409A valuation checklist

Subtitle goes here
Compliance
Do I need a 409A right now?
Answer 5 quick questions. We'll tell you whether you need a 409A valuation — and how urgently.
Question 1 of 5
Has your company ever had a 409A valuation?
A 409A is the IRS-required independent valuation that sets your option strike price.
No — we've never had one
Yes — and it's less than 12 months old
Yes — but it's more than 12 months old
I'm not sure
Question 2 of 5
Are you planning to grant stock options in the next 90 days?
Includes new hire grants, refresh grants, or any new option awards.
Yes — actively planning grants
Maybe — hiring but equity not confirmed yet
No — not in the next 90 days
Question 3 of 5
Have you closed a new funding round in the last 12 months?
Includes SAFE notes, convertible notes, and priced equity rounds.
Yes — a priced equity round (Seed, Series A, etc.)
Yes — SAFE notes or convertible notes
No new funding in the last 12 months
Question 4 of 5
Has any of this happened in the last 6 months?
Select the most significant one if multiple apply.
Received an acquisition offer or term sheet
Significant revenue change (up or down 25%+)
Hired or about to hire a key executive with equity
None of these
Question 5 of 5
What stage is your company at?
Helps tailor the next steps and pricing context.
Pre-seed (first angel / friends & family round)
Seed ($2M–$10M raised)
Series A ($10M+ raised)
Why this result
Educational guidance only — not legal or tax advice. Talk to your attorney or a qualified 409A provider before making grant decisions.
Start over

Why use a startup equity dilution calculator?

A startup equity dilution calculator is a tool that allows entrepreneurs and investors to understand how the ownership of a startup will be affected by the issuance of new equity. This is important because the issuance of new equity can dilute the ownership stake of existing shareholders, which can have a significant impact on their financial position.

There are several reasons why a startup might use a dilution calculator:

  1. To understand the financial impact of issuing new equity: A dilution calculator can help a startup understand how issuing new equity will affect the ownership stakes of existing shareholders. This can be important when deciding whether to issue new equity and, if so, how much to issue.
  2. To negotiate with investors: A dilution calculator can be used to help negotiate with investors by showing them the impact of their investment on the ownership stakes of existing shareholders. This can be useful in securing a fair deal for both the startup and the investor.
  3. To plan for future equity issuances: A dilution calculator can be used to help a startup plan for future equity issuances by showing how issuing new equity will affect the ownership stakes of existing shareholders. This can be helpful in ensuring that the startup has the right mix of equity and debt to support its growth.
  4. To communicate with shareholders: A dilution calculator can be used to communicate with shareholders about the impact of issuing new equity on their ownership stakes. This can be important in maintaining good relationships with shareholders and building trust.