We’re launching an online Cap Table Simulator designed to take the guesswork out of fundraising math. Most founders know the headache of trying to project dilution when multiple SAFEs, convertible notes, and a new ESOP pool all hit the spreadsheet at once.
We built this tool to provide a clear, visual breakdown of exactly how ownership shifts after a financing round. What sets it apart is its ability to handle high-complexity scenarios, specifically rounds involving multiple SAFE instruments with varying caps and discounts that convert simultaneously.
By allowing you to input your existing cap table alongside target round terms, the simulator calculates your post-money reality in seconds, helping you move forward with more clarity, confidence, and fewer “rounding error” surprises.
For many founders, understanding how a new investment round impacts ownership can feel like navigating a maze. Traditional spreadsheets are prone to errors and often lack the sophistication to handle dynamic scenarios. Our simulator provides a robust, analytical solution that gives you precise insights into your cap table’s future, allowing you to model different financing strategies and see their real-time effects.
The Grove Cap Table Simulator uses a sophisticated calculation engine to accurately model various financing scenarios. You input key data points about your company and the proposed round, and the simulator instantly generates a detailed breakdown of post-money ownership and valuation.
First External Round (Simple): Just starting out? This scenario is perfect for companies raising their first external capital. You can easily see how new investments and ESOP allocations will dilute founder ownership, ensuring a fair and balanced outcome for all.
Advanced Round (No SAFEs): For companies with existing investors and a defined cap table, this scenario lets you model new rounds without the added complexity of SAFE conversions. It’s ideal for understanding the impact of new capital on an established ownership structure.
Advanced Round (With SAFEs): This is where our simulator truly shines. If your company has issued SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) instruments, our tool accurately models their conversion during a new equity round. It accounts for both valuation caps and discount rates, determining which mechanism is more favorable for the SAFE investor and showing its precise impact on your cap table. This includes comprehensive support for both pre-money and post-money SAFEs.
ESOP Top-Up Analysis: Understand the mechanics of your Employee Stock Option Pool. The simulator clearly distinguishes between allocated (granted) and unallocated (reserved) ESOP, modeling how the unallocated pool is topped up to meet your target percentage without over-diluting existing shareholders.
Strategic Planning: Experiment with different fundraising amounts and valuations to find the optimal structure for your company.
Investor Negotiations: Go into investor meetings armed with clear data, confidently explaining the impact of their proposed terms.
Employee Equity Management: Accurately plan your ESOP, ensuring you retain enough equity to attract and incentivize talent.
Due Diligence: Get a transparent view of your cap table’s evolution, simplifying future due diligence processes.
The simulator is designed to be intuitive and fast for:
Model assumptions & disclaimer
We don’t save your data. This is an estimate based on the inputs provided. This tool is for planning purposes only and does not replace legal or financial advice.
