Equity, unlocked

Guides, customer stories, expert insights, product updates, and frequently asked questions about startup equity.

Getting your cap table right

All guides on cap table management

The best cap table software for growing startups in 2026

The best cap table software for growing startups in 2026

How to migrate your cap table from Carta to Cake

What is a cap table and why does it matter to startups?

How to manage a growing cap table

How to set up a clean cap table (and not mess it up!)

10 Cap table mistakes startups make and how to avoid them

How to migrate your cap table from spreadsheet to software

Cap table spreadsheet template, for starters

Equity dilution, explained: what it is and how to protect your ownership

Compliance without the scramble

All guides on equity compliance

How to prepare for a 409A valuation

Most valuation delays come from incomplete submissions. Here's the exact document checklist — documents, timeline, process, and what appraisers actually look at.

409A valuation safe harbor: what it means and how to qualify

How to choose 409A valuation provider

What happens if you skip getting a 409A valuation?

Making equity mean something

All guides on startup equity

Best equity management software for scaling startups

Restricted Stock Awards (RSA), explained: What founders need to know

Incentive Stock Options (ISO), explained: What founders need to know

Founder shares: Everything you need to know

Restricted stock units: how it works and why it matters

Shareholders agreement, explained

Sweat equity: how it works and why it matters to startups

How to use your share registry to save your company’s runway

ISO vs NSO: Understanding the key differences

Cliff vesting: how does it work

Stock vesting, explained

Understanding equity grants and how it works in startups

Equity compensations for startups

Startup equity split: how to distribute equity the right way

Phantom stock, explained

Advisory shares: what startup founders need to know

Does Cake track NSO and ISO splits automatically for compliance?

Does Cake include 83(b) election reminders for early equity holders?

What makes Cake's 409A different from other providers?

Do I need a new 409A every year?

Does Cake's 409A follow IRS safe harbor requirements?

Is a 409A required before issuing stock options?

How much does a 409A cost on Cake and how long does it take?

What happens to my 409A history when I migrate from Carta to Cake?

My Carta renewal is next week — can Cake still complete migration in time?

Can Cake migrate my SAFE notes and convertible instruments, or only share-based equity?

Can I switch from Carta mid-year, or do I have to wait until my renewal?

I'm looking at platforms before my investors come on board — is it too early to switch?

Can I switch cap table platforms if I have active option grants and unvested equity?

I've been putting off switching because of the hassle — what does migration actually involve on my end?

Is Cake Equity built for US startups?

Is migration from Carta or Pulley to Cake free?

Will I lose any data when I migrate to Cake?

Do my lawyers or accountants need to be involved when I switch cap table platforms?

How long does it take to migrate from Carta to Cake?

Does Cake handle the migration from Carta or Pulley, or do I have to do it myself?

What happens to stock options when an employee leaves?

Equity doesn't have to be complicated. Join Cake and see for yourself!

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