Early-Stage Founders Collection | Carta

Essential resources for early-stage founders

Explore our curated collection of articles, guides and tools to help you grow your business – from pre-seed to Series A and beyond.

Getting started

Author: Lucy Hoyle
Date: September 2024
featured article
Startup accelerators
Joining an accelerator can be a game-changer, providing startups with mentorship, resources, and funding at a key moment in their development.

Fundraising
January 2026
Startup funding: A founder’s guide to raising startup capital
Learn more about the entire startup funding process, including the different types of startup capital, what to expect at each funding stage, and how to prepare for a successful fundraise.

Fundraising
August 2024
SEIS vs EIS: Comparing UK venture capital schemes
SEIS and EIS are vital to the UK’s startup ecosystem, with many early-stage investors only considering companies using tax-friendly fundraising schemes. Learn about the differences and similarities between SEIS and EIS.

Valuations
November 2025
Private company valuations
This article explains private company valuations, including what they are, when you need one for fundraises or stock options, and how the valuation process works.

Cap tables & equity

Equity glossary
Equity management
Cap tables
Cap table management tips from a startup lawyer

Customer stories

How fintech startup Codat uses Carta to keep employee equity in check
Learn more
Why Carta is more than just a valuations provider for Longbottom & Co.
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Fundraising

Author: The Carta Team
Date: August 2024
featured article
Convertible securities
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about three common convertible securities (convertible loan notes, advance subscription agreements and SAFEs) and how they’re used in unpriced funding rounds.

Fundraising
November 2025
Simple agreement for future equity (SAFE)
Learn the potential advantages and disadvantages of fundraising with SAFE agreements and everything you need to know before issuing SAFEs.

Fundraising
July 2025
Series A funding
The Series A funding round is typically the first priced round your company raises. Here’s what you need to know about raising your Series A.

Fundraising
June 2024
Making the most of Series A funding: Five tips for founders
As the time between funding rounds increases, European VC Hanel Baveja explains how startups can make the most of their time and money after raising a Series A.

Employee equity

featured article
Employee share ownership plans (ESOP)
This article explores how ESOPs work in different countries. Whether you’re setting up an employee stock ownership plan, an employee share ownership plan or an employee share option plan, you’ll find answers to common questions about ESOPs.

Compensation
August 2024
Option pools
When and how you set up an option pool affects company valuation, share price and ownership dilution. This article explains how employee option pools work and how to calculate the size of your pool.

Equity Education
February 2024
Share options
Share options are a powerful tool that can unite a team towards a long-term goal and allow you to hang on to top talent for longer.

Equity
April 2023
EMI scheme (Enterprise Management Incentive)
What is an EMI scheme, what are the benefits and how do you set up an EMI share plan? Find answers to these questions and more in this guide to Enterprise Management Incentives.

Compensation planning

Author: The Carta Team
Date: March 2026
featured article
Employee compensation: A founder's guide to compensation packages
Learn how to build a competitive employee compensation package to attract top talent and stay compliant as you scale.

Compensation
March 2024
Equity compensation
Equity compensation is a non-cash element of employee compensation and benefits. Learn the different types of equity startup leaders can offer to their teams.

Compensation
March 2026
Compensation strategy for early-stage startups
Learn how to design a compensation strategy for your startup, from defining your core strategy to building a fair and scalable plan that attracts top talent.

Compensation
March 2026
Creating a compensation plan that wins top talent
Learn how to build and manage a strategic compensation plan that attracts and retains top talent, manages your burn rate, and builds a culture of ownership.