BusinessJune 14, 2026

cap-table

/ˈkæpˌteɪ.bəl/

Definition

A formal document or record that lists a company’s shareholders, the percentage of equity each person or entity owns, and the value of those securities.

Etymology

This is a compound abbreviation of 'capitalization table.' It emerged in finance and venture capital jargon to describe the numerical chart detailing how a company's capital structure is divided among its various stakeholders.

In the news

In the article, the term explains how SpaceX strictly controlled its investor base, making early equity stakes extremely valuable and difficult to obtain for new investors. It underscores the exclusivity of holding ownership in a high-growth private company before it goes public.

From startup to $1.8 trillion: The investors who took a chance on SpaceX now reap the rewards

Read the full article ↗

CNBC

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