Vesting

Earning your equity over time (commonly 4 years with a 1-year 'cliff') instead of all at once.

Why it matters

Protects the company — and you — if a co-founder leaves early.

Valuation (Pre / Post-money)

What your company is worth in a round. Pre-money is before the new investment; post-money adds it in.

Dilution

The reduction in your ownership percentage when new shares are issued (a raise, an option pool).

SAFE (SAFE)

Simple Agreement for Future Equity — a fast way to raise early money that converts to shares at your next priced round.

Cap Table

The spreadsheet of who owns what — founders, investors, employees (the option pool).