Meaning
Reconciling ownership stakes and distributing cash proceeds to equity holders concludes the financial obligations of a corporate exit. A cap table settlement occurs when final proceeds from an acquisition or liquidation are allocated according to share classes, liquidation preferences and warrant agreements. Preferred shareholders receive baseline payouts according to contractual multipliers before common share distribution begins.
Common shareholders receive remaining funds only after priority claims and transaction fees are satisfied. This operational step converts theoretical equity percentages into finalized wire transfers.
Payout Structure
Calculations behind distributions follow an explicit waterfall structure set in corporate charters. Payout models process participation rights, option pool allocations and convertible note conversions sequentially. A cap table settlement requires full reconciliation of outstanding exercise prices and tax withholdings for senior executives.
Disputes over options vesting schedules or rounding errors delay closing funds transfer across all recipient accounts.
Escrow Retention
Unclaimed equity claims or contested option grants require escrow reserves to hold disputed proceeds.
Legal Boundary
Definitive agreements govern the execution window for all share transfers and payments. A cap table settlement applies strictly to registered security holders and validated options contracts. Unwritten promises of equity or informal founder side letters remain excluded from payout calculations.
Once wire transfers complete, contractual liability for shareholder distribution terminates.