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Essential resources for early-stage founders

Explore our curated collection of articles, guides and tools to help you grow your business – from pre-seed to Series A and beyond.

Getting started

Authors: Keyvan Firouzi & Lucy Hoyle
Date: September 2024
featured article
Startup accelerators
Joining an accelerator can be a game-changer, providing startups with mentorship, resources, and funding at a key moment in their development.
Startup funding: How to start fundraising
Fundraising
July 2023
Startup funding: How to start fundraising
Learn everything you need to know about startup funding, from types of investors and funding rounds to alternative fundraising options and when to start the process.
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SEIS vs EIS: Comparing UK venture capital schemes
Fundraising
August 2024
SEIS vs EIS: Comparing UK venture capital schemes
SEIS and EIS are vital to the UK’s startup ecosystem, with many early-stage investors only considering companies using tax-friendly fundraising schemes. Learn about the differences and similarities between SEIS and EIS.
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Company valuations: How to value a private company
Private Companies
March 2024
Company valuations: How to value a private company
Learn how private company valuations work, why they're important and when your business might need one – such as for granting employee equity.
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Cap tables & equity

Equity glossary

Equity management

Cap tables

Cap table management tips from a startup lawyer

Customer stories

How fintech startup Codat uses Carta to keep employee equity in check
Why Carta is more than just a valuations provider for Longbottom & Co.
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Fundraising

Carta logo
Author: The Carta Team
Date: August 2024
featured article
Convertible securities
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about three common convertible securities (convertible loan notes, advance subscription agreements and SAFEs) and how they’re used in unpriced funding rounds.
Simple agreement for future equity (SAFE)
Fundraising
September 2024
Simple agreement for future equity (SAFE)
In this article, we’ll break down the potential advantages and disadvantages of fundraising with SAFE agreements, as well as a detailed list of everything you need to know before issuing SAFE investments.
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Series A funding
Founder Education
June 2023
Series A funding
The Series A funding round is typically the first “priced” round your company raises. Here’s what you need to know about raising your Series A.
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Making the most of Series A funding: Five tips for founders
Fundraising
June 2024
Making the most of Series A funding: Five tips for founders
As the time between funding rounds increases, European VC Hanel Baveja explains how startups can make the most of their time and money after raising a Series A.
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Popular tools

Cap table template

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Employee option pool calculator

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Burn rate calculator

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Convertible securities calculator

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Employee equity

Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOP)
featured article
Employee share ownership plans (ESOP)
This article explores how ESOPs work in different countries. Whether you’re setting up an employee stock ownership plan, an employee share ownership plan or an employee share option plan, you’ll find answers to common questions about ESOPs.
Option pools
Compensation
August 2024
Option pools
When and how you set up an option pool affects company valuation, share price and ownership dilution. This article explains how employee option pools work and how to calculate the size of your pool.
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Share options
Equity Education
February 2024
Share options
Share options are a powerful tool that can unite a team towards a long-term goal and allow you to hang on to top talent for longer.
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EMI scheme (Enterprise Management Incentive)
Equity
April 2023
EMI scheme (Enterprise Management Incentive)
What is an EMI scheme, what are the benefits and how do you set up an EMI share plan? Find answers to these questions and more in this guide to Enterprise Management Incentives.
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Compensation planning

Carta logo
Author: The Carta Team
Date: April 2023
featured article
Employee compensation
Knowing employee compensation basics can be the difference between a thriving company and a failed startup. Learn everything you need to get comp right.
Equity compensation
Compensation
March 2024
Equity compensation
Equity compensation is a non-cash element of employee compensation and benefits. Learn the different types of equity startup leaders can offer to their teams.
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Compensation strategy
Compensation
June 2024
Compensation strategy
This guide explains what a compensation strategy is and how it differs from other compensation-related terms. It also provides a step-by-step approach to creating a competitive compensation strategy.
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Compensation plan
Compensation
July 2022
Compensation plan
A compensation plan outlines salaries, bonuses and equity. Learn how to develop a compensation plan for your company, so you can attract and retain talented employees.
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