A capitalisation table (cap table) is an overview of a company’s ownership and shareholding structure. It shows in detail who holds how many shares in the company and how these shares are distributed amongst founders, investors and, where applicable, employees.
The cap table is a key document, particularly in start-ups, as ownership structures often change as a result of funding rounds.
Typical items included in a cap table are:
- Shares held by the founders
- Investments by investors
- Options or employee share ownership schemes (ESOPs)
- Dilution effects resulting from new rounds of funding
- Overview of voting rights and shareholdings
The cap table serves several important functions:
- Transparency regarding the ownership structure
- Basis for financing and investment decisions
- Planning and simulating future funding rounds
- Management of shareholdings and changes in shareholdings
- Support with strategic business decisions
An up-to-date and accurate cap table is essential for maintaining clarity regarding the company’s structure and for preparing professionally for negotiations with investors.
It is a particularly important management tool for start-ups during growth and funding phases. innoWerft supports founders in preparing funding rounds, understanding equity structures and drawing up clear, investor-ready cap tables.