Quick Overview
- 1#1: Carta - Carta offers comprehensive equity management software for cap table tracking, 409A valuations, issuances, and compliance across private and public companies.
- 2#2: Pulley - Pulley provides startup-focused equity administration with automated cap table management, scenario modeling, and seamless fundraising tools.
- 3#3: Ledgy - Ledgy delivers end-to-end equity plan management including grants, vesting schedules, employee portals, and global compliance.
- 4#4: Shareworks - Shareworks by Morgan Stanley handles global equity compensation administration with transaction processing, reporting, and tax withholding.
- 5#5: Global Shares - Global Shares provides scalable equity plan management with real-time valuations, multi-currency support, and exercise processing worldwide.
- 6#6: Computershare - Computershare offers equity incentive plan administration including ESPPs, RSUs, and stock options with robust reporting and participant services.
- 7#7: Fidelity Stock Plan Services - Fidelity Stock Plan Services manages employee stock plans with trading, education, and compliance tools for public company equity programs.
- 8#8: Eqvista - Eqvista specializes in cap table management, 409A valuations, and equity tracking for startups and small businesses.
- 9#9: Capdesk - Capdesk streamlines equity management with cap table automation, investor portals, and compliance for growing companies.
- 10#10: Vestd - Vestd provides simple equity administration for UK and EU companies, handling shares, options, and EMI schemes.
Tools were chosen based on feature depth (automation, valuation, compliance), user experience, and value, considering the unique needs of private, public, and growing companies, with a focus on reliability and adaptability.
Comparison Table
Equity administration software simplifies managing stock options, grants, and shareholder data, vital for businesses navigating equity structures. This comparison table explores tools such as Carta, Pulley, Ledgy, Shareworks, and Global Shares, outlining features, pricing, and usability to guide informed decisions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carta Carta offers comprehensive equity management software for cap table tracking, 409A valuations, issuances, and compliance across private and public companies. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Pulley Pulley provides startup-focused equity administration with automated cap table management, scenario modeling, and seamless fundraising tools. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Ledgy Ledgy delivers end-to-end equity plan management including grants, vesting schedules, employee portals, and global compliance. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Shareworks Shareworks by Morgan Stanley handles global equity compensation administration with transaction processing, reporting, and tax withholding. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Global Shares Global Shares provides scalable equity plan management with real-time valuations, multi-currency support, and exercise processing worldwide. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Computershare Computershare offers equity incentive plan administration including ESPPs, RSUs, and stock options with robust reporting and participant services. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Fidelity Stock Plan Services Fidelity Stock Plan Services manages employee stock plans with trading, education, and compliance tools for public company equity programs. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Eqvista Eqvista specializes in cap table management, 409A valuations, and equity tracking for startups and small businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Capdesk Capdesk streamlines equity management with cap table automation, investor portals, and compliance for growing companies. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Vestd Vestd provides simple equity administration for UK and EU companies, handling shares, options, and EMI schemes. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Carta offers comprehensive equity management software for cap table tracking, 409A valuations, issuances, and compliance across private and public companies.
Pulley provides startup-focused equity administration with automated cap table management, scenario modeling, and seamless fundraising tools.
Ledgy delivers end-to-end equity plan management including grants, vesting schedules, employee portals, and global compliance.
Shareworks by Morgan Stanley handles global equity compensation administration with transaction processing, reporting, and tax withholding.
Global Shares provides scalable equity plan management with real-time valuations, multi-currency support, and exercise processing worldwide.
Computershare offers equity incentive plan administration including ESPPs, RSUs, and stock options with robust reporting and participant services.
Fidelity Stock Plan Services manages employee stock plans with trading, education, and compliance tools for public company equity programs.
Eqvista specializes in cap table management, 409A valuations, and equity tracking for startups and small businesses.
Capdesk streamlines equity management with cap table automation, investor portals, and compliance for growing companies.
Vestd provides simple equity administration for UK and EU companies, handling shares, options, and EMI schemes.
Carta
enterpriseCarta offers comprehensive equity management software for cap table tracking, 409A valuations, issuances, and compliance across private and public companies.
Integrated 409A valuation engine with automated valuations and defensible pricing models for compliance.
Carta is a leading equity management platform designed for private companies to handle cap table management, stock option administration, and 409A valuations seamlessly. It automates equity issuances, transfers, and compliance reporting while providing real-time ownership data and investor portals. Additionally, Carta offers fund administration tools and a secondary marketplace via CartaX, making it a comprehensive solution for scaling equity programs.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy in cap table management with audit trails and real-time updates
- Comprehensive compliance tools including 409A valuations and ASC 718 reporting
- Robust integrations with HRIS, payroll, and legal platforms for streamlined workflows
Cons
- Steep pricing for smaller startups or very early-stage companies
- Initial learning curve for complex equity structures
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
Best For
Growing startups and mid-stage private companies with complex equity plans needing scalable administration and compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on company size, shares outstanding, and features; free basic cap table for seed-stage companies, with paid tiers starting around $5K-$10K/year.
Pulley
specializedPulley provides startup-focused equity administration with automated cap table management, scenario modeling, and seamless fundraising tools.
Native secondary transaction and tender offer management with automated waterfall calculations
Pulley is a comprehensive equity administration platform tailored for startups and scale-ups, offering cap table management, equity plan administration, and automated 409A valuations. It enables real-time collaboration on equity data, scenario modeling for fundraising and exits, and seamless investor reporting. With integrations to payroll and HR systems, Pulley simplifies compliance and administrative burdens for growing companies.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface that rivals spreadsheets in accessibility
- Robust automation for valuations, grants, and transfers
- Excellent real-time collaboration and stakeholder portals
Cons
- Pricing tiers escalate quickly for larger stakeholder counts
- Limited advanced enterprise compliance features compared to Carta
- Primarily optimized for US-based companies with less global tax support
Best For
Seed to Series C startups needing an user-friendly alternative to spreadsheets for equity management without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Freemium model with Free (up to 25 stakeholders), Pro ($120/mo up to 100), Business ($600/mo up to 500), and custom Enterprise plans.
Ledgy
enterpriseLedgy delivers end-to-end equity plan management including grants, vesting schedules, employee portals, and global compliance.
Drag-and-drop scenario modeling for instant cap table simulations across funding rounds and exits
Ledgy is a comprehensive equity management platform that simplifies cap table tracking, employee stock option plan (ESOP) administration, and investor relations for startups and growing companies. It provides real-time scenario modeling, automated compliance reporting, and secure portals for stakeholders, supporting global operations with multi-currency and multi-jurisdiction capabilities. Designed for scalability, Ledgy helps teams manage equity from seed stage through IPO readiness with minimal manual effort.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with real-time collaboration tools
- Strong global compliance and multi-jurisdiction support
- Advanced scenario modeling for fundraising and exits
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger companies
- Fewer native integrations than some US competitors
- Advanced customization requires support team involvement
Best For
European startups and scale-ups managing complex international equity plans who prioritize ease of use and compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around €5,000/year for early-stage plans, scaling to enterprise levels based on company size and usage.
Shareworks
enterpriseShareworks by Morgan Stanley handles global equity compensation administration with transaction processing, reporting, and tax withholding.
Advanced IPO transition services with automated post-IPO equity conversions and ongoing public company support
Shareworks, powered by Morgan Stanley, is a robust equity administration platform that manages cap tables, employee stock plans, and equity compensation for public and private companies. It streamlines share issuances, transactions, vesting schedules, and compliance reporting with real-time data accuracy. The software excels in scalability for enterprises, offering integrations with HRIS, payroll, and financial systems to support complex global equity programs.
Pros
- Comprehensive cap table and equity plan management with real-time updates
- Strong compliance tools for global regulations and IPO readiness
- Seamless integrations with enterprise HR and financial systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High enterprise-level pricing with custom quotes only
- Less flexible for startups or small teams needing simplicity
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises and public companies handling complex, high-volume equity compensation programs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $50,000+ annually based on company size and usage.
Global Shares
enterpriseGlobal Shares provides scalable equity plan management with real-time valuations, multi-currency support, and exercise processing worldwide.
Integrated global tax and regulatory compliance engine with automated filings across 100+ countries
Global Shares is a robust equity administration platform specializing in managing complex employee stock plans, cap tables, and equity compensation programs for global enterprises. It offers end-to-end solutions including share issuance, vesting tracking, compliance with international tax regulations, and real-time reporting. Backed by JPMorgan Chase, it excels in scalability and integration for public and private companies handling high-volume equity transactions.
Pros
- Comprehensive global compliance and multi-jurisdictional tax reporting
- Real-time cap table management with advanced analytics
- Seamless integrations with HRIS, payroll, and brokerage systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for non-experts
- Enterprise pricing may not suit small to mid-sized companies
- Limited self-service options for end-users compared to newer platforms
Best For
Multinational corporations with complex, high-volume global equity plans requiring enterprise-grade compliance and scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $10-30 per participant annually for enterprises, with minimums for smaller plans.
Computershare
enterpriseComputershare offers equity incentive plan administration including ESPPs, RSUs, and stock options with robust reporting and participant services.
Seamless integration of equity plan administration with full-service transfer agency and global share registry management
Computershare is a leading global provider of equity administration software and services, specializing in managing employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), stock options, RSUs, ESPPs, and cap table maintenance for public and private companies. The platform offers robust tools for compliance, reporting, participant self-service portals, and integration with transfer agency functions. It excels in handling large-scale, international equity programs with high transaction volumes.
Pros
- Extensive global compliance and regulatory expertise across multiple jurisdictions
- Scalable for high-volume transactions and large enterprises
- Integrated transfer agency and shareholder services streamline operations
Cons
- Outdated user interface with a steep learning curve
- Customer support can be slow and inconsistent
- Less flexible for startups or small-scale equity plans
Best For
Large public companies or multinational corporations managing complex, high-volume international equity compensation programs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $50,000+ annually, based on plan size, participants, and services; no public tiered plans.
Fidelity Stock Plan Services
enterpriseFidelity Stock Plan Services manages employee stock plans with trading, education, and compliance tools for public company equity programs.
Direct integration with Fidelity brokerage for real-time trade execution, settlement, and cashless exercises.
Fidelity Stock Plan Services (SPS) is a comprehensive equity administration platform designed for managing employee stock plans, including stock options, RSUs, and ESPPs. It provides end-to-end services from grant issuance and vesting tracking to exercise processing, sales, and tax reporting. The solution integrates seamlessly with Fidelity's brokerage services, offering robust compliance tools and participant self-service portals for large-scale enterprises.
Pros
- Scalable for large enterprises with high participant volumes
- Seamless brokerage integration for trades and settlements
- Strong compliance, reporting, and tax management capabilities
- Reliable customer support backed by Fidelity's reputation
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS platforms
- Limited customization options for unique plan structures
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be higher for smaller firms
Best For
Large public companies and enterprises with complex, high-volume equity plans needing integrated brokerage services.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on participant count, assets under management, and transaction volume; includes setup fees and per-participant costs.
Eqvista
specializedEqvista specializes in cap table management, 409A valuations, and equity tracking for startups and small businesses.
Built-in 409A valuation engine with automated compliance reporting
Eqvista is a cloud-based equity management platform that specializes in cap table management, 409A valuations, and investor relations for startups and private companies. It enables real-time tracking of equity ownership, scenario modeling for fundraising, and secure data rooms for sharing cap tables with stakeholders. Additionally, it offers portfolio management tools for investors to monitor their holdings across multiple companies.
Pros
- Comprehensive cap table management with real-time collaboration
- Integrated 409A valuation services and scenario modeling
- Secure investor portals and electronic data rooms
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for early-stage startups
- Limited integrations with accounting or HR tools
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Mid-stage startups and VCs needing robust valuation and investor reporting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $499/month for Pro plan; custom Enterprise pricing with valuation services from $2,500.
Capdesk
specializedCapdesk streamlines equity management with cap table automation, investor portals, and compliance for growing companies.
Built-in electronic signing and workflow automation for equity documents directly from the cap table
Capdesk is a cloud-based equity management platform tailored for startups and scale-ups, specializing in cap table management, equity plan administration, and investor relations. It automates complex equity transactions like issuances, transfers, and exercises while ensuring compliance with EU regulations and international standards. The software features secure investor portals, scenario modeling, and electronic signing to streamline fundraising and exit planning.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop cap table editing
- Strong EU compliance and automated reporting tools
- Secure investor portals for real-time data sharing
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for early-stage startups
- Limited native integrations with US-focused HRIS or accounting tools
- Advanced valuation modeling requires add-ons
Best For
European startups and mid-stage companies prioritizing compliance-heavy equity administration and investor communication.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starter plans from ~€500/month, scaling with stakeholders and features.
Vestd
specializedVestd provides simple equity administration for UK and EU companies, handling shares, options, and EMI schemes.
Automated EMI option pricing and real-time HMRC compliance validation
Vestd is a comprehensive equity administration platform tailored for startups and scale-ups, specializing in cap table management, employee share schemes like EMI and CSOP, and compliance with UK regulations such as SEIS/EIS. It enables real-time tracking of ownership, automated valuations, scenario modeling, and seamless equity issuances while integrating with payroll and accounting tools. The software simplifies complex equity processes, making it easier for growing companies to manage investor relations and reporting.
Pros
- Real-time cap table updates and scenario modeling for accurate forecasting
- Specialized UK compliance tools for EMI, CSOP, and HMRC filings
- Strong integrations with payroll, accounting, and CRM systems
Cons
- Primarily UK-focused, with limited support for US-specific regulations like 409A
- Pricing can be high for very early-stage startups
- Initial setup requires some expertise for complex cap tables
Best For
UK-based startups and mid-stage companies managing employee equity plans and cap tables compliantly.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting from around £499/month for starter plans, scaling with company size, users, and advanced features.
Conclusion
Leading the review are three exceptional tools, each with distinct strengths in equity administration. Carta emerges as the top choice, offering comprehensive management for both private and public companies. Pulley and Ledgy follow closely, excelling in startup-focused automation and end-to-end plan management respectively, making them strong alternatives for specific needs.
Begin by exploring Carta for its all-encompassing capabilities, and consider Pulley or Ledgy if your focus lies in startup fundraising or global compliance workflows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison