409A Valuation Services

Get Accurate, Audit-Ready, and Defensible 409A Valuations
by Eqvista, one of the Leading Providers in the Industry.

Unlimited 409A Valuation Starting at $990

All clients will be given unlimited 409A valuations for 12 months
performed by NACVA certified valuation analysts.

Startup / Pre-Revenue 409A
$990/year
F&F / Angel 409A
$1,290/year
Seed 409A
$1,990/year
Series A 409A
$2,590/year
Series B+ 409A
Custom

Within the subscription year, receive multiple 409A valuations for your company as a 409A refresh. In the event your company goes through a material event, consult our specialists for more details. Our 409A valuation pricing tiers are based upon funding rounds, but may vary depending on other factors including: total revenue, number of stakeholders and capital structure. Please consult our Client Solutions Team for an accurate quotation.

1-5 Day Expedite for 409A & FMV Valuations

+ $490 and up

Why Eqvista

25,000+

Satisfied
Customers

$4 trillion

In company
assets valued

$5B

In monthly client asset
valuations and audits

From Static 409A Valuation Reports to Real-Time Company Valuation

409A valuations powered by Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® replace static 409A reports with a real-time, app-based view of common stock value for private companies. Give founders, CFOs, and finance teams a real-time view of common stock value between formal valuation cycles, enabling faster decisions around fundraising, equity compensation, and financial reporting.

409A Valuation Based on Startup Stages

A startup begins with an idea, and with hard work and determination, take steps to grow and become a functioning company. Each of these steps means that the company has reached a new value and stage of growth. For each company stage, 409A valuation providers can help you get your company’s value.

  • Pre-Funded – This is for new or startup companies in business less than one year. Pre-revenue companies or those startups developing their product and services and looking for a company valuation of their fair market value for issuing new shares.

  • F&F / Angel – This is the first official equity funding stage, representing the capital the company needs to kickstart its business. The amount typically ranges from $10,000 to $2 million in this round.

  • Series A – As soon as a business establishes itself and creates a track record, they can get Series A funding to grow their business more and work on their product base.

  • Series B – At this stage, the company is developed and running successfully. The Series B round helps take the company to the next level where they can expand their market reach.

  • Series C – Companies that reach the Series C round are usually already very successful and look for capital to acquire other companies, develop new products, or expand into new markets. Many companies also use this round to boost their valuation to eventually go public and have an IPO. At this stage, consulting with experienced valuation providers becomes crucial for accurate reporting and compliance.

However the funding rounds do not end here. Some companies take on more funding from investors to keep growing and expanding, with Series D, Series E, Series F rounds and so on. While other companies take on little to no funding and work to grow their company internally.

Eqvista offers 409A valuation services for every funding stage, from early-stage startups to Pre-IPO, with the expertise to value even Unicorns.

Get Your Company 409A Valuation from Experts

IRS-Defensible 409A Valuations Trusted by Companies from Seed to Pre-IPO

Built for Growing Companies

Our valuation experts provide independent 409A valuations that support equity programs, fundraising, ASC 718 compliance, and financial reporting as your company scales.

Credentialed Valuation Experts

Our team includes NACVA-certified analysts, CFA charterholders, CVAs, and IRS Enrolled Agents. As a fully in-house team, we bring deep experience across venture-backed companies, complex capital structures, and evolving valuation needs.

Audit-Ready & Defensible

Our valuations are prepared in accordance with IRS safe harbor standards and designed to withstand auditor scrutiny. Trusted by 25,000+ companies and working alongside leading accounting and law firms, we provide lifetime audit support for every valuation.

Sample of Eqvista 409A Valuation Report

Here we have included a sample of our 409A valuation report of a mock company for viewing purposes. Our 409A valuations are fully customized, with easy to understand charts and tables about your company information.

 

We focus on providing high quality valuation reports that are understandable for our clients. Our reports are often over 50+ pages for a 409A valuation, so you can be sure your company valuation is accurate and audit defensible.

Download an Example 409A Valuation Report

Explore a sample of our 409A Valuation Report to see what’s included and how it supports fair market value assessments for your company.

What is a 409A valuation?

A 409A valuation is a process for appraising your business to determine the cost of the company stock, resulting in a valuation report. This report is a legal requirement for the companies that are about to issue deferred compensation to their employees.

 

The IRS Section 409A makes sure that the appropriate federal income taxes are paid by employees for the compensation they get. It also offers the company a safe harbor status, reducing the chances of an audit by the IRS.

Why is a 409A Valuation Important?

409A valuation services are important as it ensures that the company is complying with the federal tax code. It offers the company an acceptable fair market value and safe harbor status. This would help the company avoid any IRS audits, which can lead to penalties for both the company and the employees who received the equity compensation.

A 409A valuation also offers the company’s investors, venture capital firms, and management a gauge on the financial standing of the company.

Purpose of a 409A Valuation

A 409A valuation is needed by companies about to issue equity compensation to their 
employees. Equity has to be issued at fair market value (FMV) obtained through a company valuation to avoid adverse tax liabilities, which includes varying state tax penalties 
and a 20% federal income tax penalty. A 409A valuation needs to be done when there is a material event in the company, including, but not limited to:

  • Issuance of employee stock options for the first time.
  • A significant change in the business plans or operations.
  • Changes in market conditions that substantially affect company value
  • The last 409A valuation is past 
12 months.
  • Turnover of key employees in leadership positions.
  • Raising a round of funding

Why work with an independent 409A valuation provider?

  • Protect your corporation with safe harbor status as per the IRC.
  • Keep the company’s resources for growing the business.
  • Avoid any lost compensation and financial penalties for your company and its employees.

Eqvista has Certified Specialists to Perform
409A Valuation

Eqvista is a nationally recognized expert in offering accurate 409A valuation services for a wide range of companies of every size, industry, and stage. We are NACVA certified, and have a team of highly experienced specialists that handle each case dedicatedly. Our team has the needed certifications, knowledge, and experience to give you the best and most accurate valuation report. Clients come to us when they need high-quality appraisal and business valuation services that are accurate and offer safe harbor status.

 

Eqvista has performed business valuations for many companies in various sectors and industries. Our specialized team uses the best methodologies and has a proven approach to get your company’s valuation. It works for all business structures, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, S corporations, and C corporations. Our team can collaborate closely with your CFO and accounting department to ensure all valuation aspects align with your financial strategies.

Why Choose Eqvista as Your 409A Valuation Firm

Unlimited 409A valuations for 12 months with no extra charges

Highly-trained and experienced team of analysts for support

NACVA certified valuation team that supports throughout the process

Worked with a multitude of companies across
various sectors

Who Benefits from Our 409A Valuation Expertise

  • Seed-Stage Companies – Support your first employee option grants with an independent 409A valuation that establishes a compliant foundation for future fundraising and equity compensation. As your company begins building an equity program, a defensible valuation helps ensure compliance and confidence with investors and employees.

  • Series A Companies – As your team and equity program expand, maintain compliance and confidence with audit-defensible 409A valuations. We help companies navigate growing investor expectations, evolving cap tables, and increasing valuation complexity.

  • Series B & Growth-Stage Companies – Navigate increasing financial complexity, ASC 718 requirements, and investor expectations with valuations built for scaling companies. Our team supports finance leaders as reporting, compliance, and equity administration become more sophisticated.

  • Series C+ & Late-Stage Companies – Support complex capital structures, secondary transactions, and evolving equity programs with experienced valuation guidance. We help companies manage valuation requirements across multiple financing rounds and shareholder events.

  • Pre-IPO Companies – Prepare for heightened investor, auditor, and regulatory scrutiny with institutional-grade valuation support and lifetime audit defense. Our valuation process is designed to meet the demands of companies approaching liquidity events and public market readiness.

A 409A valuation is a strategic safeguard for companies. By obtaining an independent appraisal of their fair market value, businesses avoid potential costly IRS penalties and ensure protection with their equity compensation plans.

Colin MC Crea

Partner & Head of Analysts
Eqvista

Get High-Quality 409A Valuation Reports
from Eqvista

Reduce your exposure to risk by getting a 409A valuation provider for valuing your company! Eqvista is one of the leading providers for 409A valuation services and we are more than happy to assist you and your company. Here’s a few reasons why you should have your valuation done by us:

  • Our Expertise – Our team is built of experienced valuation analysts who have performed valuations for companies of all stages and sizes, including those backed by venture capital. 
For each valuation, a dedicated in-house analyst handles everything from getting your information to sharing updates and answering your questions throughout the process

  • Our Process and Time Frame – Our 409A valuation services are audit-defensible, accurate, and delivered through an efficient process designed for growing companies. A dedicated valuation specialist will guide you throughout the engagement, allowing you to stay focused on running and scaling your business.

  • Transparent Pricing for Growing Companies – From Seed-stage startups to Pre-IPO companies, Eqvista delivers accurate 409A valuations with transparent pricing and expert support. Our goal is to provide institutional-quality valuation services that scale alongside your company’s growth.

Audit-ready 409A valuations by experts

Get a defensible 409A valuation from experienced professionals who understand your industry and growth stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fair Market Value (FMV), and how does it relate to a 409A valuation?

Fair Market Value (FMV) is the estimated price at which your company’s stock would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, both having reasonable knowledge of all relevant facts and neither being compelled to buy or sell. A 409A valuation provides an independent assessment of your company’s FMV, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and helping you avoid potential tax penalties for both your company and employees.

How to Get a Fast 409A Valuation?

Get a fast 409A valuation with Eqvista by using our expedited 409A valuation service. Delivery can take as little as 1–5 business days. For urgent requests, our dedicated Rapid Response Team handles submissions immediately, and providing your phone number when submitting your request allows us to contact you right away. To ensure the quickest turnaround, have your financial statements, cap table, incorporation documents, and funding history ready.

How does Eqvista’s 409A valuation compare to other providers?

Eqvista offers the fastest, best-priced, 5-star rated 409A valuations on the market, making it a top choice for startups over competitors like Carta. Ranked #1 on G2 and Clutch, we stand out with faster delivery, transparent pricing, and a founder-friendly, flexible approach. Our clients value the unlimited 12-month valuation model, reliable audit-defensible reports, and the ability to speak directly with our experienced valuation analysts at any time.

How does Eqvista support companies at different stages of growth?

Eqvista supports companies throughout their growth journey, from Seed-stage startups issuing their first employee stock options to Pre-IPO companies managing complex equity programs and financial reporting requirements. Our valuation team provides independent, audit-defensible 409A valuations that help companies navigate fundraising, ASC 718 compliance, evolving capital structures, and increasing investor and auditor expectations.

Does Eqvista offer consulting services to help understand the 409A valuation process?

Absolutely, Our experts provide consulting services to guide you through the 409A valuation process, ensuring you understand each step and how it impacts your company’s financial planning. Our support team is highly responsive and typically replies to inquiries within 24 hours to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Can Eqvista’s consulting services help navigate accounting complexities after a venture capital investment?

Yes, Our experts can assist your CFO and accounting team in understanding the financial implications of VC investments and ensure your 409A valuation accurately reflects these changes. You will always speak directly with our experts.

How can Eqvista’s 409A valuation assist my CFO and accounting team?

Our detailed valuation reports provide valuable insights for your CFO and accounting team, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and aiding in strategic decision-making.

How does Eqvista ensure compliance with AICPA guidelines in its 409A valuations?

Eqvista strictly adheres to the AICPA guidelines in all our 409A valuations. Our NACVA-certified analysts utilize industry-recognized valuation methods, such as the waterfall analysis and equity allocation for complex capital structures. This commitment ensures your valuation is compliant, accurate, and stands up to IRS scrutiny.

How does a recent venture capital funding round affect my 409A valuation?

A new VC funding round can significantly impact your company’s fair market value. Our team considers all such investments to provide an accurate valuation that reflects your company’s current standing.

Choosing the Best 409A Valuation Provider:
Eqvista vs. Others

Discover why Eqvista’s extensive features and personalized service make it the leading choice for your 409A valuation needs.

Eqvista Other Providers
(Carta, Shareworks, Aranca etc.)

Pricing

Audit-Defensible 409A Valuations
starting at $990

Expensive starting at $3,000+

Availability

Standalone 409A valuation available

Mostly required to sign up for other
services to get 409A valuations

Unlimited 409A Valuation

Yes

No

Valuation Process

Client specific valuations

Generic automation

Time-frame

5-10 working days with expedite
option (1-5 working days)

Valuations take long time
(usually 2-4 weeks)

Trusted by Founders, CFOs and Finance Teams

Whether you are issuing your first stock options, preparing for a financial audit, or managing equity through multiple funding rounds, Eqvista provides valuation support that scales with your company.

Need a 409A Valuation for your company?

Eqvista has got you covered for your 409A valuation needs. Contact us to discuss your case today!