Sources

FounderMath uses reputable source categories to validate definitions, formulas, and assumptions. This page names sources and categories rather than inventing fake citations or credentials.

Primary source categories

• Y Combinator SAFE financing documents (YC SAFE financing documents) and related YC materials for SAFE terminology and document variations.
• SEC small business convertible securities overview for general convertible security terminology and investor-protection caveats.
• NVCA model legal documents and reputable startup counsel materials for financing-document concept boundaries.
• Carta startup equity education and other established cap table platform materials for option pool and dilution terminology.
• Cooley GO startup education resources and other reputable startup counsel materials for financing concept caveats.
• Standard corporate finance and accounting references for valuation, ownership, and dilution formulas.
• Public startup finance explainers from reputable accelerator, law, accounting, and finance-education sources.

How sources are used

Sources are used to understand terminology, formula conventions, and important caveats. FounderMath does not copy source wording, does not present itself as an official source, and does not claim that simplified calculators reproduce any specific legal document.

Known caveat

SAFE, convertible-note, option-pool, and cap-table math depends heavily on exact terms. If a calculator result matters to a real financing decision, review the actual documents with qualified counsel and advisors.

Last reviewed July 21, 2026.