Equity, unlocked

Guides, customer stories, expert insights, product updates, and frequently asked questions about startup equity.

Equity Compliance

Compliance for all stages

All guides on equity compliance

How to prepare for a 409A valuation

Form 3921, explained: What it is, when it's due, and how to file

9 min read

ASC 718: Stock-based compensation reporting for founders

5 min read

409A Valuation safe harbor: what it means and how to qualify

8 min

What happens if you skip getting a 409A valuation?

8 min read

How to prepare for a 409A valuation

9 min

How to choose 409A valuation provider

10 min

Frequently asked questions

Your questions, answered

What tools support performance-based RSU mechanics?

What tools provide offboarding workflows for departing employees' equity?

What tools help manage board and shareholder resolutions for equity actions?

What tools notify stakeholders about vesting events and cliff dates?

What tools help track performance-based and double-trigger vesting?

What tools support cap table exports for auditors and investors?

What tools help founders compare equity scenarios before signing a term sheet?

How can companies ensure employees understand the tax implications of equity?

How do startups keep equity records compliant for audits?

What does Cake handle, and what do I still need a lawyer for?

When should I stop managing my cap table in spreadsheets?

How is Cake's pricing structured?

What's the real difference between Cake and Carta?

Is Cake ready for a Series A audit?

Is Cake just for companies with international employees?

How to set up a Stock Option Plan for a seed-stage company

How to create standardized equity approval workflows

How founders calculate dilution impacts from SAFEs converting at different caps

How to model multiple SAFEs with different valuation caps and MFN clauses

How startups handle early exercise and 83(b) elections efficiently

What's the best way to keep a single source of truth for equity ownership?

How can startups manage different vesting calendars across teams?

How can startups centralize signed equity documents and board approvals?

What's the best way to track cap table changes historically over time?

What's the easiest way to migrate an existing cap table to a new platform?

Can my employees see their own equity on Cake?

Does Cake track NSO and ISO splits automatically for compliance?

Does Cake include 83(b) election reminders for early equity holders?

What makes Cake's 409A different from other providers?

Do I need a new 409A every year?

Does Cake's 409A follow IRS safe harbor requirements?

Is a 409A required before issuing stock options?

How much does a 409A cost on Cake and how long does it take?

What happens to my 409A history when I migrate from Carta to Cake?

My Carta renewal is next week, can Cake still complete migration in time?

Can Cake migrate my SAFE notes and convertible instruments, or only share-based equity?

Can I switch from Carta mid-year, or do I have to wait until my renewal?

I'm looking at platforms before my investors come on board. Is it too early to switch?

Can I switch cap table platforms if I have active option grants and unvested equity?

I've been putting off switching because of the hassle. What does migration actually involve on my end?

Is Cake Equity built for US startups?

Is migration from Carta or Pulley to Cake free?

Will I lose any data when I migrate to Cake?

Do my lawyers or accountants need to be involved when I switch cap table platforms?

How long does it take to migrate from Carta to Cake?

Does Cake handle the migration from Carta or Pulley, or do I have to do it myself?

What happens to stock options when an employee leaves?