EIS: Complete Comparison
SEIS gives investors 50% income tax relief. EIS gives 30%. Learn the eligibility rules, investment limits, CGT treatment, and which scheme your startup should use first.
Startup Equity Split Calculator
How to split equity between co-founders fairly. Covers contribution-based models, vesting schedules, the 50/50 trap, and what happens when a co-founder leaves early.
Convertible Note Template UK
A complete guide to convertible notes for UK startups. Covers key terms, valuation caps, discounts, interest rates, maturity dates, and how notes convert at your next priced round.
Shareholder Agreement Template
A shareholder agreement protects founders, investors, and the company when things go wrong. Learn the 12 essential clauses every UK startup shareholder agreement needs.
Cap Table for Seed Round
How to set up and manage your cap table for a seed funding round. Covers pre-money valuation, option pool creation, SEIS/EIS share classes, and post-round ownership calculations.
Investor Rights Explained
Understand the rights investors negotiate: liquidation preferences, anti-dilution, board seats, information rights, pro-rata rights, and how they affect your cap table and exit economics.
Drag Along & Tag Along Rights
Drag along rights let majority shareholders force a sale. Tag along rights protect minorities from being left behind. Learn how both work, typical thresholds, and SEIS/EIS implications.
Employee Share Scheme UK
A complete guide to UK employee share schemes. Covers EMI options, CSOP, growth shares, unapproved options, tax treatment, HMRC reporting, and how each scheme appears on your cap table.