Comp Mix Optimizer

Generate market-calibrated compensation packages for your next hire.

Company Context

Tell us about your company so we can calibrate compensation to your stage and market.

Select your current funding stage

Primary office location for salary benchmarking

Current total employee count

Optional - helps flag runway impact

Cap Table Information (Optional)

Adding cap table details improves accuracy. If you skip this, we'll estimate based on your stage.

Where to find these numbers

Your cap table management tool (Carta, Pulley, Angelist, etc.) or your attorney should have these. If you don't have exact numbers, skip this section—we'll use reasonable estimates.

Fully Diluted Shares:The total number of shares that would exist if every option, warrant, and convertible instrument converted into common stock. This is the denominator when calculating ownership percentages.
Option Pool (Total):The number of shares your board has reserved for employee equity grants. Typically 10-20% of fully diluted shares.
Option Pool (Available):Shares in the pool that haven't been granted yet. This is what you have left to give to new hires. (Total Pool minus Outstanding Grants = Available)

What this is: All shares that exist or could exist — founder shares + investor shares + all options (granted and ungranted) + any convertible notes/SAFEs (as-converted).
Typical ranges: Pre-seed: 8-12M · Seed: 10-15M · Series A: 15-30M · Series B+: 30M+

What this is: Total shares set aside for employee equity (the whole pool, not what's left).

What this is: Shares you can still grant to new hires. (Total pool minus options already promised to employees.)

What this is: The "strike price" for new option grants, set by an independent 409A valuation. This is usually much lower than your last funding round price.
Don't have one? You'll need a 409A valuation before issuing options. Companies like Carta, Eqvista, and others provide them.

This tool provides general guidance for compensation structuring. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice.

DISCLAIMER: VentureCounsel.AI is an AI tool and is not a law firm. It does not provide legal advice, and its use does not create an attorney-client relationship. Use as a starting point for discussion with licensed counsel. For critical transactions, always consult a qualified attorney.

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