Fundamentals For Startups: Who Owns What? Navigating Startup Equity and Cap Tables

​About the Lecture:

​Join us for an essential deep-dive into cap tables - one of the most critical yet misunderstood aspects of startup finance. This session will equip you with the knowledge to confidently navigate equity structures from company formation through multiple funding rounds. We’ll cover cap table basics like structure, terminology and key metrics, how to set up your initial equity distribution to avoid common mistakes, and real-world dilution scenarios that show founder ownership evolution through multiple fundraising rounds. Whether you're splitting equity with co-founders or preparing for your first investor meeting, this session provides the foundation you need to make informed decisions about your company's most valuable asset - its ownership structure.

​Speaker:

Brooke Borseth is an Associate at FUSE, focusing on early-stage investments in vertical software and applied AI. Brooke joined FUSE after spending four years with Moneta Ventures, an early-stage venture firm based in California. She holds a degree in Economics and Data Analytics from Santa Clara University.

​About Fundamentals for Startups:

Fundamentals for Startups is a weekly one-hour lecture series featuring notable experts who share startup-related information, experience, and insights with our entrepreneurial community. From raising capital to scaling to exit strategies, these seasoned guest speakers deliver valuable content designed to help startups and entrepreneurs thrive.

These lectures are open to the public and you do not have to be currently affiliated with the UW or a startup to join. Lunch is provided while supplies last. Advanced registration required. Please note, we are no longer livestreaming these sessions.

We hope you can join us!