Valuation Sanity Calculator
Pressure-test your target valuation against stage, traction and market expectations.
Your valuation read will appear here
The form starts with a sample seed ask. Pressure-test it as-is, or enter your own terms first.
A valuation ask is a story investors can test.
The calculator checks whether your pre-money is easy to explain, needs proof, or likely becomes the objection.
Dilution sets implied price
Raise amount divided by target dilution produces an implied post-money.
Stage bands are context
Stage, traction, growth, geography and lead status adjust what feels defensible.
Pushback is predictable
If the number is high, know the investor question before the meeting.
How the sanity check works
The model compares your ask to a stage baseline adjusted for traction and round strength.
This is not a pricing oracle.
Use it to understand what evidence the valuation needs in conversation.
Valuation mistakes
Optimizing for low dilution only
Too little ownership can make a lead less motivated.
No proof for a top-band ask
A high number can work, but the evidence has to carry it.
Letting valuation lead the pitch
Price should follow proof, not replace it.
Related free tools
Questions founders ask
Is this a valuation recommendation?
No. It is a sanity check for how hard the number will be to explain in investor conversations.
Why does dilution matter for valuation?
The same raise amount implies different ownership depending on price. If dilution is too low, a lead may not get enough ownership to do the work.
What if my company is outside the benchmark band?
That can work, but you need evidence: traction, comps, a strong lead, or a clear reason your market is pricing differently.