Cap Table & Dilution Calculator
Model how founders, option pool, SAFE holders and new investors share the company after your next round.
Your result
Estimates for educational purposes, not financial or legal advice.
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How it works
The calculator starts from your founder shares, creates the option pool before the round (as most term sheets require), converts an optional SAFE at the better of its cap or discount, and issues new shares to the round’s investors.
Formula
New investors own Investment ÷ (Pre-money + Investment)Option pool is created before the round (pre-money), so it dilutes founders onlySAFE converts at the lower of the cap or the round price minus the discount: stake ≈ SAFE amount ÷ conversion valuationFounders keep 1 − investors − pool − SAFE holders
Frequently asked questions
Why does the option pool dilute only founders?
Because investors usually require the pool to be in the pre-money valuation. It is sometimes called the option pool shuffle and is worth negotiating on size.
How does a SAFE convert?
At the next priced round, the SAFE turns into shares at the lower of the valuation cap or the round price minus the discount. This calculator uses a simplified pre-money cap.
How much should founders own after seed?
Many investors like to see founders together above 60–70% after seed, so there is room for Series A and later dilution while founders stay motivated.
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