Ownership Architecture for Startups
Cap Tables, ESOPs & Founder Agreements: Designing Ownership for Scale
Building a startup is not only about product, growth, or fundraising, it is also about how ownership is structured from the beginning. Cap tables, ESOPs, and founder agreements play a critical role in shaping how startups attract talent, raise capital, and scale sustainably. Yet, many founders only start thinking about these structures when challenges arise. This Studio Connect session by SRF Capital Studio focuses on “Ownership Architecture” helping founders understand how equity design and governance decisions influence the long-term trajectory of their company.
During the session, we will explore how founders should think about ownership decisions early and strategically. The discussion will cover key topics such as:
• Cap Tables as Strategy – Designing ownership structures that support future fundraising while maintaining founder alignment
• ESOPs as a Talent Lever – Structuring ESOP pools to attract, incentivize, and retain strong teams
• Founder Agreements & Vesting – Setting clear roles, equity vesting, and governance structures to avoid future conflicts
• Investor Expectations – What investors typically look for in early-stage cap tables before investing
Guest Speakers
• Aswani Chaitanya– Partner, Capital A
• Srikanth Prabhu – VP, Qapita
The event will bring together founders, startup operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders for an interactive discussion. This session is especially relevant for:
• Pre-seed and seed-stage founders
• Startup teams designing ESOPs
• Founders preparing for institutional fundraising
• Operators and early employees interested in equity structures
Expect a practical, founder-focused discussion with real insights, examples, and the opportunity to engage directly with experts across the startup ecosystem.
Website: www.srfcapital.studio
Linkedin: https://in.linkedin.com/in/sriramchidambaram