Founder Scenario
Raising Your First Seed Round
Founders preparing to raise their first priced seed round after formation, early hires, or convertible fundraising.
Common Questions
What founders usually ask here
- What happens when SAFEs or notes convert?
- How is pre-money vs post-money valuation calculated?
- How much ownership will founders give up?
- What role does the option pool play in the round?
- How do investor rights differ from common stock?
- Priced equity rounds
- Preferred stock
- Pre-money vs post-money valuation
- Convertible instrument conversion
- Dilution mechanics
- Option pool expansion
- Liquidation preferences
- Governance rights
Related Reading
Articles that explain the mechanics
How Dilution Actually Works in Startup Financing
Read →SAFE vs Convertible Note: How Each Converts in a Priced Round
Read →What Is a 409A Valuation and Why It Matters
Read →- Discounts vs Valuation Caps: How SAFE Conversion Prices Are Chosen
Keep Exploring
Other founder scenarios
Founders Granting Equity to Early Hires
Founders hiring first employees or contractors.
Co-Founders Splitting Ownership
Teams forming with multiple founders.
Company Cleaning Up Early Equity Decisions
Startups with informal or early equity grants.
Preparing for First Outside Fundraising
Founders planning a pre-seed or seed raise.
Related resources
Startup Legal Checklist
A startup legal checklist for Delaware C-Corp founders covering incorporation, founder stock, 83(b), SAFEs, cap table cleanup, diligence, and ongoing compliance.
Post-Incorporation Checklist
A post-incorporation checklist for Delaware C-Corp founders covering EIN, bylaws, initial board consent, founder stock, 83(b), IP assignment, cap table setup, franchise tax, and fundraising readiness.
Startup Due Diligence Checklist
Prepare for investor or accelerator review with a startup due diligence checklist covering formation docs, founder equity, 83(b), SAFEs, cap table cleanup, IP, approvals, and company records.
SAFE Agreement Template
Use this SAFE agreement template guide to understand YC SAFEs, valuation caps, discounts, MFN terms, side letters, cap table impact, and diligence risks before raising.
Carta Alternative
Looking for a Carta alternative? Learn how Founders Form AI helps early-stage startups create, maintain, and check equity documents, SAFEs, approvals, and legal records before they need a full equity administration platform.
Cap Table Software vs Equity Automation
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Stripe Atlas vs Clerky
Compare Stripe Atlas vs Clerky for Delaware C-Corp formation, startup legal documents, founder stock, 83(b), and what founders still need after incorporation.
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