Will auditors accept my 409A valuation?

Auditors look for a defensible 409A: AICPA-guideline methodology, a human-reviewed report, and someone who can answer questions about how the number was set. 409A.io is built for that standard at $99/month on a 12-month term, with an audit-ready report within 48 hours of receiving your documents.

What do auditors look for in a 409A?

A 409A sets the fair market value used for option strike prices. Auditors and diligence teams typically review the method, the supporting analysis, and whether a qualified reviewer signed off before delivery.

409A.io uses 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. That is the same methodology used by firms charging $3,000 to $5,000.

Every report is reviewed by a valuation professional from the MELD team before delivery. Nothing ships unreviewed.

How does auditor support work on 409A.io?

Direct auditor support is included. If your auditor has questions about methodology or conclusions, we answer them.

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. The team brings 16 years of valuation experience.

One plan covers the initial report, updates upon request, material-event coverage during your term, and auditor support. Cap table upload takes under 5 minutes. CSV is supported.

When does this apply?

409A.io is built for pre-seed through Series A companies with standard cap tables, including standard SAFEs and convertible notes. Get the report before you grant options, and update at least every 12 months or after a material event such as a new round.

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 audit-ready report arrives within 48 hours once we have them.

Get started