Best Stock Option Optimization Platforms for Pre-IPO Startup Executives Managing AMT Risk in USA in 2025 in 2025
Published: December 9, 2025
Executive Summary
We analyzed 5 solutions. Top Recommendation: Equity Management by Carta scored highest due to Deep integration with company cap tables on Carta allows advisors to model highly accurate, security-level scenarios for AMT exposure and exercise strategies for pre-IPO executives..
Equity Management
carta.comCarta Equity Advisory is a service layered on Carta’s cap table platform that provides one-on-one guidance to startup employees and executives on exercising stock options, including AMT implications, tax optimization, and pre-IPO liquidity planning. It uses data from the company’s actual cap table to run personalized scenarios.
Key Features:
- Cap Table Management
- 409A Valuations
- SAFE Financings
- Financial Reporting
- Equity Advisory
- Total Compensation Benchmarking
- Liquidity Management (tender offers, secondary transactions)
- QSBS Attestation
- Scenario Modeling
- Waterfall Modeling
- Deal Closings
- Distributions
- IPO Advisory
Equity and Tax Planning Tools
secfi.comSecFi offers a planning platform and advisory service that helps startup employees and executives analyze when and how to exercise incentive stock options, including modeled AMT liabilities, cash needs, and potential pre-IPO outcomes. It is designed specifically for U.S. startup equity holders facing complex tax and liquidity decisions around stock options.
Key Features:
- Equity Planner: DIY tool for comparing equity strategies
- AMT Calculator: Calculate alternative minimum tax for exercising ISOs
- Stock Option Tax Calculator: Estimate taxes and costs to exercise options
- Exercise Timing Planner: Decide when to exercise stock options
- Stock Option Exit Calculator: Project potential value of stock options
- Equity Compensation Calculator: Negotiate equity compensation confidently
- Private Market Insights: Value pre-IPO stock with market data
Morgan Stanley at Work
morganstanley.comMorgan Stanley at Work provides equity compensation planning tools and dedicated advisors for corporate equity plan participants, including executives at late-stage and pre-IPO companies. The service supports modeling of stock option exercises, associated AMT exposure, and strategies to align liquidity events with tax outcomes.
Key Features:
- Equity Solutions (for private and public companies): administration, liquidity, 409A valuation, financial reporting, global intelligence
- Retirement Solutions: defined contribution consulting, small business retirement plans, fiduciary investment oversight
- Deferred Compensation: nonqualified deferred compensation plans, recordkeeping, plan design, portfolio construction, wealth management services
- Executive Services: equity compensation services, equity award analysis, specialized solutions, dedicated relationship managers
- Financial Wellness: education, digital tools, personalized financial guidance, perks
- Saving and Giving: charitable giving, education financing (student loan and college savings benefits)
- Comprehensive support for both employers and employees
Options
schwab.comSchwab’s Equity Awards Center, combined with its Executive Services group, offers tools and advisory support for stock option and RSU holders, including pre-IPO executives, to evaluate exercise timing, estimate AMT and other tax liabilities, and coordinate with liquidity events. It is aimed at corporate equity plan participants in the U.S.
Key Features:
- Options trading on Schwab platforms
- Educational articles, videos, and advanced topics
- Daily webcasts and coaching sessions
- Market news and analysis via Schwab Network™
- Support from options trading specialists
Cap Table Management
pulley.comPulley is a cap table and equity management platform that includes tax and exercise modeling tools to help startup founders and key employees understand option exercise timing, estimated AMT, and potential outcomes in IPO or secondary events. It targets high-growth startups looking for more transparent equity decision support.
Key Features:
- Equity Cap Table: Track, issue, and manage equity
- Build employee equity plans and offer letters
- Integrate with HRIS and payroll systems
- Token Cap Table: Manage token assets and distributions
- Integrate with crypto exchange platforms for automated token distribution
- Create token compensation plans and agreements
- Track token vesting and lockups
- Employee and investor portals
- Guided ESOP and stock option management
- Scenario modeling for fundraising and hiring
- Legal and tax compliance monitoring
- Audit-ready 409A valuations
- Automated approvals, equity grants, and vesting schedules