Quick Overview
- 1#1: Carta - Carta offers comprehensive cap table management, stock option administration, 409A valuations, and equity compliance for startups and enterprises.
- 2#2: Pulley - Pulley provides simple, affordable cap table and equity management software with automated stock option tracking and issuances for growing companies.
- 3#3: Shareworks - Shareworks by Morgan Stanley delivers enterprise-grade equity plan management, including stock options, RSUs, and global compliance reporting.
- 4#4: Ledgy - Ledgy manages employee equity plans with stock option tracking, vesting schedules, and international tax compliance for global teams.
- 5#5: Global Shares - Global Shares provides scalable equity management solutions for stock options, ESPPs, and cap table maintenance across multinational corporations.
- 6#6: Capdesk - Capdesk streamlines cap table management, equity issuances, and stock option administration with real-time valuations and reporting.
- 7#7: Eqvista - Eqvista specializes in 409A valuations, cap table software, and stock option management for accurate equity tracking and compliance.
- 8#8: Vestd - Vestd offers equity management for startups with tools for EMI options, cap tables, and automated vesting schedules in the UK and EU.
- 9#9: Captable.io - Captable.io provides straightforward cap table management and stock option tracking designed for early-stage companies.
- 10#10: Certent - Certent Equity Management handles complex equity compensation plans, stock options, and financial reporting for public and private companies.
These platforms were selected based on rigorous evaluation of their feature depth, quality, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust performance for managing stock options, cap tables, and equity compliance.
Comparison Table
Effective stock option management is vital for businesses, and comparing top tools like Carta, Pulley, Shareworks, Ledgy, and Global Shares helps identify key features, strengths, and best-fit options. This table equips readers to streamline processes, whether managing equity for startups, established firms, or global teams, with insights to make informed decisions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carta Carta offers comprehensive cap table management, stock option administration, 409A valuations, and equity compliance for startups and enterprises. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Pulley Pulley provides simple, affordable cap table and equity management software with automated stock option tracking and issuances for growing companies. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | Shareworks Shareworks by Morgan Stanley delivers enterprise-grade equity plan management, including stock options, RSUs, and global compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Ledgy Ledgy manages employee equity plans with stock option tracking, vesting schedules, and international tax compliance for global teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Global Shares Global Shares provides scalable equity management solutions for stock options, ESPPs, and cap table maintenance across multinational corporations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Capdesk Capdesk streamlines cap table management, equity issuances, and stock option administration with real-time valuations and reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Eqvista Eqvista specializes in 409A valuations, cap table software, and stock option management for accurate equity tracking and compliance. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Vestd Vestd offers equity management for startups with tools for EMI options, cap tables, and automated vesting schedules in the UK and EU. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Captable.io Captable.io provides straightforward cap table management and stock option tracking designed for early-stage companies. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 10 | Certent Certent Equity Management handles complex equity compensation plans, stock options, and financial reporting for public and private companies. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
Carta offers comprehensive cap table management, stock option administration, 409A valuations, and equity compliance for startups and enterprises.
Pulley provides simple, affordable cap table and equity management software with automated stock option tracking and issuances for growing companies.
Shareworks by Morgan Stanley delivers enterprise-grade equity plan management, including stock options, RSUs, and global compliance reporting.
Ledgy manages employee equity plans with stock option tracking, vesting schedules, and international tax compliance for global teams.
Global Shares provides scalable equity management solutions for stock options, ESPPs, and cap table maintenance across multinational corporations.
Capdesk streamlines cap table management, equity issuances, and stock option administration with real-time valuations and reporting.
Eqvista specializes in 409A valuations, cap table software, and stock option management for accurate equity tracking and compliance.
Vestd offers equity management for startups with tools for EMI options, cap tables, and automated vesting schedules in the UK and EU.
Captable.io provides straightforward cap table management and stock option tracking designed for early-stage companies.
Certent Equity Management handles complex equity compensation plans, stock options, and financial reporting for public and private companies.
Carta
enterpriseCarta offers comprehensive cap table management, stock option administration, 409A valuations, and equity compliance for startups and enterprises.
Seamless integration of real-time 409A valuations and automated equity issuances directly within the cap table
Carta is a comprehensive equity management platform specializing in stock option administration, cap table management, and employee equity tracking for startups and scaling companies. It streamlines the entire equity lifecycle, from granting options and managing vesting schedules to facilitating exercises, 409A valuations, and secondary transfers. Carta also provides investor portals, compliance tools, and CartaX for liquidity events, making it a full-service solution for private company equity.
Pros
- Exceptionally robust tools for cap table accuracy and complex option scenarios
- Integrated 409A valuations and automated compliance features
- Scalable platform with investor and employee self-service portals
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Premium pricing can be prohibitive for very early-stage startups
- Custom support can have delays during peak times
Best For
High-growth startups and mid-sized private companies managing complex equity structures and scaling teams.
Pricing
Custom pricing tiers (Essentials, Advanced, Enterprise) starting around $10,000/year for mid-sized teams, with free basic cap table access for seed-stage founders.
Pulley
enterprisePulley provides simple, affordable cap table and equity management software with automated stock option tracking and issuances for growing companies.
On-demand, automated 409A valuations delivered in minutes at a fraction of traditional costs
Pulley is a user-friendly equity management platform tailored for startups, enabling seamless cap table management, stock option issuance, and tracking. It automates key processes like 409A valuations, option exercises, and fundraising scenario modeling, while providing secure portals for employees and investors. Designed to replace spreadsheets and expensive legacy tools, Pulley emphasizes speed, simplicity, and compliance for early- to mid-stage companies.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- Cost-effective pricing compared to competitors like Carta
- Automated 409A valuations and electronic stock issuances streamline admin
Cons
- Fewer advanced reporting and customization options for complex enterprises
- Limited integrations with some HR and accounting tools
- Customer support can vary based on plan tier
Best For
Early-stage startups and venture-backed companies seeking an affordable, easy-to-use solution for stock option administration and cap table management.
Pricing
Starts at $120/user/month for Seed plan; scales to $250+/user/month for Series A+ with custom enterprise pricing.
Shareworks
enterpriseShareworks by Morgan Stanley delivers enterprise-grade equity plan management, including stock options, RSUs, and global compliance reporting.
Real-time cap table management with advanced scenario modeling and Morgan Stanley-backed financial transaction support
Shareworks, powered by Morgan Stanley, is a comprehensive equity management platform designed for administering stock options, RSUs, ESPPs, and cap table management. It offers robust tools for plan issuance, exercise management, compliance reporting, and employee self-service portals. The software supports global operations with features like scenario modeling and integrations with HRIS and payroll systems.
Pros
- Comprehensive equity plan administration including options, RSUs, and ESPPs
- Strong compliance and regulatory reporting for global operations
- Seamless integrations with HR, payroll, and financial systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- High pricing not ideal for startups or small teams
- Limited flexibility for highly customized equity structures
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, high-volume equity compensation programs needing enterprise-grade compliance and scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing upon request; typically starts at $50,000+ annually based on company size and equity volume.
Ledgy
enterpriseLedgy manages employee equity plans with stock option tracking, vesting schedules, and international tax compliance for global teams.
Real-time collaborative cap table with advanced scenario modeling for fundraising and dilution analysis
Ledgy is a comprehensive equity management platform that specializes in cap table management, stock option administration, and employee equity tracking for startups and scale-ups. It automates option granting, vesting schedules, scenario modeling, and compliance reporting across multiple jurisdictions. With features like an employee self-service portal and real-time data sharing for fundraising, Ledgy ensures accurate equity oversight throughout the company lifecycle.
Pros
- Accurate real-time cap table and scenario modeling
- Strong international tax and compliance support
- Intuitive employee portal for transparency
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very early-stage startups
- Some advanced customizations require support
- Limited focus on non-equity compensation tools
Best For
Mid-stage startups and scale-ups in Europe needing robust, compliant stock option and cap table management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around €5,000-€10,000 annually for small teams, scaling with company size, users, and features.
Global Shares
enterpriseGlobal Shares provides scalable equity management solutions for stock options, ESPPs, and cap table maintenance across multinational corporations.
Automated global compliance engine that handles tax withholding, regulatory filings, and localization across 100+ countries
Global Shares is a comprehensive equity management platform specializing in stock option administration, cap table management, and global equity compensation programs. It supports companies in managing employee stock options (ESOs), restricted stock units (RSUs), and employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) across multiple jurisdictions with automated compliance and reporting. The platform provides secure employee portals for viewing grants, exercising options, and accessing tax documents, making it ideal for scaling enterprises.
Pros
- Expertise in global compliance and multi-jurisdictional tax handling
- Robust cap table and equity analytics with real-time reporting
- Seamless integrations with HRIS and brokerage systems
Cons
- Complex interface with a steep learning curve for new users
- Enterprise pricing that may be prohibitive for startups
- Limited self-service customization options
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with international teams requiring sophisticated global stock option administration and compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on company size and equity volume; contact sales for quotes.
Capdesk
enterpriseCapdesk streamlines cap table management, equity issuances, and stock option administration with real-time valuations and reporting.
Advanced waterfall analysis for precise exit scenario modeling and investor distributions
Capdesk is a comprehensive equity management platform tailored for startups and scale-ups, specializing in cap table management, stock option administration, and investor reporting. It enables companies to track ownership, grant and manage employee stock options (ESOPs), model fundraising scenarios, and ensure regulatory compliance, particularly in Europe. The software integrates with HR and accounting tools to streamline equity-related workflows from early-stage to IPO readiness.
Pros
- Robust cap table accuracy with real-time updates and scenario modeling
- Strong compliance tools for EU regulations like GDPR and tax reporting
- Efficient stock option granting and vesting management with e-signatures
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very early-stage startups
- Limited native integrations compared to US-centric competitors
- Steeper learning curve for non-finance users
Best For
European startups and mid-stage companies needing reliable equity and stock option management with strong regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around €5,000/year for basic plans, scaling with company size and features.
Eqvista
specializedEqvista specializes in 409A valuations, cap table software, and stock option management for accurate equity tracking and compliance.
Automated, IRS-compliant 409A valuations performed by certified appraisers directly within the platform
Eqvista is a comprehensive equity management platform designed for startups and private companies, offering cap table management, stock option administration, and 409A valuations. It enables users to issue, track, and manage employee stock options, RSUs, and warrants with automated vesting schedules and exercise tracking. The software also provides scenario modeling, portfolio reporting, and compliance tools to streamline equity-related processes.
Pros
- Integrated 409A valuation services with certified reports
- Robust cap table automation and real-time scenario modeling
- Comprehensive option tracking including vesting, exercises, and transfers
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very early-stage startups
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-stage startups and scale-ups with growing equity structures needing reliable option management and valuations.
Pricing
Starts at $599/month (billed annually) for Essentials, $999/month for Pro, with custom Enterprise pricing.
Vestd
specializedVestd offers equity management for startups with tools for EMI options, cap tables, and automated vesting schedules in the UK and EU.
Automated EMI scheme management with direct HMRC submissions and approval workflows
Vestd is an equity management platform tailored for startups and scale-ups, focusing on stock option administration, cap table management, and employee share schemes. It automates the issuance, tracking, vesting, and exercise of options while ensuring compliance with UK regulations like EMI and SEIS. The software provides real-time cap table visibility, scenario modeling for fundraising, and automated reporting to HMRC.
Pros
- Excellent UK-specific compliance tools including automated HMRC EMI reporting
- Intuitive dashboard with real-time cap table and scenario modeling
- Streamlined workflows for option issuance and employee self-service portals
Cons
- Primarily geared toward UK/EU companies, with limited US 409A or ISO support
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to global competitors like Carta
Best For
UK-based startups and scale-ups seeking compliant, automated stock option management without complex legal overhead.
Pricing
Starts at £99/month for Starter plan (up to 25 stakeholders), £299/month for Growth, with custom Enterprise pricing.
Captable.io
specializedCaptable.io provides straightforward cap table management and stock option tracking designed for early-stage companies.
One-click scenario modeling for instant dilution and fundraising projections
Captable.io is a cloud-based cap table management platform tailored for startups, enabling users to track equity ownership, issue stock options, and model dilution scenarios in real-time. It simplifies complex equity calculations, generates investor-ready reports, and supports 409A valuations without requiring legal expertise. Ideal for early-stage companies, it automates administrative tasks like option grants and vesting schedules to streamline fundraising and compliance.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop cap table building
- Seamless Excel import/export for quick onboarding
- Affordable for bootstrapped startups with robust basic option management
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer integrations with HRIS or accounting software
- Basic reporting lacks customization for larger cap tables
Best For
Early-stage startups and founders needing simple, cost-effective stock option and cap table management without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Free tier for basic cap tables; Pro plan starts at $99/month for unlimited options, scenarios, and valuations; Enterprise custom pricing.
Certent
enterpriseCertent Equity Management handles complex equity compensation plans, stock options, and financial reporting for public and private companies.
Integrated equity management with financial close and disclosure automation in a single platform
Certent, part of Insightsoftware, provides a robust equity management solution focused on stock option administration, cap table management, and compliance with ASC 718 and IFRS 2 standards. It handles the full lifecycle of equity compensation, including grant issuance, vesting tracking, exercise processing, and financial reporting. The platform integrates with ERP, HRIS, and payroll systems to automate workflows and ensure accurate valuations for public and private companies.
Pros
- Strong compliance and valuation tools for ASC 718/IFRS 2
- Seamless integrations with financial and HR systems
- Comprehensive reporting and scenario modeling capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High enterprise-level pricing
- Longer implementation times for smaller organizations
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises and public companies requiring compliant, scalable stock option management with integrated financial reporting.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically starting at $20,000+ annually based on users, modules, and company size.
Conclusion
The reviewed stock option management software tools cater to diverse needs, from early-stage startups to large enterprises. Topping the list is Carta, celebrated for its comprehensive cap table management, stock option administration, and thorough equity compliance. Pulley stands out with its affordability and simplicity, ideal for growing companies, while Shareworks impresses with enterprise-grade features and global reporting capabilities. Each tool addresses unique challenges, ensuring users can find the right fit.
Don’t miss out—start with Carta to streamline equity processes and elevate your stock option management today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison