Update: Pulley announced in September 2026 that it will shut down and cease operations on December 8, 2026. Pulley has partnered with Carta to offer eligible customers an assisted transition, but existing customers can also choose another cap table provider. For many startups, choosing a cap table provider is an important decision because the platform …
A business’s true value is a central theme in all fundraising rounds and IRS audits. In fundraising rounds, not only does valuation determine the amount of equity given up for the required investment, but it also affects how the early investors are compensated. In mergers and acquisitions, a consensus about the business valuation can be …
SaaS companies can qualify for Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), but being a software company is not enough. Consulting, implementation, custom development, and other service activities can complicate the Section 1202 active business test and put the QSBS exclusion at risk. The stakes are now even higher: eligible stock acquired after July 4, 2025 may …
Recently, OpenAI became the world’s second-most valuable startup after a $40 billion funding round, reaching a valuation of $300 billion. In 2025, we are no strangers to such headlines regarding AI startups. For instance, Safe Superintelligence reached a valuation of $32 billion without even having a product. With such strong hype surrounding the sector, keeping …
The 409A Valuation service market was worth USD 10.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to be worth USD 40.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.9% from 2024 to 2030. This market is a subset of the financial services business that concentrates on helping private corporations meet the requirements of Section 409A …
In venture capital, a great pitch can move mountains, and sometimes, it’s not the fundamentals that close the deal but the hype around a startup. We’ve all seen it play out. A startup with a buzzworthy concept, a charismatic founder, and a few viral social media posts suddenly finds itself fielding term sheets while quieter …
AI companies are now trading at multiples that are several times higher than traditional SaaS companies, despite operating in a funding environment defined by liquidity constraints and heightened investor caution. In public markets, the median AI market cap-to-revenue multiple exceeds 10x, while that of SaaS companies is below 5x. This widening valuation gap raises two …
The Eqvista SaaS Index 2026 tracks valuation trends, investor sentiments, and growth velocity across the global and regional software-as-a-service (SaaS) landscape. In the current VC landscape, where investors exhibit caution that’s not AI, understanding how valuations respond to market cycles is critical for founders planning funding rounds. Our analysis expands on public SaaS insights by …
Note: This article reflects the QSBS rules in effect at the time of publication. For the latest rules, thresholds, and requirements, see our updated QSBS guide. Sell $10 million in startup stock and owe zero federal capital gains tax. That is not a loophole. It is Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code, better known …
