Quick Overview
- 1#1: Carta - Carta offers comprehensive cap table management, equity issuance, valuations, and compliance tools for startups and investors.
- 2#2: Pulley - Pulley provides affordable, user-friendly cap table management with automated 409A valuations and fundraising tools for early-stage companies.
- 3#3: Ledgy - Ledgy delivers global cap table management with employee equity plans, reporting, and GDPR-compliant solutions for international startups.
- 4#4: Capdesk - Capdesk specializes in cap table automation, portfolio tracking, and investor reporting for venture capital firms and funds.
- 5#5: Capboard - Capboard offers simple, secure cap table management with scenario modeling and stakeholder portals for growing companies.
- 6#6: Shareworks - Shareworks by Morgan Stanley provides enterprise-grade equity management, cap table tracking, and financial reporting for public and private companies.
- 7#7: Global Shares - Global Shares manages complex cap tables, stock plan administration, and global equity compensation for multinational corporations.
- 8#8: Vestd - Vestd automates cap table management, EMI schemes, and SEIS/EIS compliance for UK-based startups and scale-ups.
- 9#9: Seedlegals - Seedlegals handles cap table tracking, investment documents, and equity management tailored for UK early-stage companies.
- 10#10: Captable.io - Captable.io provides straightforward cap table software with real-time updates, modeling, and export features for small teams.
Tools were selected based on comprehensive functionality, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they address the unique needs of startups, scale-ups, and enterprises across sectors.
Comparison Table
Cap table management is vital for tracking equity, investors, and growth stages, and this comparison table compares top tools like Carta, Pulley, Ledgy, Capdesk, and Capboard, highlighting key features, pricing, and usability to help teams choose the right fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carta Carta offers comprehensive cap table management, equity issuance, valuations, and compliance tools for startups and investors. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Pulley Pulley provides affordable, user-friendly cap table management with automated 409A valuations and fundraising tools for early-stage companies. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Ledgy Ledgy delivers global cap table management with employee equity plans, reporting, and GDPR-compliant solutions for international startups. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Capdesk Capdesk specializes in cap table automation, portfolio tracking, and investor reporting for venture capital firms and funds. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Capboard Capboard offers simple, secure cap table management with scenario modeling and stakeholder portals for growing companies. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Shareworks Shareworks by Morgan Stanley provides enterprise-grade equity management, cap table tracking, and financial reporting for public and private companies. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 7 | Global Shares Global Shares manages complex cap tables, stock plan administration, and global equity compensation for multinational corporations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Vestd Vestd automates cap table management, EMI schemes, and SEIS/EIS compliance for UK-based startups and scale-ups. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Seedlegals Seedlegals handles cap table tracking, investment documents, and equity management tailored for UK early-stage companies. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Captable.io Captable.io provides straightforward cap table software with real-time updates, modeling, and export features for small teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
Carta offers comprehensive cap table management, equity issuance, valuations, and compliance tools for startups and investors.
Pulley provides affordable, user-friendly cap table management with automated 409A valuations and fundraising tools for early-stage companies.
Ledgy delivers global cap table management with employee equity plans, reporting, and GDPR-compliant solutions for international startups.
Capdesk specializes in cap table automation, portfolio tracking, and investor reporting for venture capital firms and funds.
Capboard offers simple, secure cap table management with scenario modeling and stakeholder portals for growing companies.
Shareworks by Morgan Stanley provides enterprise-grade equity management, cap table tracking, and financial reporting for public and private companies.
Global Shares manages complex cap tables, stock plan administration, and global equity compensation for multinational corporations.
Vestd automates cap table management, EMI schemes, and SEIS/EIS compliance for UK-based startups and scale-ups.
Seedlegals handles cap table tracking, investment documents, and equity management tailored for UK early-stage companies.
Captable.io provides straightforward cap table software with real-time updates, modeling, and export features for small teams.
Carta
enterpriseCarta offers comprehensive cap table management, equity issuance, valuations, and compliance tools for startups and investors.
Automated 409A valuations with AI-driven pricing models and real-time cap table simulations
Carta is a leading equity management platform specializing in cap table management, enabling companies to track ownership, model scenarios, and automate compliance. It provides tools for issuing equity, managing 409A valuations, employee stock plans, and investor portals. Designed for startups and scale-ups, Carta streamlines complex equity operations from early-stage to IPO.
Pros
- Comprehensive automation for cap tables, valuations, and compliance
- Robust investor and employee self-service portals
- Seamless integrations with payroll, HRIS, and legal tools
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for very early-stage startups
- Initial setup and learning curve for complex structures
- Limited customization in reporting for niche needs
Best For
Venture-backed startups and mid-stage companies scaling equity management operations.
Pricing
Free for companies under $10M raised with <100 stakeholders; paid plans start at ~$1,500/year for Growth tier, scaling to custom Enterprise pricing.
Pulley
specializedPulley provides affordable, user-friendly cap table management with automated 409A valuations and fundraising tools for early-stage companies.
One-click 409A valuations with SOC 2 compliance and instant scenario modeling
Pulley is a cloud-based cap table management platform tailored for startups, automating equity tracking, ownership calculations, and scenario modeling without spreadsheets. It handles everything from early-stage grants to complex funding rounds, including 409A valuations and fundraising CRM tools. The software ensures audit-ready accuracy and enables real-time collaboration among founders, investors, and legal teams.
Pros
- Automated, error-free cap table calculations with real-time updates
- Powerful scenario modeling for fundraising and dilution analysis
- Integrated 409A valuations and seamless Excel/Carta imports
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for very large enterprises
- Limited advanced customization for public company needs
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Early- to mid-stage startups and scale-ups needing intuitive, spreadsheet-free equity management.
Pricing
Free for pre-seed/seed (up to 25 stakeholders); Pro at $250/month (up to 100 stakeholders); Enterprise custom pricing.
Ledgy
enterpriseLedgy delivers global cap table management with employee equity plans, reporting, and GDPR-compliant solutions for international startups.
Real-time, audit-proof scenario modeling that simulates fundraising rounds, exits, and dilutions with institutional-grade accuracy.
Ledgy is a robust equity management platform designed for startups and scale-ups to automate cap table management, ESOP administration, and investor relations. It offers real-time scenario modeling for fundraising, exits, and dilutions, while ensuring compliance with global regulations including GDPR and tax authorities. The platform supports complex instruments like SAFEs, warrants, and employee options, with tools for secondary transfers and board reporting.
Pros
- Advanced scenario modeling and what-if analysis for fundraising and exits
- Strong compliance and reporting for international jurisdictions, especially Europe
- Investor portal and secondary market support streamline stakeholder communication
Cons
- Pricing is custom and can be opaque, often starting higher for mid-stage companies
- Steeper learning curve for highly complex cap tables
- Fewer US-specific integrations compared to Carta or Pulley
Best For
European startups and mid-stage companies with complex equity structures needing compliant, automated cap table management.
Pricing
Custom pricing with tiers starting around €1,200/year for early-stage plans, scaling to enterprise levels based on company size and features (e.g., €10,000+ annually).
Capdesk
specializedCapdesk specializes in cap table automation, portfolio tracking, and investor reporting for venture capital firms and funds.
EU-compliant automated waterfall and exit scenario modeling
Capdesk is a robust cap table management platform tailored for startups and scale-ups, automating the tracking of equity ownership, issuances, and dilutions. It offers tools for managing ESOPs, fundraising scenarios, and investor relations with secure portals and electronic signing. Particularly strong in compliance with EU regulations, it simplifies complex cap table modeling for international teams.
Pros
- Highly automated cap table calculations with scenario modeling
- Strong investor portal and communication features
- Excellent regulatory compliance, especially for European markets
Cons
- Pricing is premium and custom, less accessible for early-stage startups
- Fewer integrations with US-based accounting tools
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
Best For
Mid-stage European startups and scale-ups with complex equity structures needing robust compliance and investor management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around €500/month, with tiers based on company size and features; no public self-serve plans.
Capboard
specializedCapboard offers simple, secure cap table management with scenario modeling and stakeholder portals for growing companies.
Real-time multi-user editing and electronic signing directly on the cap table
Capboard (capboard.io) is a cloud-based cap table management platform tailored for startups and scale-ups, automating the tracking of equity ownership, funding rounds, and shareholder data. It offers real-time scenario modeling, electronic cap table signing, and compliance tools for international regulations, particularly strong in Europe. The software simplifies complex equity calculations and provides exportable reports for investors and legal teams.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with real-time collaboration
- Automated cap table updates and scenario modeling
- Strong EU compliance and multi-currency support
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for early-stage startups
- Limited integrations with US-focused payroll/HR tools
- Advanced customization requires higher tiers
Best For
European startups and mid-stage companies needing compliant, collaborative cap table management without heavy setup.
Pricing
Starts at €49/month (Basic), €199/month (Pro), €499+/month (Enterprise); free trial available.
Shareworks
enterpriseShareworks by Morgan Stanley provides enterprise-grade equity management, cap table tracking, and financial reporting for public and private companies.
Integrated transfer agent services for compliant share transfers and ownership management
Shareworks, powered by Morgan Stanley, is a robust equity management platform specializing in cap table management for private and public companies. It enables accurate tracking of ownership stakes, equity issuances, dilutions, and valuations through real-time modeling and scenario analysis. The software also handles employee stock plans, compliance reporting, and transfer agency services, making it suitable for complex equity structures. Additionally, it integrates with HR, payroll, and financial systems for streamlined administration.
Pros
- Comprehensive cap table modeling with scenario planning
- Strong compliance and regulatory reporting tools
- Seamless integrations with HR, payroll, and financial platforms
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing not ideal for startups
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Overkill for simple cap table needs
Best For
Mid-sized to large private companies with complex equity plans preparing for growth, IPOs, or M&A.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $20,000+ annually based on company size and equity volume.
Global Shares
enterpriseGlobal Shares manages complex cap tables, stock plan administration, and global equity compensation for multinational corporations.
Global compliance engine for multi-jurisdictional equity plans with automated tax and regulatory filings
Global Shares is an enterprise-grade equity management platform that provides robust cap table management, employee stock plan administration, and ownership tracking for private and public companies. It handles complex equity issuances, transfers, dilutions, and compliance reporting with real-time visibility into cap tables and scenario modeling. Backed by JPMorgan Chase, it excels in scalability for large portfolios and international equity plans.
Pros
- Advanced compliance and regulatory reporting for global operations
- Scalable for managing thousands of shareholders and complex structures
- Deep integrations with transfer agents, payroll, and financial systems
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing with custom quotes
- Steeper learning curve for non-expert users
- Overkill and less agile for early-stage startups
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, international equity compensation plans requiring enterprise-grade compliance and scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically quoted based on participants, plans managed, and assets under administration; no public tiers, often starts in the tens of thousands annually.
Vestd
specializedVestd automates cap table management, EMI schemes, and SEIS/EIS compliance for UK-based startups and scale-ups.
Automated EMI scheme management with HMRC compliance filings
Vestd is a robust cap table management platform tailored for startups and scale-ups, automating equity tracking, share option schemes, and compliance reporting. It handles complex cap table calculations, scenario modeling for funding rounds, and investor communications with real-time accuracy. Primarily UK-focused, it excels in managing EMI schemes and employee incentives alongside global equity structures.
Pros
- Automated real-time cap table updates and scenario modeling
- Specialized tools for UK EMI schemes and ESOP management
- Strong compliance and investor reporting capabilities
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter early-stage startups
- UK-centric features limit appeal for purely US-based firms
- Initial setup requires finance expertise
Best For
UK-based growth-stage companies managing complex equity incentives and frequent funding rounds.
Pricing
Starts at £499/month for basic plans, scaling to custom enterprise pricing based on company size and shares outstanding.
Seedlegals
specializedSeedlegals handles cap table tracking, investment documents, and equity management tailored for UK early-stage companies.
One-click generation of legally binding investment documents that auto-populate and update the live cap table
Seedlegals is a UK-focused platform that automates legal documentation and equity management for startups, with robust cap table management at its core. It tracks shareholdings, options, investments, and dilutions in real-time, integrating seamlessly with automated templates for funding rounds, ESOPs, and shareholder agreements. Designed for early-stage companies, it simplifies compliance and cap table accuracy without needing lawyers for routine tasks.
Pros
- Automated legal document generation tied directly to cap table updates
- Real-time cap table accuracy with dilution modeling for funding rounds
- Cost-effective for UK startups, reducing legal fees significantly
Cons
- Primarily tailored to UK/EU regulations, limiting global applicability
- Lacks advanced scenario modeling compared to enterprise tools like Carta
- Customer support can be slower during peak funding seasons
Best For
UK-based early-stage startups and scale-ups managing their first few funding rounds and ESOP issuances.
Pricing
Pay-per-round from £500 or annual subscriptions starting at £1,200, with free basic cap table access for very early teams.
Captable.io
specializedCaptable.io provides straightforward cap table software with real-time updates, modeling, and export features for small teams.
Drag-and-drop scenario builder for instantly visualizing funding impacts without manual recalculations
Captable.io is a cloud-based cap table management platform tailored for startups, founders, and investors to track equity ownership, shareholders, and vesting schedules in real-time. It automates complex calculations for funding rounds, dilutions, and valuations, eliminating the need for error-prone spreadsheets. The tool offers scenario modeling, customizable reports, and secure sharing options to facilitate investor relations and compliance.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality for quick setup
- Affordable pricing including a free tier for early-stage companies
- Strong scenario planning tools for modeling funding rounds and exits
Cons
- Limited integrations with accounting or HRIS systems compared to enterprise tools
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher-tier plans
- Customer support primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Early-stage startups and solo founders seeking a simple, cost-effective alternative to spreadsheets for basic cap table management.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 10 shareholders; Pro plan at $49/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The top 10 cap table management tools, from comprehensive platforms to specialized solutions, cater to diverse needs—startups, investors, and multinational firms alike. Leading the pack is Carta, praised for its all-in-one features in equity management, valuations, and compliance, solidifying its position as a top choice. Pulley and Ledgy follow closely, offering user-friendly affordability and global compliance, respectively, making them strong alternatives based on specific requirements.
Explore the tools that align with your goals: start with Carta to leverage its full suite, or consider Pulley or Ledgy for a fit tailored to your stage, size, or regional needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
