AlphaTakes – The Basics of Capitalization Tables

In this AlphaTakes video, paralegal Macy Stoneback provides a brief summary of the capitalization table (“cap table”) for an emerging technology.

Here are the key takeaways from this video:

    (1) The cap table shows the outstanding equity of the company as of a given date, broken down by shareholder and equity type.

    (2) Officers refer to cap tables often when considering issuing equity to employees, advisors, and others.

    (3) A pro forma cap table can be prepared to see how shareholders and option holders are affected by actions like adding shares to the stock incentive pool, raising a round of financing

AlphaTakes – Determining the Size of the Stock Option Pool

In this AlphaTakes video, Meechie Pietruczak discusses calculating the number of shares in an emerging technology company’s option pool.

Here are the key takeaways from this video:

  1. Emerging technology companies usually create stock option pools to compensate and incentivize employees, directors, consultants and other independent contractors.
  2. The size of the option pool is typically calculated as a percentage of all capital stock, which is often in the range of 10 to 20%.
  3. The size of the option pool may have a significant impact on the price per share paid by an investor.

AlphaTakes – Incorporation Process for an Emerging Technology Company

Understanding the incorporation process is important for emerging company founders. In this AlphaTakes video, Macy Stoneback describes the incorporation process for a typical emerging technology company. She explains some reasons why it is important to properly complete the incorporation formalities:

  • Help ensure limited liability protection
  • Avoid delays and expense at the time of financing or sale in fixing matters that were not properly addressed at the time of incorporation
  • Set founder expectations