Carta Startup Perks
Free cap table and equity management for early-stage founders to issue equity, manage SAFEs, and track ownership from day one.
Quick answer
Carta offers eligible startups up to $2,000 in perks and resources, with no equity required. An application is required, and it is open to startups worldwide (pre-seed – seed).
Available programs
Free cap table for startups with under 25 stakeholders and less than $1M raised
Carta Launch
Carta's free plan giving early-stage startups professional cap table management, SAFE creation, equity issuance, and 83(b) election tooling. Free until you exceed 25 stakeholders or $1M raised.
- Professional cap table management for founders, options, and SAFEs
- Create customizable SAFEs and issue equity to early employees
- 83(b) election filing tool with IRS instructions and deadline reminders
Best for
Do you qualify for Carta?
You likely qualify if
- You are incorporated with a certificate of incorporation
- You have 25 stakeholders or fewer
- You have raised less than $1M
You won't qualify if
- You have more than 25 stakeholders or have raised over $1M
- Your company is not yet incorporated
Common rejection reasons
- Company exceeds the stakeholder or funding threshold
- No certificate of incorporation provided
How to apply for Carta
-
1
Create your account
Sign up at the Carta Launch page with your email address.
-
2
Provide incorporation details
Enter your certificate of incorporation (state and date of incorporation).
-
3
Build your cap table
Upload key documents to set up your first cap table.
-
4
Start issuing equity
Create SAFEs and issue equity to early employees immediately.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Carta commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Carta give startups?
Carta provides eligible startups with up to $2,000 in perks and resources across its programs.
Does Carta take equity from startups?
No. Carta's startup perks and credits are non-dilutive — you do not give up any equity to receive them.
Who qualifies for Carta?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: 25 stakeholders or fewer and less than $1M raised; Must be incorporated (certificate of incorporation required at sign-up).
Is Carta free for startups?
Applying is free. Carta provides up to $2,000 in perks and resources with no equity required.
How do I apply for Carta?
1) Create your account, 2) Provide incorporation details, 3) Build your cap table, 4) Start issuing equity. Full steps are on this page.
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