# 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**](/content/uk/en/learn/equity/glossary/index.html)  
[**Equity management**](/content/uk/en/learn/startups/equity-management/index.html)  
[**Cap tables**](/content/uk/en/learn/startups/equity-management/cap-table/index.html)  
[**Cap table management tips from a startup lawyer**](/content/uk/en/blog/cap-table-management-tips-for-investment/index.html)

## Customer stories

How fintech startup Codat uses Carta to keep employee equity in check  
[Learn more](/content/uk/en/customer-stories/codat/index.html)  
Why Carta is more than just a valuations provider for Longbottom & Co.  
[Learn more](/content/uk/en/customer-stories/longbottom-co/index.html)  
  
Are you ready to make the leap from seed to Series A?  
Get market insights and guidance from investors on fundraising in today’s climate.  
[Watch the webinar](/content/uk/en/events/seed-to-series-a/?ir=corps_founder-collections_mid1/index.html)

## 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.

## Popular tools

[**Cap table template**](/content/uk/en/learn/resources/cap-table-template/index.html)  
[**Employee option pool calculator**](/content/uk/en/learn/resources/option-pool-calculator/index.html)  
[**Burn rate calculator**](/content/uk/en/learn/resources/burn-rate-calculator/index.html)  
[**Convertible securities calculator**](https://www.app.europe.carta.com/convertible_securities_calculator/)

## 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.