Set realistic ownership expectations before negotiating a round.
Typical Founder Ownership After Each Round
Illustrative dilution path for a clean early-stage cap table.
FoundersOption poolSeed investorsSeries APrior investorsSeries B
IncorporationFounders 100%
Post option poolFounders 90% · Option pool 10%
Post Seed (~20% sold)Founders 72% · Option pool 8% · Seed investors 20%
Post Series A (~20% sold)Founders 54% · Option pool 10% · Seed investors 16% · Series A 20%
Post Series B (~15% sold)Founders 42% · Option pool 10% · Prior investors 33% · Series B 15%
Illustrative single path. Option pools, SAFEs converting at a discount/cap, and secondaries can shift these numbers materially.
Audience: founder, investor, operator · Category: ownership
Tags: dilution, ownership, cap-table, founders