Carta Blog
Blog Overview
See all of our blog posts in all categories by date.
Latest
State of Private Markets: Q2 2022
Venture capital is in a slowdown, but not a freefall. For the past two quarters,
What is Regulation D?
Regulation D allows private funds and companies to fundraise without registering the offering with the SEC.
RSAs vs. RSUs
Restricted stock awards (RSAs) and restricted stock units (RSUs) are two types of restricted stock equity awards. Learn the differences between RSAs and RSUs.
Emerging VCs adjust to a new fundraising reality
Q2 fundraising totals for VC funds on Carta are sharply down from last year’s highs. Here’s how emerging managers are responding.
Use Firstbase to automatically create a cap table on Carta Launch
Founders who incorporate with Firstbase can now set up a cap table automatically on the Carta Launch platform.
ZenEquity joins Carta to simplify equity for founders in India and around the world
ZenEquity has joined Carta to help us drive global equity ownership at companies of all sizes.
Startup employee equity: What founders should know
How much equity should you give your first startup employees? We asked three experienced startup founders what factors to consider.
How to write a great investor update (templates & tips)
Using an investor update template makes it easier to keep investors informed as your company grows. Learn how to write a great investor update.
Carta Policy: Weekly Brief for August 12
Reconciliation package heads to the House, poised to pass
How to calculate startup equity
Learn how to evaluate the equity portion of your job offer and download our free equity calculator to see what your options could be worth.
As the pandemic eases, employers navigate remote pay
Location-based pay comes with key considerations for compensation decision-makers.
Carta Policy: Weekly Brief for August 5
Sen. Sinema gets to ‘yes’ on modified reconciliation package, all but ensuring passage
Internal rate of return calculator (IRR calculator)
Internal rate of return (IRR) helps investors estimate their profitability. Learn how to calculate IRR using our free calculator.
What is a tear sheet?
A tear sheet helps LPs understand how their investment is performing. Download our tear sheet example to get started today.
What is an 83(b) election?
An 83(b) election is an IRS form that can allow you to pay taxes based on the value of your equity on the date it was granted. This might lower your tax burden.
What is a restricted stock unit (RSU)?
A restricted stock unit (RSU) is a share of stock from your employer that only vests if certain restrictions are met. Learn more about RSUs and what they mean.
What are non-qualified stock options (NSOs)?
Non-qualified stock options (NSOs) are a type of stock option that does not qualify for favorable tax treatment for the employee. Learn more about when you can exercise (buy) your shares, when you can sell them, and how they’re taxed.
The Equity Alliance is betting on diversity and authenticity
The Equity Alliance uses a hybrid fund to support both founders and emerging managers.
Carta Policy: Weekly Brief for July 29
Major breakthrough on tax and climate package. Proposed bill includes tax hike on carried interest, but QSBS and IRA private investment spared.
Average salary ranges in NYC: Engineering, product, customer success
On November 1, 2022, New York City will require employers to publish salary ranges for
The Carta liquidity report: Q2 2022
The volume of secondary transactions on Carta remained robust, reflecting momentum from a record-breaking 2021
Carta Policy: Weekly Brief for July 22
House lawmakers approaching deal on stablecoin legislation, and Congress likely to pass semiconductor funding before August recess.
What does it mean to exercise stock options?
Exercising stock options is when you buy shares of stock at a set price. Learn when and how to exercise stock options and questions to ask before.
How to sell private company stocks
If your company isn’t public, selling your stock can be complicated. Learn how to sell private stocks through tender offers and secondary transactions.
Demo video | The basics of Carta
Curious about the basics of using Carta? Watch this video about how Carta works for
AML & KYC: What you need to know
Know your customer (KYC) checks help companies and financial institutions comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Learn the differences.
Carta Policy: Weekly Brief for July 15
Build Back Better: Manchin halts construction and changes blueprint
What happens to equity when you leave a company?
When you quit or leave your job, the type of stock, the timing of your departure, and your individual vesting schedule all determine what happens to any vested stock.
Building trust as a solo GP: How Open VC involves LPs in fund strategy
Open Venture Capital takes an operational approach to evaluating and supporting seed-stage founders in consumer, health, and wellness.
Pre-money vs. post-money SAFEs
Learn the difference between pre-money and post-money SAFEs (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) and how each can impact your equity ownership.
An HR expert on compensation planning for startups
Over the last 20 years, Gianna Driver has led human resources at companies of all
We made closings even easier for LPs
Our product team redesigned Carta Closings for LP convenience.
What is the ISO $100K limit?
The ISO $100K limit could affect the amount of taxes that you will need to pay when exercising your options. Learn more about this rule and download our guide.
Cap table template
There’s no standard cap table format, and there are multiple ways to create one. We’ll walk you through a few ways to get started and include a free cap table template you can download.
What is a compensation plan?
A compensation plan outlines salaries, bonuses, and equity. Total rewards plans (comp plus benefits) help companies attract and retain employees.
What is a compensation philosophy?
A good compensation philosophy outlines your strategy to hire, retain, and reward talent. It can help you hire affordably, competitively, and fairly.
Tax planning for small businesses
Small businesses owners and entrepreneurs can use these tax planning strategies to save on taxes and maximize business growth.
Emmeline Ventures is funding a new world for women
Emmeline Ventures funds early-stage companies that help women manage their health and build their wealth.
What is the strike price of an option?
What determines a stock option strike price? Learn more about strike prices, how stock options gain value over time, and dilution.
Carta Policy: Weekly Brief for July 1
Congress pushing to finalize Bipartisan Innovation Act & BBB while GOP Leader McConnell signals Dems cannot have both bills.
Carta acquires Vauban, making it easier for investors to back entrepreneurs globally
Vauban’s fully automated platform makes it possible for more people in more places to invest in startups. Together, we’ll build a better future for the venture ecosystem.
The state of startup compensation, H1 2022
Carta’s first startup compensation report looks at headcount, payroll, and equity benchmarks—plus trends in remote hiring, and salary across the U.S.
