Glossary · Ownership
Cap table
A spreadsheet-style record of who owns what in the company: founders, employees, investors, and option pools. If the company succeeds or sells, the cap table decides who gets paid how.
Related: Common stock · Preferred stock · Option pool · Dilution · Fully diluted ownership
A bit more nuance▾
- See also fully diluted ownership — how people count options and SAFEs not exercised yet.
- Messy cap tables scare investors — clean early, save pain later.
Go deeper▾
Discussion questions▾
- Can you name every line on your cap table and what they paid?
- What ownership do future hires need to feel fair?
Educational reference only — not legal, tax, or investment advice. Terms vary by country and deal; ask a qualified professional when it matters.