Cake vs. Carta

Compare Carta alternatives.

See how the leading Carta alternatives compare, and why founders choose Cake.
Fast, accurate, and free migration.
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Compare

Compare Carta alternatives.

How Carta alternatives compare on features and pricing.
Full support Partial Not available
Feature support by platform, from Cake's cap table software guide. Full = supported, Partial = limited or available as an add-on, Not available = not offered per the guide. Verify current details with each provider.
Feature Cake Equity Carta Pulley Ledgy Shareworks Astrella
Disclaimer: Figures above are from Cake's published cap table software guide (prices in USD unless otherwise indicated) and reflect publicly available materials and G2 reviews at the time of writing. Product capabilities and pricing change often, so verify current details directly with each provider before deciding.
Cake vs. Carta

How Cake compares with Carta.

Cake is the most loved Carta alternative. Same powerful cap table features. Better, transparent pricing.

Fast, accurate, and free migration included in every Cake plan.
Comparison
Cake
Carta
Cap table + 409A
$2,750/year
$6,000–$15,000+ / yr
409A Valuation add on
$1500 add on when you need it
$3,000 + separate service
G2 overall rating
4.8/5
4.4/5
G2 support rating
9.8/10
8.2/10
Migration
Free, within 2-5 business days
Charged separately, takes weeks

Switching from Carta? Talk to Britt!

Getting a renewal shock from Carta? I've helped dozens of companies switch to Cake and save an average of 30-50%. Let me give you a custom quote in just 10 minutes.
Schedule a quick callLearn moreLearn more
Why startups choose cake

Better product. Better value. Carta switchers agree.

Here's why growing startups switch from Carta to Cake.
For CFOs and Execs

Save money with a better product.

Cake is easier to use, better supported, and higher rated on G2 than Carta. And it costs significantly less. You don't have to choose between a great product and a fair price.
"We tried Cake and the delightful surprise was it was a better product. We saved money with a better product."
Tom Hakel
CFO, CXO Strategies
🇺🇸 Los Angeles
For seed to series A

Right-sized equity software, finally.

Cap tables, option pools, SAFEs, cross-border teams. Everything you need to manage equity as your company grows, without the enterprise overhead.
"We were paying a premium for Carta without really using the platform much. It felt like an expensive, oversized solution for what we actually needed."
Hope Horner
CEO, Lemonlight
🇺🇸 Los Angeles
For Series A and beyond

Same cap table features. Half the cost.

Teams switching from Carta save an average of 48%. When the product is better and more fairly priced, the decision is simple.
"Cake was significantly cheaper than Carta. So when it's basically ahead on all those features, it was a no-brainer decision."
Dave Christianson
Legal Counsel, Tracksuit
🇺🇸 Global with US Operations
Cap table management and employee grants from day one
Get a 409A Valuation when you need them
Get a QSBS eligibility and attestation letter
NSO, ISO, RSU, RSA, and other equity instruments supported
Include ASC 718 and Form 3921 reporting as you go
Advanced scenario modeling for your Series B and beyond
Real stories

See why growing startups are switching to Cake.

Play video icon
Switched from Carta

We were paying a premium for Carta without really using the platform much. It felt like an expensive, oversized solution for what we actually needed.

Hope Horner
Co-founder & CEO
Read story
Play video icon
Switched from Carta

I was a former Carta user. Happy to have left them! It has been seamless, and even the few times we needed support, Cake is there for us! Customer success is great and we feel supported throughout.

Joe Gagnon
Co-founder & CEO
Read story
Switching to Cake

Switching to Cake is easier than you think.

We'll migrate your entire cap table for free. No data loss. No re-signing. No downtime. Our customer success team handles everything within days, not weeks. Human in the loop migration is included with every Cake plan.
1
Upload your cap table.
Accurate data matching.
2
A human reviews it.
Optional free call.
3
See your cap table in Cake.
Before you pay.
"There's a lot of financial data, a lot of individual names, but the transition to your platform was seamless! I think I was told 48 hours, but it seemed like two hours, it was all done and complete. And I saw the complete cap table on the dashboard right away!
Sonny Thadani
Founder & CEO, Robin
🇺🇸 New York
Learn more about switching
Pricing

Get more value for your money.

Cake pricing is published upfront, so you can see your options before talking to anyone. View pricing

Free

For founders, Pre Team
$0
Always free
No credit card required
5 Stakeholders included
Access to Starter & Growth features
Includes cap table, stock options, and SAFE notes

Build

Cap Table essentials for Pre Seed
$
1000
 
Annually
Save 10%
25 Stakeholders included
Cap Table Management
SAFE & Con notes
83(b) Election
Options, RSUs, RSAs
Board approval
Equity benchmarking
Scenario modeling
Stakeholder portal, investor updates, and doc sharing
+
$
60
per additional stakeholder

Team

Best for Carta switchers
Compliant offers for Seed & Series A
$
2750
 
Annually
Save 10%
All Build Plan+
40 Stakeholders included
Audit-ready 409A valuation (2 per year)
Custom contract editor
Options exercising
Built-in education so your team understands their equity
Built-in education so your team understands their equity
+
$
60
per additional stakeholder

Pro

Audit-ready reporting for Series A & B+
Custom
Annual or Quarterly billing
Save 10%
Book a demo
Discounted rates for large cap tables
All Plans +
100 Stakeholders included
ASC 718 Stock-based compensation reporting
File 3921 (no spreadsheets)
Rule 701 tracking
Audit-ready reporting, including point-in-time ownership percentages
Dedicated Slack channel
+
$
60
per additional stakeholder
409A Valuations available
Add on to any plan for only $1,500 (using toggle above). Available to add on any time.
Frequently Asked QUestions

Your questions about switching from Carta to Cake, answered.

Need help? Visit the Help center

*How much will I save if I switch from Carta to Cake?

Average saving across recent customers who moved from Carta is 48%. Savings compare written competitor quotes (or prices stated during the purchase process) with the annual price paid at Cake.

Will you help me migrate my data across for free?

Yes, onboarding to Cake is free, as part of your subscription. Learn more

How long will it take to migrate data from Carta to Cake?

Most cap tables are migrated within 2-5 business days. Our team reconciles every row against your source data. That human check is where the time goes, so timing depends on how complex your cap table is and what's in the queue, and we'll tell you where you sit once we've seen it. Nothing goes live until you've signed off.

Do I need a transfer agent to offboard from Carta?

As a private company, you are not required to have a transfer agent unless you are about to IPO or you meet the following criteria:
1. Assets exceeding $10 million, and
2. You have either 2,000+ shareholders or 500+ shareholders who are not accredited investors
If you still prefer to set up a formal transfer agent, we can introduce to you our transfer agent partner who can utilize the Cake platform as your source of truth. Learn more

Do my shareholders / option holders have to re-sign any agreements and will I lose the digital share certificates from Carta?

No. Your shareholders or option holders do not need to re-sign any agreements and as part of the onboarding process to Cake, digital share certificates are cancelled within Carta and recreated within Cake.

What is the migration experience from the stakeholder's perspective?

The experience is smooth and seamless. The final stage of onboarding involves you sending invitations and communications to your current investors and employees explaining the switch from Carta to Cake and inviting them to login to their new MyCake portal to view their holdings, documents and communications.

Are there any hidden fees or extra costs?

No, your pricing quote will include your Cake subscription, onboarding and ongoing support.

What kind of Customer Support does Cake provide post-onboarding?

Your Cake Customer Success team will provide the most comprehensive support and service post-onboarding. The team provides 16 hours of service each day and is available via in-app chat, email or as is our preference, you can jump on a quick Power Up video call to resolve any questions.

Does Cake have a trial period?

Cake does not offer a trial period, however once you complete a demo with Britt, she can give you access to a demo account to familiarize yourself with the Cake platform.