A 409A valuation is a nonnegotiable part of building a venture-backed startup. Safe harbor with the IRS, fair stock option grants, and avoiding painful tax penalties all depend on getting this valuation right. For founders, knowing what to expect – and how to prepare – streamlines the process, prevents delays, and ensures compliance from day one through Series B and beyond.
What Is a 409A Valuation and Why Does It Matter?
A 409A valuation determines the fair market value (FMV)of a startup’s common stock, setting the “strike price” for employee options and keeping compliance with IRS regulations. You’ll need a current 409A valuation before issuing options, after every new raise, following a material business event (like an acquisition, strategic partnership, or big revenue change), and at least every 12 months.
409A Valuation: What Founders Need to Know Before, During, and After
What to Do Before: The 409A Preparation Checklist
- Choose your provider. Work with an experienced, reputable firm that understands startups – this keeps your valuation defensible and audit-ready.
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Assemble these records (digitally).
- Current and historical financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow)
- Capitalization (cap) table
- Details of recent funding rounds (term sheets, stock purchase documents)
- Business model, pitch deck, and 12-24 month financial projections
- Major contracts, intellectual property details, and any business event notes
- Plan your timeline. Set aside 2–4 weeks for a complete valuation, plus lead time for your board to approve and for gathering documentation – especially if you anticipate new hires or another fundraising round on the horizon.
What to Expect During the 409A Process
- Information gathering. Provide detailed financial and ownership data to the valuation firm promptly.
- Valuation analysis. The firm chooses the appropriate method (market, income, asset, or backsolve) based on your stage, business model, and recent activity.
- Review report. Check the report for accuracy; respond quickly to any follow-up questions. Board approval may be required before finalizing.
- Completion. Receive the final report and retain it with your startup’s core legal and tax records.
After the 409A: Staying Compliant
- Keep your report accessible. For IRS, audit, and due diligence purposes, you’ll need it handy.
- Track your expiration. 409A valuations are valid for up to 12 months or until a new material event – schedule regular reviews to avoid lapses.
- Update your financials. Have you had any major changes to business, funding, or cap table? Be proactive: assess if a new 409A is needed, and notify your provider early.
Put It on Your Calendar
Founders should treat the 409A process as a recurring, strategic function – not a formality. Thoughtful preparation, strong digital records, and staying ahead of your renewal deadline will keep your options compliant, your team incentivized, and your investors happy. If your startup needs a 409A valuation, Kruze Consulting can help. Contact us for more information.
