20 Percent Dilution at Seed Hides Significant Industry Variation

20 Percent Dilution at Seed Hides Significant Industry Variation

Author

Peter Walker

|

Read time: 

1 minute

Published date: 

September 16, 2024

The 20% national median at seed obscures real differences: Biotech and Semiconductors see 25% while Edtech may see only 15%—industry matters as much as stage.

LinkedIn: 20 Percent Dilution at Seed Hides Significant Industry Variation

Startup founders sell 20% at the seed stage, right?

Broadly speaking, yes. 20% is the median dilution for founders during their seed rounds (talking US companies here, sorry international founders).

But that 20% mark overall hides some significant differences by industry.

A Biotech company typically sees 25% dilution at this stage, as do Semiconductor startups, while your median Edtech may only part with 17%.

Good for founders to have a general sense of how their industry operates so they aren't surprised by investor requests at the next fundraising meeting.

You'll note that valuation (in the green bars below) is kinda all over the place by industry. Some low dilution sectors come along with low valuations (which implies smaller rounds), but it's not a perfect fit down the line.

All data below for US startups raising their seed rounds in 2024. Share with a fundraising founder!

#startups #fundraising #venturecapital #dilution #seedstage

More data from Carta out every week in our Data Minute newsletter, subscribe at the link in graphic below.

Peter Walker
Author: Peter Walker
Peter Walker runs the Insights team at Carta, focused on discovering key data and narratives across the private capital ecosystem. In a former life, he was a marketing executive for a media analytics startup and led the data visualization team at the Covid Tracking Project.

DISCLOSURE: This communication is on behalf of eShares, Inc. dba Carta, Inc. ("Carta"). This communication is for informational purposes only, and contains general information only. Carta is not, by means of this communication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business or interests, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. This communication is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Carta does not assume any liability for reliance on the information provided herein. © 2026 Carta. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited.