When do I need a 409A valuation?

You need a 409A valuation before you grant stock options. The report sets the fair market value used for your option strike price, and you should update it at least every 12 months and after any material event.

Why get a 409A before the first grant?

Granting options without a current 409A puts the safe harbor presumption at risk. The valuation is a compliance step that sits in front of hiring and equity, not after. If you are about to issue options, raise a round, or hire with equity, get the report done first.

409A.io is built for pre-seed through Series A with standard cap tables. Cap table upload takes under 5 minutes. CSV is supported. Standard SAFEs and convertible notes are in scope for early-stage companies.

How does 409A.io handle the report?

You subscribe at $99/month on a 12-month term, billed monthly, with everything included. One plan covers the initial report, updates upon request, material-event coverage during your term, and direct auditor support.

You receive an audit-ready report within 48 hours of receiving your documents. Every report is reviewed by a valuation professional from the MELD team before delivery.

The method is OPM backsolve to the most recent financing with a GPC cross-check, prepared in accordance with AICPA guidelines for privately-held equity issued as compensation. Same methodology used by firms charging $3,000 to $5,000.

409A.io was spun out of MELD Valuation. MELD has completed 10,000+ valuations across 20+ industry sectors, valued $250B+ in assets, and has zero audit issues across its history. That track record sits behind every 409A.io report.

When should I update my 409A?

Update at least every 12 months. Also update after a material event such as a new round, a major change in the business, a secondary, or an M&A conversation. Material-event coverage is included during your term. Send the updated documents and we issue an updated report.

Typical firms charge $3,000 to $5,000 and take 2 to 4 weeks. Big Four firms often charge $8,000+ and take 4 to 8 weeks. 409A.io keeps the same methodology on a $99/month, 12-month plan with a 48-hour turnaround after documents.

When your cap table gets complex — Series B+, structured equity, or complex waterfalls — graduate to MELD, or tell us your situation and we will point you the right way. Same team either path. We have a long-standing relationship with a leading cap table provider and can help make the transition seamless, including preferred pricing through that relationship.

What is the next step?

Subscribe at get-started, then upload your cap table and documents. The report arrives within 48 hours once we have them.

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