Option Pool Impact Calculator

Model how your ESOP (Employee Stock Option Pool) expansion affects your ownership during a funding round.

Configure Resize

10%
15%

Model dilution during investment

Investor Perspective

"Most VCs will insist on the option pool expansion happening BEFORE the round. This is called the 'Option Pool Shuffle' and it effectively lowers your true pre-money valuation."

Ownership Impact

Comparing current vs post-resize ownership

Founders
Pool

Before

After

Founder Stake

90.0%85.7%
-4.3% total dilution

Option Pool

10.0%15.0%
+5.0% expansion

Ownership Table

Entity
BeforeAfter
Founders
90.0%85.7%
Pool
10.0%15.0%

Deeper Analysis

Shuffle Impact

By expanding the pool to 15%, you are effectively taking a 4.3% haircut on your ownership.

Dilution Math

Increasing the option pool creates 'shadow dilution' that doesn't show up in your cash balance but hits your ownership directly.

Want to learn more about option pools and dilution?

Read our comprehensive guide covering option pool sizing, the option pool shuffle, and strategies to minimize founder dilution.

Read the complete option pool guide