Resource Center

Top Ten Mistakes You Might Make When Managing Your Equity
Cap table management is an integral part of running a successful business. It records and tracks all the equity ownership information for your company, such as who owns shares, how many shares are owned, and how those shares are allocated. It can be difficult to accurately track ownership changes or properly manage stock options and…
Equity and Cap Table Management Glossary of Terms
Equity management and investing are complicated topics, and many of our clients run into terminology that’s new to them and their operations. This is our ever-growing glossary of terms related to cap table and equity management, touching on key Astrella offerings and services. Consult with an Expert Today Cap Table: A cap table, short for…
Equity and
Cap Table Management FAQs
Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ page on equity management, cap table management, and company funding. Whether you’re a startup founder, an employee seeking to understand stock options, or an investor navigating funding rounds, this resource is designed to provide clear and concise answers to the most common questions in this dynamic and vital industry. From…
What is Stock Dilution?
Stock dilution is an essential part of equity investing that can benefit businesses. It is increasing the number of shares in a company, either through issuing new shares or by converting assets into stock. While this practice can be useful for raising capital, giving employees equity-based compensation, and increasing voting control, it also has potential…
7 Types of Investors and
How to Find the Right One
for Your Startup: A Guide
As an entrepreneur, you want to ensure your startup reaches its full potential for success. Investing in a new venture is a significant undertaking, and finding the right investor who can help take your business to the next level is essential. In this article, we’ll discuss the different stages of investment and how to research…
Convertible Notes:
Everything You Need To Know
Navigating the intricacies of startup funding involves understanding a range of financial tools, and one that stands out for its adaptability and significance is the convertible note. In its technical sense, a convertible note is a debt instrument that startups use to raise capital. It’s essentially a loan that can be converted into equity (ownership…
Understanding Distribution Waterfalls – maybe call it something different? What is Waterfall, What if scenario, modeling?
Distribution waterfalls play an important role in determining how investment returns are distributed among stakeholders. As private investments become increasingly popular, especially in alternative asset classes like private equity, venture capital, and real estate, understanding distribution waterfalls is essential for investors and fund managers alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the concept of distribution…
What is ASC 718 and are private companies required to it?
I’d define what is it here and it is not required for a private company. BUT, if you have equity and are growing, it’s a good idea and a good practice to start. Are you looking for guidance on accounting for stock compensation transactions? ASC 718, also known as the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Subtopic…
Stock Options 101: A Primer from early stage to late-stage private companies
Stock options are a powerful tool for startups to access capital, attract, retain talent, and manage equity. With the right strategy, stock options can drive significant growth and success for startup businesses. In this article, we will explore the basics of stock options in startups, their different types and legal implications, the benefits they offer,…
The Common
Perils of Excel
Introduction The cap table is an essential tool for any company, providing an overview of a business’s equity ownership and financial structure. A cap table contains critical information such as investor contributions, option pools, and dilution. Companies must have an accurate and up-to-date cap table to make informed decisions about their business. Unfortunately, many companies…
Why Should Startups
File an 83(b) Election?
When you launch a startup, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. One of the most critical decisions that founders must make is how to manage their stock grants. The 83(b) Election is an essential tool available to startups and founders that can help them avoid certain taxes associated with their…
Why Is
Cap Table Management
Important for
Planning an Exit?
If you are planning an exit from your business, you know how important it is to have everything in order. Whether selling your business, taking it public, or executing a merger, proper cap table management can make a massive difference in the transaction’s success. Cap table management involves tracking and managing all of the ownership…
Converting an
LLC to a C Corp
Are you considering converting your LLC to a C Corporation? Before taking the leap, it’s essential to understand all of the implications and weigh your options. This article explores the process of converting from an LLC to a C Corporation, including the advantages and disadvantages, the impact on ownership rights, the tax implications, the costs…
Avoid These 6
Critical Cap Table
Management Mistakes
Are you a startup looking to manage your cap table effectively? Ensuring that your equity ownership structure is accurate, organized, and secure is essential for the success of your business. Unfortunately, many startups make costly mistakes when managing their cap tables – but these mistakes can be avoided with the correct information and tools. In…
Common v.
Preferred Stock
When investing in stocks, there are two primary types of inventories to consider: common and preferred. While both can be used as an investment, they have distinct advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before making a decision. This article will explore the differences between standard and preferred stock, outlining their benefits and drawbacks for…
Cap Tables 101 for Founders: The Essential Guide for Startup Equity Management
When founding a company, it’s essential to accurately record and track equity distribution. Most founders do this using a cap table, which can range from a basic Excel spreadsheet to an equity distribution software program. Whatever tool they use for the job, founders need to understand the intricacies of their cap table to ensure their…
What Is an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)? Top 5 Benefits of Joining
Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) are a benefit companies offer their employees. ESPPs present a unique opportunity to buy company stock at a discounted rate, with the possibility of tax advantages. By participating in these plans, employees become investors in their employer’s success, making ESPPs a valuable inclusion in compensation packages. This article will break…
What is Rule 701 and Why Is It Important for Startups?
As a startup, your team’s talent and knowledge are often irreplaceable. Anything you can do to hire and keep the right people can be key to helping your company thrive. Equity can be a great way for startups to retain valuable staff, advisors, and consultants. But if your business has limited funds, you may not…
Everything You Need to Know About Burn Rate for Startups
Spending money is an essential part of growing a business. But to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand; you must track your burn rate — and figure out how to maintain a balance that enables expansion and longevity. Your burn rate is an important financial metric measuring how quickly your company uses up…
Priced Rounds: A Guide for Startups
If you’re a startup navigating the world of fundraising, you might find yourself faced with a choice — priced rounds or unpriced rounds. Each fundraising approach has unique benefits that can help shape your company’s financial future and relationship with investors, so it’s important to understand the distinction between them. This article will explore the…
A Startup Guide to Equity Management
Equity investments provide essential capital for growth and expansion, attract top talent through stock-based compensation, and position your business for potential future funding rounds or lucrative exit opportunities. They also come with great responsibility to manage and track that equity accurately. If you’re new to equity management, this article will provide you with the basics:…
Stock Options vs. RSUs: What’s the Difference?
Regarding employee rewards and incentives, stock options and RSUs are two of the most popular choices for employers. But what are the key differences between them? This article will provide an in-depth comparison of stock options and RSUs, exploring their tax implications, vesting schedules, and when to exercise stock options. We’ll also summarize the main…
Top 5 Reasons Startups Should Pursue Series A Funding
Launching a startup is an exciting endeavor that requires a lot of money to ensure early success. Series A funding is a type of venture capital investment that can help startups overcome initial hurdles when it comes to capital. This article will review what Series A funding is, who the investors are, how to get…
What is a 409A Valuation?
A 409A valuation is an important process private companies use to make sure that their equity compensation events are fair and compliant with IRS regulations. It involves determining a company’s common stock’s fair market value (FMV), which can be used in various aspects of a business’s financial planning. This article will provide an overview of…
A Guide to Cap Tables in Private Equity
A capitalization table, or cap table, is necessary for any startup or business as it helps to organize and display the company’s equity ownership. It also helps track things like convertible securities, stock options, and stock compensation grants. Ensuring your cap table is well-maintained, organized, and clearly defined will accurately represent the company’s current market…
What Do Investors Look For in a Cap Table?
As an investor, you want to know what you’re getting yourself into. The best place to start is with the prospective company’s cap table. A cap table is essentially a spreadsheet. The spreadsheet offers investors a quick glance into which shareholders own what, how much, and the best place for you to jump in. That…
What is a Fully Diluted Cap Table?
A cap table is an abbreviation for a capitalization table. A capitalization table in many cases is private information to a company that shows its ownership shares, investment, and market value. The spreadsheet breaks down the company’s equity ownership capital information which includes: Common equity shares Preferred equity shares Warrants Convertible equity A cap table…
How To Remove An Investor From A Cap Table
Whether there’s a disagreement over the direction of the company or a desire to consolidate company ownership, there could be a number of reasons you would need to remove an investor from a cap table. Removing an investor from a capitalization table can be a complex, sensitive process, involving negotiations with the investor, potential buy-back…
Chalk Talk Episode 11
Guest:
Rich Moran | General Partner
Tonic Bioventures
BUILDING THE PERFECT STARTUP BOARD
Chalk Talk Episode 10
Guest:
Shari Noonan | CEO
Rialto Markets
DO YOU HAVE A SECONDARY MARKET STRATEGY (AND WHY YOU NEED IT TODAY!)?
Chalk Talk Episode 9
Guest:
Mark Sinatra | CEO
Aspen HR
MANAGING YOUR HUMAN CAPITAL DURING CHALLENGING ECONOMIC TIMES
Client and Partner Update: Pertaining to Recent Bank Closures
Astrella is not depositor with Silicon Valley Bank and we are not directly impacted by the problems that have hit SVB this week. And while we wish all of the investment firms and startup companies the best in managing this situation, we wanted to assure our clients and partners that Astrella is part of EQ,…
Angel Investor vs. Venture Capital: Which One Is Right For You?
When it comes to investing in a company, there are various types of equity investors, and understanding what each means is better for your business. It not only helps you determine which type of investor you want to pursue but also how to best pitch your business model in order to gain their interest. In…
AST PCS & Astrella President Carine Schneider named to the Top 50 Women Leaders Of San Francisco For 2023 by the group, Women We Admire.
San Francisco, California, March 3, 2023 – The award recognizes the leadership role Schneider has taken throughout her career in the FinTech market – both building a robust platform for equity share and cap table management but also being a strong advocate for female leadership within the financial services industry. “I’m honored to be recognized…
Top 5 Cap Table Management Tips For Business Owners
A capitalization table, or cap table, is essential for businesses, showing equity ownership capitalization and information that is necessary for financial decision-making. Given the information included, cap tables require excellent management to ensure it’s all an accurate portrayal of your company’s overall capital structure for growth and potential future investors. At Astrella, we’ve made it…
AST Private Company Solutions Seals Alliance & Integration with Rialto Markets
Menlo Park, CA and New York, NY—February 09, 2023— AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. (AST PCS) and Rialto Markets LLC announce a new strategic alliance to provide primary market issuance capabilities and to facilitate a marketplace for investors to monetize their investments integrating Rialto Markets’ Alternative Trading System with AST PCS’s Astrella® platform. Astrella was developed…
What is Cap Table Restructuring?
A capitalization table, or cap table for short, is excellent for businesses to track investors and equity ownership, employee stock option plans, displaying the percentage of ownership of various shareholders, and more. While cap tables are extremely useful for businesses, they can also become overly complicated, especially for larger organizations. A cap table that is…
How Cap Table Planning Can Benefit Your Startup
If you have recently launched a company or are in the early stages of developing one, you have probably heard of a cap table, or capitalization table, and wondered whether it is necessary for your startup. Startups commonly use cap tables to display their total ownership capitalization or equity capitalization. The intricacy of a startup’s…
Are you still using Excel spreadsheets to manage your cap table or employee equity?
Don’t worry; you’re not alone. But as modern business ownership becomes more complex, business owners are turning to more intelligent cloud solutions to ensure accuracy and accountability for their approach to equity management. We recently surveyed 151 private business owners to discover their approach to equity management. We learned a lot from our survey, including:…
5 Ways to Professionally Manage Your Financial Assets
Your business is growing—that’s great news! It also means it’s time to triple-check that you’re protecting your assets and managing your finances in a scalable way. Here’s how. By Deanna Ritchie This story originally appeared on Due Your business is growing—that’s great news! It also means it’s time to triple-check that you’re protecting your assets and managing…
G2 – Best Equity Management Software
G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in their ratings and reports. Equity management software facilitates the administration of a company’s equity, or its assets minus its liabilities. Learn how Astrella rates with users on G2!
Chalk Talk Episode 8
Guest:
Andrew Quayle | Partner
CMS
PRIVATE COMPANY SHARE PLANS IN EUROPE
Why Do Companies Need a Cap Table?
Businesses are mushrooming daily, and some do not possess the professional intelligence required to maintain them. Cap tables are essential to any company, whether big or small. Companies go through various transitions that are key to their development. Maintaining well-organized documents such as a cap table is necessary for the overall function and easy understanding…
The Sphere of Influence
Identifying and utilizing cap table and business decision-making resources.
Expert to Exit
Building Your Inner Circle You’ve built an amazing company, and now it’s time to get to work helping it grow. In addition to optimizing processes and creating new marketing plans, this is a good point at which to consider your inner circle and how they impact the success of your business. This may contain anyone…
Chalk Talk Episode 7
Guest:
Trent Read | Principal & Co-Founder
Economics Partners
409A VALUATION MUST-KNOWS:
THE DO’S AND DON’TS
RSA vs RSU: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to employee equity compensation, there are two main types of options that companies can consider: restricted stock awards (RSA) and restricted stock units (RSU). Both have benefits and drawbacks that should be considered when making a decision. We have compiled an informative comparison of both stock options, as well as the best…
Profit Interest Units: What Every Business Owner Should Know
If you own a small business and need to make profits, you may resort to cutting down employee compensation. But you’ll need an alternative means to boost employee satisfaction, and profit interest units can provide a better solution. Profit interest is a form of equity compensation awarded to individuals for their services in an organization…
Chalk Talk With Steve Madeira
Guest:
Steve Madeira | Head of Technology and Support AST Private Company Solutions
WHY BLOCKCHAIN IS A DIFFERENCE MAKER WHEN MANAGING YOUR CAP TABLE
What is a Stock Option Grant Agreement?
A stock option is the most prevalent form of equity compensation for startups. Executive remuneration used to include cash in the form of salary increases and bonuses. However, thanks to stock option plans, employees can now benefit from the company’s success without costing them any of their hard-earned cash. Employees must sign the Stock Option…
Up Your Investment Game as a Qualified Purchaser
The 1929 Wall Street stock market crash led to the Great Depression, which lasted for ten years in the United States. Many investors and banks went bankrupt due to the rapid and severe aftermath of the crash. In response to the impact, the federal government adopted several policies, including the Securities Act of 1933 and…
Chalk Talk Episode 6
Guest:
Nimrod Vromen, Founder & CEO | Consiglieri
ISRAEL’S COMPETITIVE TECH EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE AND HOW EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE
Chalk Talk Episode 5
Guests:
Pam Krueger | CEO & Founder Wealthramp
John Chapman, CFP, CKA | Partner & Financial Advisor WorthPointe Wealth Management
UNLOCKING THE VALUE OF EMPLOYEE FINANCIAL EDUCATION
LLC vs. C-Corp: Biggest Differences and Which to Choose
Most entrepreneurs looking to start a cap table operate their businesses as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation. However, according to Internal Revenue Service statistics, LLC filings, compared to C-Corp, are growing at a much higher rate of approximately 4.2% annually. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how LLC and C-Corp are distinct…
Excel vs. Astrella
You’re a successful CEO. Sales are up. The talent pool is deep. The sky’s the limit. Why waste your time managing your cap table in Excel? For modern equity management, it’s time to ditch Excel for a modern, cloud-based solution—Astrella.
Venture Capital vs. Private Equity: What’s The Difference
When looking for outside financial backing for your business, venture capital and private equity would be your two choices that seem similar yet have significant differences. Their similar concept, which may make you consider them as one, refers to a firm that invests in private companies in exchange for ownership. Both are financial backings a…
AST Private Company Solutions announces new team members supporting law firm and private equity firms
Menlo Park, CA—July 7, 2022 — AST Private Company Solutions, Inc (AST PCS), an Equiniti Company and the provider of the award winning Astrella® platform is pleased to announce the addition of two new members on its senior team. With the continued growth geographically, AST PCS has now brought on two experienced professionals to lead…
Chalk Talk Episode 4
Guests:
Amy Grossman | Vice President, JD, CAP, Complex Asset Group FIDELITY Charitable
Margot Navins | Vice President, Corporate & Executive Giving FIDELITY Charitables
Donating Stock in a U.S. Tax-Advantaged Way for Private Company Employees
The Women’s Venture Capital Summit
Carine Schneider was invited to speak at the Women’s Venture Capital Summit. It was a dynamic, two-day conference designed to forge valuable relationships between senior-level women in venture capital.
Luxury Travel Hackers Ditches Excel to Adopt Astrella Full-Service Equity Management Platform
When Gary Kohn founded Luxury Travel Hackers in 2019, he certainly did not predict having his initial business plans thwarted by a global pandemic. While many travel and tourism businesses were going under due to travel restrictions, Kohn was lying in wait. He knew that travel would come back with a vengeance, so he used…
Preparing for your exit: Gearing up and getting out
Curious what cap table intelligence can do for you? Get the guidance you need along every step of your business journey with these management tools.
Chalk Talk Episode 3
Guests:
Becky Bruo | Executive Recruiter, Bruno Recruiting Group
Kathy Norton | Director of Strategic Partnerships, Globalization Partners
Growing Your Team: How to Effectively Recruit and Retain Employees and Employ Internationally
Begin with your entire equity journey in mind
Preparing for your exit: Gearing up and getting out The equity ownership journey can be challenging but rewarding—especially if you follow the wisdom of those who made the journey before you. Whether your goals are a public listing, an acquisition, or maintaining private ownership, having the right mile markers can provide your business with valuable…
From founding to funding: mapping 4 key trail markers
As a private company, much of your financial journey revolves around investors and funding. This world can be difficult to navigate; just because you have a great idea and are an expert in your field doesn’t mean you are prepared for the ins and outs of securing funding. With the right tools, you can see…
Taking Your Employees to the Top
Managing employee stock programs can be a major challenge for early-stage companies. As a founder, you have a lot on your plate, and maintaining a stock program can take up more hours in the day than you are willing—or able—to sacrifice. But with the right platform, an employee equity program doesn’t need to be prohibitively…
Is a Cap Table Confidential?
Often when people ask us about the confidentiality of a cap table they’re curious if there is a legal requirement to make their cap tables public. The answer to this question is no. In fact, most companies choose to keep their cap tables private and confidential. Even so, there are several parties within a company…
Chalk Talk Episode 2
Guests:
Georgina Lai | Director of Equity Programs, Instacart
Jon W. Burg | Managing Partner, Infinite Equity
This practical webinar is ideal for startups to mid- and late-stage private companies who wish to learn state-of-the-art practices when designing and implementing employee equity compensation programs.
Don’t lose your grip: Avoid complexity and Excel cap table management
Using digital spreadsheets for your cap table adds layers of work to managing your financial data. One false keystroke can misrepresent real data, there can be multiple versions of the same spreadsheet on various devices, and it can be difficult to find the one source of truth that has correctly preserved your company’s equity information. …
409A – Q&A on the Basics (with Trent Read of Economics Partners)
Question: What is involved with a 409A valuation? Answer: A 409A valuation is essentially a business valuation done to comply with the IRS rule that governs anything they believe is “deferred compensation”. They consider the typical stock options that most companies grant to be deferred compensation for the employees. As such to avoid creating a…
What Do Investors Look For in a Cap Table?
As an investor, you want to know what you’re getting yourself into. The best place to start is with the prospective company’s cap table. A cap table is essentially a spreadsheet. The spreadsheet offers investors a quick glance into which shareholders own what, how much, and the best place for you to jump in. That…
Does an LLC Need a Cap Table?
Limited liability companies (LLCs) are unique business entities that protect owners’ personal assets in the event that the business faces legal issues. Having a solid cap table management software helps keep LLCs in good financial order, regardless of the size to which it grows. LLCs may begin with one or two employees and grow into…
An Innovator | Carine M. Schneider
Carine M. Schneider still remembers the first conversation when she decided to build Astrella. “When they say “we drew it on a cocktail napkin,” I really did do that. I had a vision on how we could build an ownership tracking system while integrating services and solutions from other providers in our ecosystem,” she elucidates.…
Chalk Talk Episode 1
Guest:
Brian Smith | Founder / CEO, RedCrow
Practical fundraising tips from the pros. Listen as two experts share their insights on properly navigating the world of venture capital, angel investing, and crowdfunding.
Nasdaq Private Market and Astrella® Announce Strategic Collaboration
MENLO PARK, Calif. & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. (AST PCS), an Equiniti company, is announcing that it has collaborated with Nasdaq Private Market (NPM), a leading marketplace for trading private company stock, to enable private companies to seamlessly manage company-sponsored liquidity events and cap table administration. “By building a link between Astrella…
Disaster Tech Gets White-Glove Cap Table Support
“We needed an expert to help manage our ownership data” White-glove cap table management Disaster Tech optimizes employee ownership with the Astrella platform Introduction Starting a business is hard. In addition to building a solution and bringing it to market, founders and CEOs need to wear many hats and be experts in legal, tax, HR,…
CHALK TALK WITH CARINE
Fundraising Strategies for Fast-Growing Companies Crowdfunding vs. Angel Investing vs. VC. 10 MARCH 2022: 11am PST / 1pm CST / 2pm EST / 6pm GMT Practical fundraising tips from the pros. Listen as two experts share their insights on properly navigating the world of venture capital, angel investing, and crowdfunding. What are the best fundraising…
Scouting the Terrain: Mapping Your Climb with Cap Table Intelligence
Starting a company is an exciting and often intimidating adventure. Making the climb from the company’s founding to a public offering or exit strategy can seem impossible. In fact, about 40% of businesses who say they are about to go public later realize that they are missing crucial data and are unable to reach an…
5 Habits To Ensure A Clean Cap Table
When managing your capitalization table or, cap table, maintaining the precision and validity of its information should be top of mind. Whether your business is looking to increase investor acquisition, prepare your cap table for the next financing round, or predict capital gains with scenario testing, a “dirty” cap table will hold you back. But…
How to Create a Cap Table: A Basic Overview
As a start-up company, you’ll want to consider creating a cap table to manage your financial assets. However, tracking ownership, shares and various funding sources can become overwhelming quickly. Creating a capitalization table that offers the quick setup, security, and automation you need is the best way to ensure your business’s shareholders and employee stock…
3 Challenges in Growing the Private Market—and the Opportunities They Create
The private market is often considered an exclusive club. While it may tout accessibility for everyone, only those with substantial personal wealth or connections can reliably find their way in through a secret door. In fact, there are many qualified “accredited investors” who don’t realize they can participate in this asset class, because they do…
Simetria and AST Private Company Solutions Sign Strategic Alliance
January 11, 2022 01:00 AM Eastern Standard Time MENLO PARK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AST Private Company Solutions (AST PCS) is announcing the company’s latest strategic alliance with Simetria Trading Solutions Ltd™ (Simetria), an Israeli-based leading provider of liquidity for private tech companies powered by digital assistance technology. AST PCS’s Astrella® capitalization (cap) table and ownership data management…
Responding to the Great Resignation: How an Employee Stock Program Can Alleviate Your Problem
The Great Resignation is making many employers nervous about the future of their businesses. With 38 million workers leaving their jobs and 25 major companies experiencing employee strikes, 2021 highlighted a major labor shift in the U.S. Companies, however, are far from powerless in this shift and can use several tools available to them to…
FORBES – 3 Ways Investing Is Being Democratized
Only a few generations ago, investing tended to remain the purview of the wealthy. No longer. Today, your neighborhood plumber might have a more impressive portfolio than your company’s CEO. And it’s all happened thanks to systematic democratization in the publicly traded capital markets This isn’t to suggest that everyone can or should invest, of…
10 Ways Startups Get Funding: Boots, Angels, and Beyond
Businesses change the world. As the saying goes, “it takes money to make money.” Every business conjured into existence—from the traditional small businesses that populate residential neighborhoods to the tech startups of silicon valley and beyond—may have begun as a fascination of the founder’s mind, but how does a startup company obtain the money it…
Corporate CPR Episode 16: Integrating Blockchain Tech in Business Processes with Carine Schneider
The link between blockchain technology & business corporations, alongside how finance is inventing new ways to make blockchain technology more useful and reliable in business is the topic of this podcast.
Start Your Business Strong: A Get-Real Guide to Establishing Your Company!
Sobering statistics are often tossed around about the single-digit percent of startups that make it, with relatively few companies receiving venture capital funding. But there are steps you can take from the start to significantly increase your chances of success. Decisions you make now will determine how sustainably you grow, the quality of investors and…
The Democratization of the Private Market
Carine Schneider, President of AST Private Company Solutions, authors new book: The Democratization of the Private Market ORDER NOW THROUGH AMAZON! “If the private market can grow from an exclusive club headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley to an opportunity for interested investors worldwide, it should benefit everyone and positively impact the global economy.”…
CAPtivate21 at The Pearl in San Francisco
Astrella hosted a few hundred alliances and leaders from the Private Market ecosystem for #CAPtivate21 at The Pearl in San Francisco. The event included a panel discussion and was also used to launch the new book from President of AST Private Company Solutjons, Carine Schneider “The Democratization of the Private Market.” “The CAPtivate was excellent…
The SEC Thinks the Lack of Transparency in Private Markets Is a Risk to Investors. The Commission Wants That to Change.
Industry experts talk about what’s next for private companies now that transparency is on the top of the regulator’s mind. November 08, 2021 Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg Founders, many of whom want to avoid the scrutiny of public markets, are choosing to stay private for longer than ever. Yet with a record amount of cash locked up…
AST PCS President Carine Schneider Announces Publication Of New Book That Promotes Private Market Access To Qualified Investors
Carine Schneider, an esteemed leader within the start-up community, will release “The Democratization of The Private Market” on November 8th MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 2, 2021 – Carine M. Schneider, FGE, President of AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. in Menlo Park, California, today announces November 8th as the publication date for her book “The Democratization of The Private Market.” The book provides expert…
Equity inequity: What is it, and why does it matter for your business?
Employee compensation can be a complicated and multi-faceted puzzle. Even if a business has found a balance between profitability and employee satisfaction in salaries, they may have no idea how to approach stock awards. How many shares should a company grant its employees and how often? There are plenty of guides that break down the…
3 must-haves in stock plan management software
Before the dot-com boom of the late 90s, employees used to write checks to their employer when they decided to exercise their stock options. In return, the company would deposit the check and issue a paper stock certificate to the employee. Now that banking and financial management have mostly moved online, stock ownership is managed…
Astrella® and Forge Global Announce Strategic Collaboration
MENLO PARK, Calif. & SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. (AST PCS) is announcing it has collaborated with Forge Global, a leading global private securities marketplace, to provide private companies with an integrated solution to manage company sponsored liquidity events and cap table administration. With this integration, companies that use Astrella to manage their stock…
Women Leading The Finance Industry: Carine Schneider of AST Private Company Solutions On The 5 Things You Should Do To Increase Your Financial Literacy
“I also believe parents need to talk to their children about money and I think they need to be part of their child’s education. If parents are uncomfortable, find a family friend or relative who is willing to sit down with your children to explain how all this works.” As a part of our series…
Female Disruptors: Carine Schneider of AST Private Company Solutions On The Three Things You Need To Shake Up Your Industry
Astrella President Carine Schneider, FGE is known for shaking things up (in all the best ways!) She recently sat down with Authority Magazine as part of their new series focused on Female Disruptors. “Currently, I am focused on finding ways to expand the private market for investors. My focus over the next few years will be to support founders…
Taking the Pain Out of Startup Accounting for Aletha Health
Burkland’s accounting, tax, and inventory management services are helping Aletha Health scale with efficiency and confidence. Aletha Health invented the Hip Hook to help relieve hip, knee, and back pain. The device was created with the philosophy that “simple changes lead to profound results”. Burkland started working with Aletha Health in January 2021. In this…
GEO’s 22nd Annual Conference
14 September-07 October #ComeTogether Register for GEO’s 22nd Annual Conference, where you are one step closer to joining like-minded individuals for four weeks of compelling discussions and networking. Hear from industry leaders, including Carine Schneider, FGE, Astrella, on the challenges and solutions in today’s competitive market. GEO’s Annual Conferences are specifically designed with a focus…
Upgrading GoFormz’s Financial Systems & Controls
Burkland’s strategic financial services help GoFormz fundraise and grow for their investors, board, and customers. Burkland began working with GoFormz four years ago. The company had just brought in a new CEO who was taking over a chaotic financial situation. Their investors, seeing much potential in GoFormz, gave the company a cash infusion shortly after…
RedCrow to offer Astrella® Cap Table Solution to portfolio companies
Menlo Park, CA—August 12, 2021— AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. (AST PCS) and RedCrow Inc. announce a new offering providing RedCrow private company clients access to the Astrella cap table management system. RedCrow, a crowdsourced direct investment platform for healthcare innovation companies, partners with organizations such as the American Medical Association Physician Innovation Network (PIN)…
ESOP ezee™ and Astrella® sign an agreement to support the Indian startup community
Puna, India and Menlo Park, CA, USA —July 22, 2021— ESOP Direct, owner of ESOP ezee, and AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. (AST PCS) have signed an agreement to provide private company clients in India with the integrated cap table and modeling solutions needed by fast-growing non-listed companies. ESOP Direct, India’s leading end-to-end service provider…
Astrella® Joins forces with Insperity to offer HR services to Customers
Menlo Park, CA—July 20, 2021— AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. (AST PCS) announced a strategic partnership with Insperity, trusted human resources and business solution provider. Clients of Astrella® capitalization (cap) table and ownership data management platform will have access an array of HR solutions for their employees including Traditional Payroll and Human Capital Management, Time…
Astrella® and Infinite Equity agree to a strategic partnership
Menlo Park, CA and San Francisco, CA—May 27, 2021— AST Private Company Solutions, Inc (AST PCS) and Infinite Equity announce a new strategic partnership to provide private company clients with design, compliance, and event-driven HR technology needs. Astrella was developed by Equiniti PCS, the…
AST Private Company Solutions Seals Partnership & Integration with Texture Capital
Menlo Park, CA and New York, NY—April 29, 2020— AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. (AST PCS) and Texture Capital Inc. announce a new strategic partnership to facilitate compliant transactions in private company shares by integrating Texture’s SEC-approved Alternative Trading System with AST PCS’s Astrella® platform. Astrella was developed by Equiniti PCS, the Silicon Valley-based business…
International expansion for Astrella includes two new sales offices lead by industry experts
Menlo Park, CA— February 11, 2021 – AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. (AST PCS) announces new sales offices in Dublin, Ireland and Tel Aviv, Israel. In both cases, experienced industry professionals are taking a leadership role. Avivit Ben-Avi, previously worked with law firms in Israel and Client Relations Director at Nasdaq Private Market, leads the…
AST Private Company Solutions Announces new Astrella Advisory Council Members
Menlo Park, CA—January 14, 2021 – AST Private Company Solutions (AST PCS) is pleased to announce two new Advisory Council members. Joining the experienced group of advisors are Blair Morrison, CEO and founder of AutoCFO, based in Austin, Texas and Robert Young of New York-based Texture Capital. With Blair and Robert’s addition, the Astrella Advisory…
New Report: Fundraising in Private Markets by Texture Capital
With a mission to enhance the structure of private markets, Texture Capital conducted a survey of companies who had recently tapped the private markets, seeking to better understand the process, pain points and opportunities for improvement. We find that most corporate executives struggle with the lengthy fundraising process, efficiently networking with investors, and getting the…
Want to get funded? The reality isn’t like TV. You’re going to need a cap table.
We’ve all seen Shark Tank – the contestants go through elaborate preparations to quickly pitch television venture capitalists, attempt to make a deal, and get some buzz around their idea. One thing you don’t ever see is Mark Cuban asking to see well-managed cap table software and that’s where reality and TV start to separate.…
Apollonian brings revolutionary analysis and valuation approach to Astrella customers
Menlo Park, CA—December 15, 2020 — AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. (AST PCS) today introduced a new strategic partnership with Apollonian Group, a Luxembourg-based firm with a 360-degree approach to due diligence, valuation, investment and fund management. Through its versatile approach towards analyzing companies with high levels of intangible assets (software, IPR, R&D, human capital,…
AutoCFO joins Astrella partner ecosystem
Menlo Park, CA— (December 3, 2020) — AST Private Company Solutions (PCS), provider of industry-leading ownership software Astrella today, introduced a new strategic partnership with AutoCFO. This Texas-based software company offers specialized financial data analyzing solutions. AutoCFO provides real-time and detailed financial analysis for growing companies. AutoCFO automates the time-consuming, manual work so you can…
Don Gillotti, CEP Joins AST Private Company Solutions, Inc. as Senior Vice-President, Business Development
Menlo Park, CA— (December 1, 2020) — AST Private Company Solutions (PCS), provider of industry-leading ownership software Astrella, announced the appointment of Don Gillotti, CEP, as Senior Vice President, Business Development focused on the Private Equity and Venture Capital market. Don is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with more than 20 years in the…
Equality and equity are not the same, it’s time to talk about that
As you build your company or brand — it needs to stand for something beyond simply photos of smiling people or a logo mark. It needs to have an ethos and meaning, an organizational culture that drives what you do and how you do it. At Astrella, we believe strongly in the concept of equity.…
Tapestry is now Employee Owned
30 September 2020 We are delighted to let you know that Tapestry Compliance is now employee-owned. Today we transferred all the shares in Tapestry to an Employee Ownership Trust (“EOT”) which will hold the shares on behalf of all the employees. We wanted to give our employees the opportunity that our clients give to their…
Q3 Astrella Updates
By Angela Vuong, Support Manager Time surely flies and COVID time seems to be slower or faster depending on the day! The team at Astrella has been working hard and we wanted to give you a quick brief on the top 5 feature releases of 2020’s third quarter. If you’re interested in learning about our…
Astrella® Partner Ecosystem: Marketplace for Customers and Partners
Author: Paul Arens, Head of Business Development and Partnerships “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” — Henry Ford From the early stages of creating Astrella, our goal has been “do what you do the best.” We began by building Astrella’s cap table management software with people who have…
Unbiased Financial Advice from Wealthramp now Part of Astrella Platform
AST Private Company Solutions Partners with Wealthramp, the Nation’s Top Fiduciary Advisor Referral Service, to Offer Access to Unbiased Financial Advice Demand for personalized financial education and advice increases among employees with stock-based compensation as the marketplace faces continued economic uncertainty Menlo Park, CA—September 24, 2020- AST Private Company Solutions (PCS) announced a strategic partnership…
Incorporate.com and Astrella Partner to power small and medium sized business success
CSC’s incorporate.com and AST Private Companies Partner to Provide Ownership Tracking Software to Emerging Growth Companies Menlo Park, CA—September 10, 2020—AST Private Company Solutions (PCS) today announced a strategic partnership with the small business division of CSC—incorporate.com—to add Astrella to its list of corporate services. Astrella is an ownership tracking system for small and large…
Kranz brings accounting and specialized finance solutions for VC portfolio companies to Astrella
AST Private Company Solutions Announces Strategic Alliance with Kranz, Leader in Finance & Accounting/CFO Advisory & Consulting Services to Private Companies Menlo Park, CA—August 27, 2020 – AST Private Company Solutions (PCS) today announced a strategic partnership with leading venture capital and private equity consultancy firm Kranz. Users of PCS’s Astrella® capitalization (cap) table and…
Astrella is a Finalist in the 2020 Drawdown Private Equity Service Provider Awards
We are proud to announce that Astrella is named as a finalist in The Drawdown’s inaugural Private Equity Service Provider Awards 2020, in the Technology: Accounting and Reporting Software category. The Private Equity Service Provider Awards gives recognition to private equity service providers demonstrating exceptional innovation, customer service, and business performance during the year.…
HC Global Partners with Astrella to Provide Fund Administration Services
AST Private Company Solutions Announces Partnership & Integration with Leading Fund Administration Firm HC Global Fund Services, LLC Menlo Park, CA—August 20, 2020— AST Private Company Solutions™ (AST PCS) announced a new strategic partnership with HC Global Funds Services, LLC (HC Global) as a provider of fund administration services to seed fund, accelerator fund, venture,…
Kranz Rebrands with a Purpose
We are extremely excited to announce the launch of our new kranz website, https://kranz.consulting, and brand identity! introducing our new identity We’re sporting a brand new logo, shortened name (kranz), and an entirely new look. This marks a significant milestone in our journey, providing an opportunity to reflect on everything that the original Kranz & Associates brand…
Pay Comparison Reporting Functionality Added to Astrella
Ownership Tracking SaaS System Astrella introduces Pay Comparison Report to support pay inequity analysis Menlo Park, CA—August 11, 2020 – AST Private Company Solutions™ (PCS) today announced a new system feature in Astrella to allow private companies to manage and track stock plan awards made to their employees and compare award levels based on gender,…
10 Reasons Why Using Spreadsheets is a Bad Idea
Capitalization tables (or cap tables) provide an analysis of a company’s percentages of ownership, equity dilution, and value of equity in each round of investment by founders, investors, and other owners. Developing a cap table and making related decisions can be complicated and overwhelming. Failing to have a clear picture of your company’s share ownership…
Integrating Tapestry Compliance’s OnTap database to provide global legal and tax info
Astrella™ will provide access to Tapestry’s OnTap database to support private companies expanding internationally Menlo Park, CA—July 30, 2020- AST Private Company Solutions™ (PCS) today announced a strategic partnership with leading global legal services firm Tapestry Compliance, based in the UK. Astrella capitalization (cap) table and ownership data management clients will now be able to…
Defining blockchain basics and why it’s important
Blockchain Fundamentals Many people confuse blockchain technology with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It’s an easy mistake to make so let’s distinguish between the two. Think of blockchain as the operating system providing the means to record and store transactions while Bitcoin is a digital security tracked on the application using blockchain technology. Blockchain technology, used by…
RoseRyan brings finance and accounting services to Astrella private market customers
Menlo Park, CA—July 23, 2020— AST Private Company Solutions™ (AST PCS) today introduced a new strategic partnership with RoseRyan, a Silicon Valley-based firm that delivers specialized finance and accounting solutions at every stage of a private company’s growth. Celebrating 27 years of business, RoseRyan is one of the most respected finance and accounting consulting firms…
AST Private Company Solutions announces partnership with Fund Administration leader Standish Management
Menlo Park, CA—July 14, 2020— AST Private Company Solutions™ (AST PCS) today announced its latest strategic partnership with Standish Management, a leading fund administration provider to private equity with over $130+ billion under administration. Users of PCS’s Astrella™ capitalization (cap) table and ownership tracking platform will be able to integrate relevant ownership data from Astrella…
AST Private Company Solutions Links with Liquidity Financing Investment Fund Liquid Stock
Menlo Park, CA—June 18, 2020— AST Private Company Solutions™ (AST PCS) today introduced a new strategic partnership with Liquid Stock, the venture capital-like investment fund providing bespoke liquidity solutions to pre-IPO companies, their investors and employees. Shareholders and CFOs using PCS’s new Astrella™ capitalization (cap) table and ownership data management platform will now be able…
AST Private Company Solutions Finalizes Partnership and building Integration with EquityZen
Menlo Park, CA—June 11, 2020— AST Private Company Solutions (AST PCS) today has announced a new strategic partnership with EquityZen, a leading pre-IPO secondary platform. Users of PCS’s recently launched Astrella™ by Equiniti capitalization (cap) table and ownership data management platform will have access to an integration to seamlessly process company approved secondary transactions. Astrella…
AST Private Company Solutions announces integration with leading valuation provider Derivatas
Menlo Park, CA—June 9, 2020 – AST Private Company Solutions™ (AST PCS) today announced a strategic partnership with Derivatas, a leading valuation solutions provider. Users of AST PCS’s Astrella™ capitalization (cap) table and ownership data management platform will be able to integrate with Derivatas’ services and benefit from best-in-class valuations for private markets, including fair…
AST Private Company Solutions Leverages Box Platform to Power Astrella and Transform the Private Ownership Market
Menlo Park, CA— (June 3, 2020) — AST Private Company Solutions™ (AST PCS) today announced that it is leveraging Box Platform to power AST PCS’s new Astrella™ capitalization (cap) table and ownership data management system, providing users with an encrypted cloud environment and immediate access to Box’s secure cloud content management platform, data storage and…
AST Revolutionizes Private Market Ownership Data Management with Launch of Astrella™ Platform
Ownership data management leader AST introduces new cloud-based platform built on blockchain, leveraging AI and predictive analytics. New York, NY – May 21, 2020 – AST, through its Private Company Solutions (AST PCS) business unit, today launched its innovative software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based Astrella solution for privately-held companies, providing capitalization (cap) table and employee stock plan ownership data…
AST Private Company Solutions Seals Partnership & Integration with Leading Valuation Firm Economics Partners
Menlo Park, CA—May 11, 2020— AST Private Company Solutions™ (AST PCS) today has announced a new strategic partnership with Economics Partners – A Ryan Company (EP) as a provider of 409A valuation and other private company valuation services. Users of PCS’s recently launched Astrella™ capitalization (cap) table and ownership data management platform will have access…
AST Private Company Solutions Launches Astrella™, Harnessing Technology to Transform Private Company Equity Ownership Ecosystem
Ownership data management leader introduces new cloud-based platform that integrates blockchain, AI and predictive analytics. March 03, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time MENLO PARK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AST Private Company Solutions™ (AST PCS) introduces its innovative software-as-a-service (SaaS) based solution for privately-held companies at a launch party today. The platform, called Astrella, provides solutions for managing…
Carine Schneider, President, AST Private Company Solutions Recognized as Recipient of 2019 ProShare Awards “Service to Employee Share Ownership”
The ProShare award recognizes individuals who have, over the course of their careers, made a significant contribution to the share plans industry and employee share ownership. Schneider Earns Distinction as First American to be honored by ProShare New York, NY – December 11, 2019 – Carine Schneider, President of AST Private Company Solutions, has received…
AST’s Carine Schneider to Present at the Global Equity Organization (GEO) Conference in Amsterdam
New York, NY – April 9, 2019 – AST is pleased to announce that Carine Schneider, FGE, President of AST Private Company Solutions™, will speak at the Global Equity Organization (GEO) Annual Conference in Amsterdam about timely issues in global share plans and executive compensation. AST’s recently launched business, AST Private Company Solutions, develops innovative…
AST Launches AST Private Company Solutions to Service Private Companies from Inception to IPO
NEW YORK | March 06, 2019–AST, a full-service, tech-enabled ownership data management and advisory firm, today announced the launch of a new business to meet the varied and complex needs of private companies. AST Private Company Solutions™ (PCS) is developing innovative and next-generation technology, products and services to support the entire lifecycle of a private…
AST Private Company Solutions Welcomes Paul Arens to Foster Business Growth
Menlo Park, CA – September 9, 2019 – AST Private Company Solutions™ (AST PCS) today announced that Paul Arens has joined the company as Vice President, Business Development & Partnerships. In this role, Arens’ focus will be to grow AST PCS by forging partnerships in the private company ecosystem and identifying synergistic relationships that utilize…