Startup equity
cost calculator.
Accelerators and early investors pay for equity with cash today. This calculator shows what that equity could be worth later, the valuation the deal implies, and how many times over the cash you are really paying.
What does the equity really cost?
Enter the offer and a value your company could reach. Illustrative only; your inputs stay in your browser.
Compare the implied valuation with what an angel investor would offer today. Read the full analysis in Is an accelerator worth it?
Three numbers
tell the story.
The calculator uses simple arithmetic. It does not predict your company’s value; it shows what a deal costs if you succeed, which is the scenario that matters.
| Output | Formula | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Implied post-money valuation | Cash ÷ equity % | The price the investor puts on your company today. $100,000 for 10% implies $1 million |
| Stake value at the future value | Future value × equity % | What the equity would be worth if you reach that value with no further rounds |
| Value after later dilution | Stake value × (1 − dilution %) | Later rounds shrink every holder’s percentage, including the accelerator’s |
| Cost multiple | Value after dilution ÷ cash | How many dollars of future value you give up for each dollar of cash today |
Typical African
accelerator deals.
Published terms from programmes active in 2026, run through the calculator at a $20 million future value and 30% later dilution.
| Programme | Deal | Implied post-money | Stake value after dilution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antler (initial cheque) | $100,000 for 10% | $1 million | $1.4 million |
| Y Combinator (first tranche) | $125,000 for 7% | $1.79 million | $980,000 |
| Equity-free programmes | No equity | Not applicable | $0: you keep it |
Terms change; check each programme’s official page. See our guide to startup accelerators in Africa.
Questions about
equity cost.
Short answers. For the full picture, read our guide to whether an accelerator is worth it.
How much is my startup equity worth?
Today it is worth what an investor will pay for it: if someone offers $100,000 for 10%, your company is valued at $1 million after the investment. What it is worth later depends on how the company grows and how much you dilute in later rounds, which is what this calculator models.
How do you calculate the cost of giving up equity?
Multiply the future value of the company by the percentage you give away, then reduce it by the dilution from later rounds. Divide that by the cash you received to see how many dollars of future value you give up for each dollar today.
How do I calculate a post-money valuation?
Divide the investment by the percentage of the company the investor receives. $100,000 for 10% is a $1 million post-money valuation; the pre-money valuation is that figure minus the investment, so $900,000.
How much equity do accelerators take?
Investing accelerators in Africa typically take 7% to 12.5%: Y Combinator 7% for its first $125,000, Antler 10% for $100,000. Equity-free programmes such as Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa and the Revise Accelerator take none.
What dilution should I assume?
Many founders model 15% to 25% per priced round. Across two or three rounds before an exit, 30% to 50% total dilution for an early stake is a reasonable range to test.
Related
Keep your equity
The Revise Accelerator is equity-free: four months with a named operator, Revise OS and investor introductions.