Quick Overview
- 1#1: Carta - Carta offers comprehensive equity management, cap table tracking, 409A valuations, and employee stock option administration for startups and enterprises.
- 2#2: Pulley - Pulley provides simple, affordable cap table management and automated equity issuance for early-stage companies managing employee stock options.
- 3#3: Shareworks - Shareworks delivers enterprise-grade equity compensation management, including stock option plans, ESPPs, and global compliance for public and private companies.
- 4#4: Ledgy - Ledgy automates cap table management, employee equity grants, and scenario modeling with international support for stock options.
- 5#5: Global Shares - Global Shares provides global equity plan administration, stock option tracking, and reporting for multinational corporations.
- 6#6: Capboard - Capboard offers automated cap table software with real-time updates for managing employee stock options and valuations.
- 7#7: Vestd - Vestd simplifies equity management for UK and EU companies with tools for EMI options, cap tables, and investor relations.
- 8#8: EquityEffect - EquityEffect administers employee stock ownership plans, including stock options, RSUs, and performance shares for private companies.
- 9#9: Capshare - Capshare manages cap tables and equity transactions with secure document storage and employee stock option exercise tracking.
- 10#10: Trakxr - Trakxr provides cap table management and equity tracking software tailored for startups handling stock options and investments.
We evaluated these tools based on key features like cap table management, automated equity issuance, global compliance support, and ease of use, alongside quality, reliability, and value, ensuring they serve startups, SMEs, and large corporations alike.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading employee stock option software tools such as Carta, Pulley, Shareworks, Ledgy, and Global Shares, providing a clear overview of their key features and capabilities. Readers will discover differences in usability, scalability, and functionality to identify the most suitable solution for their organizational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carta Carta offers comprehensive equity management, cap table tracking, 409A valuations, and employee stock option administration for startups and enterprises. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Pulley Pulley provides simple, affordable cap table management and automated equity issuance for early-stage companies managing employee stock options. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | Shareworks Shareworks delivers enterprise-grade equity compensation management, including stock option plans, ESPPs, and global compliance for public and private companies. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Ledgy Ledgy automates cap table management, employee equity grants, and scenario modeling with international support for stock options. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Global Shares Global Shares provides global equity plan administration, stock option tracking, and reporting for multinational corporations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Capboard Capboard offers automated cap table software with real-time updates for managing employee stock options and valuations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Vestd Vestd simplifies equity management for UK and EU companies with tools for EMI options, cap tables, and investor relations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | EquityEffect EquityEffect administers employee stock ownership plans, including stock options, RSUs, and performance shares for private companies. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Capshare Capshare manages cap tables and equity transactions with secure document storage and employee stock option exercise tracking. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Trakxr Trakxr provides cap table management and equity tracking software tailored for startups handling stock options and investments. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.3/10 |
Carta offers comprehensive equity management, cap table tracking, 409A valuations, and employee stock option administration for startups and enterprises.
Pulley provides simple, affordable cap table management and automated equity issuance for early-stage companies managing employee stock options.
Shareworks delivers enterprise-grade equity compensation management, including stock option plans, ESPPs, and global compliance for public and private companies.
Ledgy automates cap table management, employee equity grants, and scenario modeling with international support for stock options.
Global Shares provides global equity plan administration, stock option tracking, and reporting for multinational corporations.
Capboard offers automated cap table software with real-time updates for managing employee stock options and valuations.
Vestd simplifies equity management for UK and EU companies with tools for EMI options, cap tables, and investor relations.
EquityEffect administers employee stock ownership plans, including stock options, RSUs, and performance shares for private companies.
Capshare manages cap tables and equity transactions with secure document storage and employee stock option exercise tracking.
Trakxr provides cap table management and equity tracking software tailored for startups handling stock options and investments.
Carta
enterpriseCarta offers comprehensive equity management, cap table tracking, 409A valuations, and employee stock option administration for startups and enterprises.
Automated, SOC 2-compliant 409A valuations with rapid turnaround and direct integration into cap table modeling
Carta is a comprehensive equity management platform designed specifically for startups and growing companies to manage employee stock options, cap tables, and ownership data seamlessly. It automates the issuance of stock options and RSUs, handles 409A valuations, ensures regulatory compliance, and provides tools for secondary transactions and investor reporting. With robust integrations to payroll and HR systems, Carta simplifies complex equity administration from early-stage funding through IPO.
Pros
- All-in-one platform for cap table management, option granting, and valuations
- Automated compliance and 409A valuations with expert support
- Scalable for companies from seed stage to public, with strong security
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-finance users
- Premium pricing may be prohibitive for very early-stage startups
- Customer support can have response delays during peak times
Best For
High-growth startups and mid-sized companies requiring enterprise-grade equity management with scalability to IPO.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing typically starting at $10,000+ annually, tiered by company size, employee count, and features.
Pulley
enterprisePulley provides simple, affordable cap table management and automated equity issuance for early-stage companies managing employee stock options.
Integrated, automated 409A valuations delivered in days at a fraction of traditional costs
Pulley is a modern equity management platform tailored for startups, specializing in cap table management, employee stock option issuance, and automated 409A valuations. It enables seamless grant administration, scenario modeling for fundraising rounds, and self-service portals for employees and investors to track ownership. Designed with simplicity in mind, Pulley automates compliance tasks and provides real-time insights to help growing companies manage equity efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface that simplifies complex equity tasks
- Automated 409A valuations with fast turnaround and competitive pricing
- Robust scenario modeling for fundraising and dilution analysis
Cons
- Fewer integrations compared to larger competitors like Carta
- Advanced features for very complex cap structures may require custom work
- Customer support response times can vary during peak periods
Best For
Early- to mid-stage startups seeking an affordable, easy-to-use solution for managing employee stock options and cap tables.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 stakeholders; $120/month per additional stakeholder or custom enterprise plans starting at $10,000/year.
Shareworks
enterpriseShareworks delivers enterprise-grade equity compensation management, including stock option plans, ESPPs, and global compliance for public and private companies.
Morgan Stanley-backed secondary liquidity solutions for employee share sales
Shareworks, powered by Morgan Stanley, is a comprehensive equity management platform that helps companies administer employee stock options, RSUs, ESPPs, and cap tables. It offers employee self-service portals for viewing grants, exercising options, and managing holdings, along with robust compliance, reporting, and integration tools. Ideal for scaling businesses, it ensures accurate equity tracking from private to public stages.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade equity administration and cap table management
- Strong compliance and global tax reporting capabilities
- Seamless integrations with HRIS, payroll, and brokerage systems
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity
- Steep learning curve for administrators
- Less flexible for very small startups
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises with complex, international equity compensation programs needing institutional-grade reliability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on company size and usage; typically starts at $20,000+ annually with setup fees.
Ledgy
enterpriseLedgy automates cap table management, employee equity grants, and scenario modeling with international support for stock options.
Global compliance engine supporting equity instruments and tax rules in over 100 countries
Ledgy is a comprehensive equity management platform designed for startups and scale-ups, specializing in cap table management, employee stock option plans (ESOPs), and token allocations. It enables seamless granting, vesting tracking, exercise management, and scenario modeling while ensuring compliance across over 100 countries. The platform also features an employee portal for transparent self-service access to equity details and simulations.
Pros
- Multi-jurisdiction compliance for 100+ countries
- Employee self-service portal with scenario modeling
- Real-time collaborative cap table with fundraising tools
Cons
- Quote-based pricing can be steep for early-stage startups
- Steeper learning curve for complex international setups
- Limited integrations compared to US-centric competitors
Best For
European startups and scale-ups with international employees requiring robust global ESOP compliance and cap table management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around €5,000-€10,000 annually for small teams, scaling with company size and features (Essential, Professional, Enterprise tiers).
Global Shares
enterpriseGlobal Shares provides global equity plan administration, stock option tracking, and reporting for multinational corporations.
Advanced global tax engine handling compliance and withholding in 100+ countries automatically
Global Shares is a comprehensive equity management platform designed for administering employee stock options, RSUs, ESPPs, and other equity compensation plans. It offers cap table management, ownership tracking, and automated transaction processing with a strong emphasis on global compliance across over 100 countries. The software provides real-time reporting, employee portals, and integration capabilities for HR and finance teams, making it suitable for scaling companies.
Pros
- Extensive global compliance and tax withholding support for international workforces
- Robust cap table and ownership management with real-time data accuracy
- Strong reporting tools and employee self-service portal
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Custom pricing can be expensive for startups or small firms
- Limited out-of-the-box integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies with complex, international equity plans requiring reliable compliance and administration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on company size, employee count, and plan complexity.
Capboard
enterpriseCapboard offers automated cap table software with real-time updates for managing employee stock options and valuations.
Real-time collaborative cap table modeling with built-in dilution scenarios and electronic grant signing
Capboard is a cap table and equity management platform tailored for startups, enabling seamless tracking of employee stock options, vesting schedules, and exercises alongside full capitalization table oversight. It supports option plan administration, scenario modeling for dilutions and exits, and ensures regulatory compliance, particularly strong for EU-based companies. The software facilitates electronic signing of grant agreements and provides real-time updates for founders and legal teams.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with real-time cap table visualization
- Robust ESOP tools including automated vesting and exercise management
- Strong compliance features for EU regulations and 409A valuations
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to Carta or Pulley
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams or advanced needs
- Less flexibility for highly complex international equity structures
Best For
European startups and scale-ups seeking compliant, user-friendly ESOP and cap table management without extensive setup.
Pricing
Starts at €299/month for Starter plan (up to 50 stakeholders), €999/month for Pro, with custom Enterprise pricing.
Vestd
enterpriseVestd simplifies equity management for UK and EU companies with tools for EMI options, cap tables, and investor relations.
Automated EMI compliance and HMRC filing directly from the platform
Vestd is a UK-focused equity management platform designed for startups and scale-ups to issue, manage, and track employee stock options, particularly EMI schemes, alongside maintaining an accurate cap table. It provides tools for automated compliance with HMRC requirements, exercise management, and real-time scenario modeling. The employee self-service portal allows staff to view their equity holdings, vesting schedules, and tax implications transparently.
Pros
- Strong UK-specific compliance for EMI, CSOP, and growth shares with automated HMRC filings
- User-friendly interface and employee self-service portal for transparency
- Real-time cap table and scenario modeling for informed decision-making
Cons
- Limited support for non-UK markets and international equity plans
- Fewer advanced integrations compared to global competitors like Carta
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger companies or complex needs
Best For
UK-based startups and SMEs managing EMI stock options and early-stage equity plans.
Pricing
Starts at £99/month for Starter plan (up to 50 employees), £299/month for Growth, with custom Enterprise pricing.
EquityEffect
enterpriseEquityEffect administers employee stock ownership plans, including stock options, RSUs, and performance shares for private companies.
Advanced scenario modeling for what-if analysis on equity grants, dilutions, and exit scenarios
EquityEffect is a robust equity management platform tailored for private companies, specializing in the administration of employee stock options, RSUs, and other equity incentives. It provides essential tools like cap table management, 409A valuation support, grant tracking, and an employee self-service portal for viewing equity holdings. Additionally, it offers scenario modeling to simulate equity dilution and strategic planning, ensuring compliance and transparency throughout the equity lifecycle.
Pros
- Comprehensive cap table and grant management
- Strong scenario modeling for equity planning
- Employee portal enhances transparency and engagement
Cons
- Higher pricing suits larger teams more than startups
- User interface could be more modern and intuitive
- Fewer integrations with popular HRIS and payroll systems
Best For
Mid-sized private companies (50-500 employees) needing advanced equity administration and modeling without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $10,000-$20,000 annually depending on company size and features.
Capshare
enterpriseCapshare manages cap tables and equity transactions with secure document storage and employee stock option exercise tracking.
Interactive scenario modeling for fundraising and dilution forecasting
Capshare is a cloud-based equity management platform that specializes in cap table management and employee stock option administration for startups and scale-ups. It enables companies to issue, track, and exercise stock options, RSUs, and other equity instruments with real-time updates, visualizations, and compliance tools like 409A valuations. The software also supports scenario modeling for fundraising and exit planning, making it easier to maintain accurate equity records without spreadsheets.
Pros
- Intuitive, spreadsheet-free interface for quick setup
- Real-time cap table collaboration and visualizations
- Strong focus on compliance and 409A support
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Integrations are solid but not as extensive as leaders
- Pricing can escalate for larger companies
Best For
Early-stage startups and Series A companies seeking a user-friendly tool for initial equity grants and cap table management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with company size and features; free trial available.
Trakxr
enterpriseTrakxr provides cap table management and equity tracking software tailored for startups handling stock options and investments.
Cross-company portfolio aggregation with automated 409A valuations
Trakxr is an employee-focused equity management platform that enables users to track stock options, RSUs, ESPPs, and other equity compensation across multiple employers. It offers real-time valuations using 409A data, vesting trackers, tax estimators, and scenario modeling for exercise decisions. The tool aggregates portfolios into a unified dashboard, helping individuals monitor their net worth and optimize equity strategies.
Pros
- Multi-employer equity aggregation and tracking
- Real-time 409A valuations and tax calculators
- Scenario planning for option exercises
Cons
- Limited integrations with brokers or payroll systems
- Interface can feel cluttered for beginners
- Premium features locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Tech employees holding equity in multiple startups who need portfolio oversight and decision tools.
Pricing
Freemium model; basic free, Pro at $15/month, Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
After a detailed review of the top employee stock option tools, Carta proves to be the leading choice, offering comprehensive equity management, cap table tracking, and 409A valuations that cater to both startups and enterprises. Pulley excels for early-stage companies with its simple, affordable cap table management and automated issuance, while Shareworks stands out for enterprise-grade compliance and global support. Depending on company size and needs, these top three provide robust solutions, with Carta leading as the most versatile.
Don’t miss out on efficient equity management—begin using Carta’s powerful tools to simplify operations and enhance your team’s experience with stock options.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison