Qapita Raises $26.5 Million to Revolutionize Equity Management Solutions
Expanding U.S. Presence Through Partnership with Charles Schwab
Singapore-based equity management innovator Qapita has secured $26.5 million in a Series B funding round led by financial powerhouse Charles Schwab. This collaboration introduces the schwab Private Issuer Equity Services, a cutting-edge platform powered by Qapita that empowers U.S.-based startups to effortlessly manage their capitalization tables,oversee employee stock plans,adn streamline IPO readiness.
A New Era in Cap Table and equity Management
Founded in 2019 by former banker Ravi Ravulaparthi (CEO), alongside Lakshman Gupta (COO) and Vamsee Mohan (CTO), Qapita tackles the complexities private companies face when tracking ownership stakes, administering employee equity incentives, and facilitating secondary share transactions. Its diverse client base includes private firms across Southeast Asia and the United States as well as publicly traded companies in India managing post-IPO equity governance.
The Evolution from Manual Spreadsheets to Advanced Software solutions
The idea for Qapita emerged from Ravulaparthi’s experience observing how many businesses still relied on error-prone spreadsheets for cap table management-a process fraught with inefficiencies. Officially launching its platform in early 2021, Qapita expanded its offerings based on user input to include robust tools for handling employee stock option plans (ESOPs).While competitors such as Carta briefly operated within India before exiting in 2023, this departure enabled qapita to cement its leadership position throughout the region.
Rapid User Growth Demonstrates Market Validation
Currently supporting around 2,700 companies worldwide, approximately 70% of these clients are headquartered in India with another 20% located across Southeast Asian markets like singapore and Indonesia. Impressively, nearly half of India’s unicorn startups rely on Qapita’s platform-underscoring its dominance among fast-growing ventures.
- User Engagement: Roughly half of all customers-about 1,400 firms-subscribe to premium tiers offering advanced capabilities beyond free access designed for early-stage startups.
- Geographic Expansion: Although still emerging within the U.S., initial adopters have piloted the platform ahead of a wider rollout facilitated through Schwab’s partnership.
Tapping into One of the Largest Private Markets Globally
“The United States represents an immense chance,” remarked Ravulaparthi regarding competition within private market software solutions. “While domestic players exist, supply remains insufficient compared to growing demand.”
Differentiation Through Seamless Integration and Automation Features
The newly unveiled Schwab Private Issuer Equity Services harnesses automation technologies that simplify cap table upkeep via real-time updates, customizable reporting dashboards, interactive analytics tools, and smooth integration with existing financial systems used by enterprises. Moreover, connecting these functionalities with charles Schwab’s vast wealth management network enables organizations-and their employees-to efficiently administer stock plans while strategically preparing for IPO milestones.
A Strategic Advantage Over Established Competitors
This partnership positions Charles Schwab strongly against established platforms like Carta,Pulley ,and Morgan Stanley’s shareworks by deepening service penetration into private company ecosystems where startup activity is vibrant yet underserved technologically.
Sustained Growth Backed by Strong Financial Support
the Series B financing also attracted continued backing from existing investors including Citi Ventures and massmutual Ventures.This influx will accelerate product innovation focused on launching fund administration solutions tailored for multiple international markets.
- total funds raised now surpass $80 million since inception.
- The workforce has expanded steadily; current headcount stands near 300 employees globally dedicated to advancing innovation efforts.
“Our vision remains steadfast: empower emerging enterprises worldwide through clear ownership tracking combined with scalable equity management technology,” shared leadership at Qapita during recent strategic discussions.
Navigating Future Growth: Global Scaling Coupled With Regional Expertise Deepening
Bearing witness to rapid digital transformation sweeping startup ecosystems globally-including cloud-based financial tool adoption rates climbing over 35% annually-Qapita is uniquely positioned not onyl as a regional frontrunner but also an ascending global contender reshaping how modern businesses handle intricate equity structures efficiently without legacy system constraints or manual errors prevalent just years ago.
