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The Valuation Ledger

Technical insights, methodology deep dives, and audit preparation guides from our team of industry-leading valuation experts.

Showing 13–22 of 22 posts
Small precision brass weight beside a much larger industrial steel weight, illustrating focus versus scale in venture capital
Industry

Why Small VCs Sometimes Outperform Big VCs

Smaller venture funds quietly post some of the strongest returns in the asset class. Here's what the data shows, why it happens, and what LPs, founders, and emerging managers should take from it.

Apr 27, 2026 · 9 min read
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Worn leather-bound accounting ledger sitting beside a sleek modern slate, representing the move from spreadsheets to purpose-built valuation software
Industry

From Spreadsheets to Software: Modernizing Your Valuation Practice

Why leading CPA firms are replacing spreadsheets with purpose-built valuation platforms to deliver faster, audit-defensible 409A and ASC 820 reports.

Apr 16, 2026 · 10 min read
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Vintage brass card catalog drawer half-open with neatly arranged index cards, evoking the structured market data CapIQ provides for valuations
Methodology

The Real Role of CapIQ in Building Accurate Business Valuations

Discover how S&P Capital IQ powers business valuations with verified financial data, comparable company analysis, and M&A benchmarks — all in one platform.

Apr 8, 2026 · 6 min read
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Small brass hourglass with sand mid-flow next to an open journal showing a calendar page, evoking 409A valuation timing and deadlines
409A

When Should a Startup Get a 409A Valuation?

A practical guide to the timing, triggers, and compliance deadlines that determine when your startup needs an independent 409A valuation — and what happens if you wait too long.

Mar 18, 2026 · 12 min read
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Stack of three translucent glass tiers on a soft cream surface, representing the three-level fair value hierarchy of ASC 820
Compliance

ASC 820 Valuation: A Complete Guide to Fair Value Measurement

ASC 820 provides a clear framework for fair value measurement under U.S. GAAP. Learn about the fair value hierarchy, valuation approaches, and why compliance matters.

Feb 27, 2026 · 7 min read
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Precise grid of small brass coins arranged in neat rows on cream paper, representing the structured ownership records of a clean cap table
Cap Table

Understanding Cap Table Management: Why It Matters for Growing Companies

Cap tables are the foundation of ownership, valuation, and investor trust. Learn why accurate cap table management is critical and how modern platforms simplify the process.

Feb 5, 2026 · 7 min read
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Brass measuring caliper beside an open ledger of financial figures, illustrating the contrast between income-based and market-based valuation approaches
Methodology

DCF vs. GPC: When to Use Each Valuation Approach

Comparing income-based and market-based valuation methods — choosing the right framework based on company maturity, data availability, and audit defensibility.

Jan 14, 2026 · 8 min read
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Vintage brass chronograph pocket watch with multiple sub-dials, suggesting the critical moments when a business valuation is needed
Valuation Insights

When Do You Need a Business Valuation? 7 Critical Moments Every Founder Must Know

Discover the 7 key situations when a business valuation is essential — from fundraising and M&A to ESOP planning, 409A compliance, exit strategy, and strategic growth.

Dec 22, 2025 · 9 min read
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Symmetric flat-lay of four precision instruments — calipers, magnifying glass, brass weight, and antique calculator — representing the four core startup valuation methods
Valuation Insights

Startup Valuation Methods Explained: Backsolve, GPC, M&A & Post-Money

Learn the four most commonly used startup valuation methods — Backsolve, GPC, M&A, and Post-Money. Understand how each works, when to use it, and its trade-offs for fundraising and 409A compliance.

Dec 3, 2025 · 8 min read
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Open leather-bound hardcover book with a brass page marker resting on cream paper, representing a foundational guide to 409A valuations
409A

What is a 409A Valuation? A Simple Guide for Startup Founders

A clear, jargon-free breakdown of what a 409A valuation is, why it matters, how it works, and what happens if you skip it — written for startup founders.

Nov 12, 2025 · 6 min read
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