# 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.

| Feature | Cake Equity | Carta | Pulley | Ledgy | Shareworks | JP Morgan |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Compliance & reporting |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 409A valuation (built-in) | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **—** | **◐** | **◐** |
| ASC 718 / stock-based compensation reporting | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **◐** | **✓** | **✓** |
| Form 3921 / tax filing support | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **—** | **✓** | **✓** |
| Audit-ready records & document storage | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** |
| 83(b) election support | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **—** | **—** | **◐** |
| QSBS attestation | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **—** | **—** | **◐** |
| Employee equity lifecycle |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Equity incentive plan administration | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** |
| Automated vesting schedules | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** |
| Employee portal | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** |
| Option exercise workflow (digital) | **◐** | **✓** | **◐** | **✓** | **✓** | **✓** |
| Equity education for employees | **✓** | **◐** | **—** | **◐** | **—** | **—** |
| Scalability & setup |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Free migration support | **✓** | **—** | **◐** | **◐** | **—** | **—** |
| Transparent, flat pricing | **✓** | **—** | **✓** | **◐** | **—** | **—** |

## 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](/content/features/cap-table/index.html), [stock option administration](/content/features/stock-options/index.html), [vesting schedules](/content/guides/stock-vesting/index.html), [scenario modeling](/content/features/scenario-modeling/index.html), [compliance reporting](/content/features/compliance/index.html), and [stakeholder portals](/content/features/investor-relations/index.html).

## 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](/content/guides/cap-table/index.html) 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](/content/features/scenario-modeling/index.html) 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](/content/guides/409a-valuation/index.html) 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](https://www.g2.com/products/cake-equity/reviews).

- **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](https://www.g2.com/categories/equity-management), 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.