Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator
Compare pre-money vs post-money: post-money valuation, investor ownership %, and price per 1%. Optional second scenario for side-by-side comparison. Startup-specific.
Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator
Compare pre-money vs post-money: post-money valuation, investor ownership %, and price per 1%. Optional second scenario for side-by-side comparison. Startup-specific.
Valuation inputs
Pre-money valuation and investment amount. Optionally add a second scenario to compare.
Understanding the Inputs
Key components required for pre-money vs post-money valuation
Pre-money valuation
The value of the company immediately before the investment. Agreed in the term sheet. Post-money = pre-money + investment.
Negotiated between founders and investors
Often justified by traction and benchmarks
Investment amount
The amount the investor invests. Investor ownership % = investment ÷ post-money. Same check at higher pre-money gives investor a smaller %.
Check size determines investor % for a given pre-money
Optional second scenario for side-by-side comparison
Formula Used
Post-money = Pre-money + Investment
Investor % = Investment ÷ Post-money × 100
Price per 1% = Investment ÷ Investor %
Pre-money is the value before the round; post-money is the value after the round. Investor % determines founder dilution.
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The Definitive Guide to Startup Valuation: Pre-Money vs Post-Money
Compare pre-money and post-money valuation: post-money = pre-money + investment; investor % = investment ÷ post-money. Use this to see how different pre-money valuations affect ownership for the same check.
Pre-money valuation is the value of the company immediately before the investment. Post-money valuation = pre-money + investment. The investor receives a percentage equal to investment ÷ post-money. Comparing pre-money vs post-money helps you see how the same check size results in different ownership at different pre-money valuations.
Why the Distinction Matters
Same investment at a higher pre-money gives the investor a smaller percentage and thus less dilution to founders. Negotiating pre-money is therefore central to term sheet discussions. This calculator shows post-money, investor %, and price per 1% so you can compare scenarios side by side.
Who Sets Pre-Money?
Pre-money is negotiated between founders and investors and documented in the term sheet. It should be justified by traction, market size, and benchmarks. This calculator does not set valuation; it shows the math given a pre-money and investment so you can model different outcomes.
The Formulas and Components
Post-money = Pre-money + Investment
Investor % = Investment ÷ Post-money × 100
Price per 1% = Investment ÷ Investor %
Price per 1% is the amount paid for each percentage point of the company; useful for comparing rounds or investors. For example, if an investor puts in $2M for 20%, price per 1% is $100K.
Option Pool and Dilution
Option pool is often created or expanded before the round (pre-money), which dilutes founders. Pre-money and post-money in this calculator refer to the valuation of the company; the pool is a separate allocation. Use an option pool or founder dilution calculator to model pool impact on founder ownership.
Interpreting Results and Price per 1%
Investor ownership in the 15–30% range is common for many seed and Series A rounds. Higher investor % means more dilution to founders; lower investor % means the investor is paying a higher price per 1%. Use the comparison scenario to see how changing pre-money or investment affects ownership.
Typical Ranges by Stage
Seed rounds often give investors 15–25%; Series A often 15–25% as well, though round size and valuation vary by market and traction. Use this calculator to see where your scenario lands and compare with a second scenario (e.g. higher pre-money, same check) to understand the trade-off.
Comparing Scenarios
Enter a second pre-money and investment to compare: e.g. $10M pre + $2M invest vs. $15M pre + $2M invest. You will see how the same check gives a smaller investor % at higher pre-money, and thus less founder dilution. This is useful for negotiating or comparing term sheets from different investors.
Term Sheet and Negotiation
Pre-money and post-money are key terms in the term sheet. Understanding the math helps founders negotiate: a higher pre-money with the same investment preserves more founder ownership. Pair this calculator with a founder dilution calculator to see the full impact on founder % after the round and any option pool.
Conclusion
Use this calculator to compare pre-money vs post-money valuation, investor ownership, and price per 1%. Pair with a founder dilution calculator to see full dilution impact of the round, including option pool if applicable.
Next Steps
After you have modeled your scenario: (1) Use the comparison scenario to see how different pre-money or investment amounts affect ownership. (2) Negotiate pre-money in the term sheet; a higher pre-money with the same check preserves more founder ownership. (3) Run the Founder Dilution After Funding Calculator to see founder % before and after the round and any option pool. (4) Document agreed pre-money and post-money in the term sheet so both parties have clear numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pre-money vs post-money valuation
What is pre-money valuation?
Pre-money valuation is the value of the company immediately before the investment. It is agreed in the term sheet. Post-money = pre-money + investment. Negotiating a higher pre-money with the same investment gives the investor a smaller percentage and thus less dilution to founders.
What is post-money valuation?
Post-money valuation is the value of the company after the investment. Post-money = pre-money + investment. Investor ownership % = investment ÷ post-money. The post-money valuation is often cited in press and cap tables to describe the size of the round.
How does the same check size affect ownership at different pre-money valuations?
The same investment at a higher pre-money gives the investor a smaller percentage (less dilution to founders). For example, $2M at $8M pre = 20% investor; $2M at $18M pre ≈ 10% investor.
What is price per 1%?
Price per 1% = investment ÷ investor %. It is the amount paid for each percentage point of the company. Useful for comparing rounds or different term sheets.
What investor % is typical?
Many seed rounds give investors 15–25%; Series A often 15–25%. It varies by market, traction, and round size. Use this calculator to see where your scenario lands. Higher investor % means more dilution to founders; lower investor % means the investor is paying a higher price per 1% of the company.
Does option pool affect pre-money vs post-money?
Option pool is often created or expanded before the round (pre-money), which dilutes founders. Pre-money and post-money in this calculator refer to the valuation of the company; the pool is a separate allocation. Use an option pool or founder dilution calculator to model pool impact on founder ownership.
How do I use the comparison scenario?
Enter a second pre-money and investment (e.g. a higher pre-money with the same check) to see side by side how investor % and price per 1% change. Useful for negotiating or comparing term sheets. For example, compare $10M pre + $2M vs $15M pre + $2M to see how the same check gives a smaller investor % at higher pre-money.
Who sets pre-money valuation?
Pre-money is negotiated between founders and investors and documented in the term sheet. It should be justified by traction, market size, and benchmarks. This calculator does not set valuation; it shows the math given a pre-money and investment so you can model different outcomes before or during negotiations.
How does this differ from Founder Dilution After Funding Calculator?
This calculator focuses on pre-money vs post-money valuation and investor %. The Founder Dilution calculator focuses on founder ownership before and after the round and optional option pool. Use both: this one for valuation and investor %; that one for founder % and dilution. Together they give a complete picture of the round.
Why do investors care about pre-money vs post-money?
Investors use pre-money and post-money to determine how much of the company they get for their check. Understanding the math helps founders negotiate and compare term sheets. Pair with a founder dilution calculator to see full impact on founder ownership. Both founders and investors benefit from clear, shared numbers in the term sheet.
Usage of this Calculator
Practical applications and real-world context
Who Should Use This Calculator?
FoundersTo compare pre-money vs post-money and see how different valuations affect investor ownership and founder dilution.
Investors & AdvisorsTo model post-money, investor %, and price per 1% for term sheet discussions.
Startup Lawyers & CFOsTo quickly illustrate ownership and dilution for clients in funding rounds.
Accelerators & IncubatorsTo teach cohorts the relationship between pre-money, post-money, and investor %.
Limitations & Accuracy
Valuation: This calculator does not set valuation; it shows the math given pre-money and investment. Valuation should be justified by metrics and benchmarks.
Option pool: Option pool pre-money dilutes founders; model separately if needed with an option pool or founder dilution calculator.
Multiple investors: For a single round with one check, the math is as shown; for multiple investors in one round, ownership is split among them based on their respective investments.
Real-World Examples
Case A: Seed round
$10M pre-money + $2M investment → Post-money $12M. Investor % = 2/12 ≈ 16.7%. Price per 1% = $2M ÷ 16.7 ≈ $120K. Compare: $15M pre + $2M → Post $17M, investor ≈ 11.8%. Same check, higher pre-money, less dilution.
Case B: Series A
$30M pre-money + $10M investment → Post-money $40M. Investor % = 10/40 = 25%. Price per 1% = $400K. Use the comparison scenario to see what happens at $35M pre + $10M (investor ≈ 22.2%) to understand the dilution trade-off.
Summary
The Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator compares pre-money and post-money valuation: post-money = pre-money + investment, investor % = investment ÷ post-money, and price per 1%.
Use the optional comparison scenario to see how different pre-money or investment amounts affect ownership. Pair with a founder dilution calculator to see full impact on founder ownership after the round and any option pool.
Pre-money is negotiated in the term sheet; this tool shows the math so you can model and compare scenarios before negotiating.
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Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator
Compare pre-money vs post-money: post-money valuation, investor ownership %, and price per 1%. Optional second scenario for side-by-side comparison. Startup-specific.
How to use Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator
Step-by-step guide to using the Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator:
Enter your values. Input the required values in the calculator form
Calculate. The calculator will automatically compute and display your results
Review results. Review the calculated results and any additional information provided
Frequently asked questions
How do I use the Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator?
Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.
Is the Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator free to use?
Yes, the Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required.
Can I use this calculator on mobile devices?
Yes, the Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator is fully responsive and works perfectly on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Are the results from Startup Valuation (Pre-Money vs Post-Money) Calculator accurate?
Yes, our calculators use standard formulas and are regularly tested for accuracy. However, results should be used for informational purposes and not as a substitute for professional advice.