Option Pool
A reserved chunk of company equity — typically 10-20% — set aside specifically for future employee stock option grants.
Quick Answer
How big should our option pool be at the seed stage?
Most seed-stage pools run 10-15% of fully diluted equity, sized to your specific 12-18 month hiring plan rather than a fixed industry rule — oversizing dilutes founders unnecessarily, undersizing forces an awkward refresh.
- Size it to your actual hiring plan, not a rule of thumb
- Series A rounds often request a pool 'refresh' back up
- An undersized pool dilutes everyone at the worst possible time
The Lovie Advantage
Lovie models pool size directly against your hiring plan and shows the dilution impact before you commit to a number.
See how this connects to Strike Price. For the formal definition, see the SBA's guide to choosing your business structure.
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