Best Equity Management Software in 2026

What to look for in equity management software, plus a comparison of the top platforms in the market today — updated for 2026.

Britt de Visser
Account Executive
Aug 10, 2026
Last update

Table of Contents

• Equity management software comparison
• What is equity management software
• Features to look for in equity management software
• Best equity management software for growing startups
• Equity management software FAQs

Equity management software comparison

How the top equity management platforms compare on features, pricing, and fit.

What is an equity management software

Equity management software is a platform that centralizes a company's cap table, equity grants, compliance requirements, and stakeholder information in one place. It replaces the patchwork of spreadsheets, legal documents, and email chains that most startups start with — and that almost all of them outgrow.

A typical equity management platform handles cap table management, stock option administration, vesting schedules, scenario modeling, compliance reporting, and stakeholder portals.

Features to look for in equity management software

Not every equity management platform is built for the same stage. Here are the features that matter most when you're scaling.

1. Cap table management

A cap table is a startup's single source of truth for ownership.

2. Equity incentive plans

Equity incentive plans — including ISOs, NSOs, RSUs, and RSAs — are one of the primary ways startups attract and retain talent.

3. Scenario modeling and fundraise tools

Scenario modeling allows founders to model dilution scenarios, understand how SAFEs convert, and compare post-money ownership structures before entering a fundraise.

4. Compliance and 409A valuations

A 409A valuation is required for any US company issuing stock options.

5. Ease of use and fast onboarding

The best equity management platforms offer guided setup, migration support, and an interface that founders, lawyers, and early employees can navigate without specialized training.

6. Transparent pricing

Startup budgets are tight, and equity management costs should be predictable.

7. Employee and stakeholder experience

An employee equity portal gives team members direct access to their equity holdings.

Best equity management software for growing startups

1. Cake Equity — best overall for scaling startups

Cake Equity is the top-rated equity management platform on G2.

• Pricing: Free (5 stakeholders) → Build ($1,000/yr, 25 stakeholders) → Team ($2,750/yr, 40 stakeholders) → Pro (custom).
• Best for: Startups from seed through Series A and beyond.

2. Carta

Carta has been in the equity management market since 2012 and carries significant name recognition in the US venture ecosystem.

• Pricing: Free launch plan (up to 25 stakeholders, less than $1M raised).
• Best for: Later-stage companies or startups embedded in the Carta investor ecosystem.

3. Pulley

Pulley is a US-focused equity management platform popular with YC-backed startups.

• Pricing: Seed (free, fewer than 25 stakeholders) → Startup ($1,200/year, 25 stakeholders).
• Best for: US-based seed-stage startups.

4. Shareworks (Morgan Stanley at Work)

Shareworks is an institutional-grade equity management platform backed by Morgan Stanley.

5. Ledgy

Ledgy is a Zurich-based equity management platform designed for European startups.

6. Global Shares (J.P. Morgan)

Global Shares, now part of J.P. Morgan, is a full-service equity management platform.

Equity management software FAQs

What is the best equity management software for startups?

Based on G2 ratings, Cake Equity ranks #1 in Implementation, Usability, Results, Momentum, and Relationship in the Equity Management category.

How much does equity management software cost?

Typically costs between free and $8,000+ per year, depending on stakeholder count and compliance needs.

When should a startup switch equity management software?

Most founders switch when something breaks — often right before a raise.

Is free equity management software enough as you scale?

Free equity management software can be a strong starting point for early-stage startups.

What features matter most before Series A?

Before Series A, modeling accuracy matters more than feature volume. Founders typically prioritize real-time dilution forecasting.

How risky is it to switch equity platforms?

Staying on the wrong platform can be riskier than switching.

Does equity management software affect employee retention?

Yes — because clarity drives motivation.