11. What’s an option pool and how big should it be?

Quick Answer:
An option pool is reserved equity for future hires, often 10–20% of total shares.

‍
Learn More:
VCs usually require a pre-funding option pool to incentivise key employees. Size depends on growth stage and hiring needs. Allocating too little limits flexibility; too much causes avoidable dilution. Findex helps simulate different pool sizes and visualises their effect on ownership balance.‍

‍