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Knowledge / Business & Entrepreneurship

SAFE, Equity, and Cap Tables

The mechanics of startup ownership, SAFEs, dilution, option pools, priced rounds, and capitalization.

By Siddhant Krishna · Published 2026-10-06 · Updated 2026-10-06

01

SAFE

A SAFE is a Simple Agreement for Future Equity. It generally gives an investor the contractual right to receive equity in a future financing or liquidity event under the agreement's terms.

02

Dilution

ownership percentage = shares owned / total shares outstanding

When new equity is issued, existing holders can own a smaller percentage even though the company's absolute enterprise value may increase.

03

Cap Table

  • Founders.
  • Employees and option pools.
  • SAFE holders.
  • Preferred investors.
  • Common shareholders.
  • Other securities and rights.

References

  1. Y Combinator's open standard fundraising instrument for startups.
    https://www.ycombinator.com/safe
  2. Y Combinator's current public standard investment terms.
    https://www.ycombinator.com/deal

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