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LTSE Equity vs Carta

The process of raising money is a great undertaking for founders. As the initial excitement wears off, founders may realize that the complexity of issuing and managing equity is quickly overwhelming.

This is where equity management software can mitigate all that complexity. But with so many choices on the market today, picking the right one for your startup can be tricky.

In this article, we’ll compare two top-rated equity management platforms—LTSE Equity and Carta—to help you pick the right platform for your startup.

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Over 40,000 founders trust LTSE Equity for long-term equity management

FIRST THINGS FIRST

What is equity management software?

Also known as cap table software, equity management software centralizes all equity-related activities. From as early as Demo Day and ultimately to IPO, founders use this software to build and maintain cap tables, issue and manage equity, model potential scenarios, and so on.

One such platform is Carta, a cap table management and valuation software created in 2016. Carta is easy to use with intuitive UI and visuals, while also customizable enough to suit most needs. Information is also easy to find, making reviewing key data simple.
LTSE Equity is created for founders, by founders—including The Lean Startup’s Eric Ries. As such, its full suite of equity management solutions and guidance are founded on real-life experience and insights.
HAVING A HARD TIME CHOOSING?

Equity management software considerations

As you browse through the many choices available today, keep these questions in mind to help you zero in on your ideal software.
IS IT EASY TO USE?
Having multiple features means nothing if its ease of use doesn’t measure up. The right software should be easy to learn and understand, featuring complex functions that empower rather than bog you down.
WILL IT SCALE WITH YOUR STARTUP’S GROWTH?
Startups never stay static, so look for a full-stack solution that will scale with your company as it grows from early-stage seed funding to Series A and beyond.
WILL THERE BE SUPPORT FOR YOU WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER ISSUES?
Equity management is complex, so save yourself from potential pitfalls and headaches with software that offers professional support.
DOES IT COME WITH INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS?
Appraisals such as 409A valuations can only be completed by independent third-party professionals. To minimize risk, cost, and confusion, pick software that is already partnered with independent providers.
WILL IT ADDRESS YOUR REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE NEEDS?
Good equity management software is built with compliance in mind—notifying you of any updates and assisting in filling out your cap table. This should include Rule 701 analysis and Form 3921 readiness.
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LTSE Equity vs Carta

TL;DR? LTSE Equity might just be the platform you’re looking for if you need:
1. INSTANT ONBOARDING
LTSE Equity’s users can start building cap tables within minutes.
2. AUDIT-DEFENSIBLE 409A
Complete your 409A in 3 easy steps with LTSE Equity’s veteran 409A partners.
3. BETTER EXPORTABILITY
LTSE Equity makes it easier than ever to share your cap table with your stakeholders.

LTSE Equity

CARTA

Onboarding

Features concierge and self-service onboarding—users can start building cap tables within minutes.

Onboarding may take up to 90 days to complete.

Cap Table Health Check

LTSE Equity offers annual cap table health checks across all plans—so you’ll have complete trust in your cap table.

Carta's cap table health check is only available to select clients.

Scenario Modeling

LTSE Equity models all popular convertible security types and priced round deal terms.

LTSE Equity’s math is maintained in partnership with Y Combinator, as well as leading startup law firms, accelerators, and venture firms.

Carta's modeling tool does not support pro-rata and YC's participation rights.

409A Valuation

LTSE Equity lets users work with dedicated analysts from an extensive network of 409A experts.

Founders can get industry-specific, defensible 409A valuations in 3 easy steps.

Carta users are subject to opaque pricing, hidden fees, and surprise price hikes.

Expert Consultation

LTSE Equity’s Boost plan features expert consulting on funding, legal, and governance strategies.

Click here to meet LTSE Equity’s consultants.

Carta frequently hosts educational webinars.

Sharing & Data Portability

As co-founders of the Open Cap Table Coalition, LTSE Equity makes it easier than ever for you to share your cap table with your team, admins, investors, and other service providers.

Carta cap tables are not easily exportable.

Onboarding

Features concierge and self-service onboarding—users can start building cap tables within minutes.

Onboarding may take up to 90 days to complete.

Cap Table Health Check

LTSE Equity offers annual cap table health checks across all plans—so you’ll have complete trust in your cap table.

Carta’s cap table health check is only available to select clients.

Scenario Modeling

LTSE Equity models all popular convertible security types and priced round deal terms.

LTSE Equity’s math is maintained in partnership with Y Combinator, as well as leading startup law firms, accelerators, and venture firms.

Carta’s modeling tool does not support pro-rata and YC’s participation rights.

409A Valuation

LTSE Equity lets users work with dedicated analysts from an extensive network of 409A experts.

Founders can get industry-specific, defensible 409A valuations in 3 easy steps.

Carta users are subject to opaque pricing, hidden fees, and surprise price hikes.

Expert Consultation

LTSE Equity’s Boost plan features expert consulting on funding, legal, and governance strategies.

Click here to meet LTSE Equity’s consultants.

Carta frequently hosts educational webinars.

Sharing & Data Portability

As co-founders of the Open Cap Table Coalition, LTSE Equity makes it easier than ever for you to share your cap table with your team, admins, investors, and other service providers.

Carta cap tables are not easily exportable.
“LTSE Equity is what innovative law firms need to serve their clients more efficiently, allowing us at Orrick to manage hundreds of cap tables in a way that is more accurate and secure than emails and spreadsheets.”
JOHN BAUTISTA
Partner, Orrick
“We trust LTSE Equity to help YC startups model the ownership impact of SAFEs and be prepared for Demo Day.”
Kirsty Nathoo
Partner, CFO, Y Combinator
“We've been using LTSE Equity and Fast409A since our early days and through our acquisition by Opendoor. It was easy to get onboarded, and we found Captable’s scenario modeling tools very useful for planning ahead.”
Alex Farrill
Founder & CTO, Open Listings (YC W15)
“Investors need cap table accuracy and transparency. I recommend LTSE Equity to save time and get cap tables right.”
Jack Rothacher
Director of Finance & Operations, Obvious Ventures
FOUNDER-FRIENDLY PLANS

Maximum power meets maximum value

With Boost, you’ll get the best value and crucial features for all of your startup’s fundraising and financial management needs. Just starting out?
Our free Basic plan has everything you need.
BEST VALUE

Boost

Our best value for founders who are ready to take off

$330

per month, annual term
Seed/Series A
Series B
Series C+
0
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Stage
Get Started
  • High-priority customer support
  • Annual 409A valuation
  • Unlimited stakeholders
  • Annual cap table health check
  • Rule 701 analysis
  • Advanced reporting
  • Fundraising readiness review
  • Form 3921 readiness
  • Document analysis
  • 5 hours of consulting on funding
  • Unlimited exit modeling and waterfall analysis
  • Unlimited audit log history
  • Document analysis

Fundamentals

Best before your first priced round and external board

$60

per month, annual term
11-25
26-50
51-100
101+
0
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Stakeholders
Start Trial
  • Digital stock issuance
  • Financing and exit modeling
  • Sharing and collaboration
  • Reporting and data export
  • Scenario modeling
  • Options issuance with integrated eSignature
  • Annual cap table health check
  • 409A valuation available separately
INCLUDED IN ALL PLANS:
LTSE core package: equity admin, modeling & analysis, stakeholder relations, support.
‍
Learn more.

LTSE Equity FAQs

What makes LTSE Equity different from other platforms?

LTSE Equity is created by founders, for founders. Our full suite of equity management features reflects our real-life experience and insights, empowering your startup to prosper and endure.

How much does LTSE Equity cost?

Our pricing is strictly founder-friendly and scales as you grow. Our plans are also completely transparent, with no hidden costs or surprise price hikes.

COMPARE OUR FOUNDER-FRIENDLY PLANS

Does LTSE Equity provide a free trial or demo?

Equity management is complex, so save yourself from potential pitfalls and headaches with software that offers professional support.

EXPLORE OUR FULL-FEATURED DEMO NOW

How can I switch to LTSE Equity?

Simply send us your current spreadsheet or cap table, and we’ll get your details onboarded within a week.

GET YOUR PRE-ONBOARDED LTSE EQUITY CAP TABLE

How can I ask more questions about LTSE Equity?

Not sure which plan to choose? Looking for a live demo? Schedule a call with our team now.

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Ready to try LTSE Equity?

Join over 40,000 founders that trust LTSE Equity as their complete equity management solution across every stage.
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