Vestd

Onboarding with Vestd is designed to be a streamlined, guided journey that begins with a 'Cap Table Healthcheck.' New users provide their Company Authentication Code (CAC) from Companies House, which allows the platform to instantly sync and populate existing director and shareholder data. This reduces manual entry by roughly 80%. Once the baseline data is in, an 'Equity Consultant' reviews the setup to ensure accuracy. For companies with existing complex schemes, Vestd’s onboarding team handles the 'migration'—uploading historical option grants and documents for a one-off fee. The entire process from signup to a live, compliant digital scheme typically takes between two and four weeks, depending on the availability of company records and the complexity of historical data.

The Vestd platform offers extensive customization options for share and option schemes. Companies can set bespoke 'Vesting Conditions,' which can be time-based (e.g., a standard four-year cliff), performance-based (milestones like revenue targets or product launches), or exit-based. Legal documentation is also highly tailorable; while Vestd provides pre-vetted templates for EMI and CSOP schemes, these can be adjusted to reflect specific company rules or 'Co-founder Prenups.' Shareholder dashboards can be customized to show varying levels of detail to different stakeholder groups, and companies can create and manage multiple share classes (Ordinary, B-Ordinary, Growth Shares, etc.) each with its own specific rights and restrictions.

Vestd operates on a transparent annual subscription model, but there are some specific scenarios that may incur additional costs. While standard HMRC-compliant valuations are included in the 'Guided' and 'Standard' plans, extra valuations within the same year may carry a fee. US-based 409A valuations, which require specialized analysis, are typically offered as a paid add-on. There is also usually a one-off 'Succession' or 'Migration' fee for companies with existing complex equity histories that require the Vestd team to manually digitize and audit historical records. Beyond these, the core platform updates, support, and legal document generation are included in the base subscription, with no 'per-shareholder' fees on most modern tiers.

Vestd provides a comprehensive support ecosystem rather than just static software. Training begins with an introductory call with an Equity Consultant to discuss the right plan and scheme design. Once on the platform, users have access to a detailed 'Help Centre' and a library of video tutorials and webinars (such as the 'Co-Founder Files'). For 'Guided' customers, a dedicated account manager provides ongoing training and strategic advice. The platform also offers regular live webinars on complex topics like IFRS 2 accounting, HMRC notifications, and fundraising. For end-employees, the 'My Equity' dashboard is designed to be self-explanatory, but Vestd provides resources that founders can share to explain the value of equity to their teams.

Security is a top priority for Vestd, as evidenced by its ISO 27001 certification. The platform is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) with data centers located in Ireland (eu-west-1) and backups in London. All data is encrypted at rest using the AES-256 standard and in transit via 256-bit TLS/SSL encryption. Particularly sensitive data, like dates of birth, is doubly encrypted at the application level before database entry. The platform supports Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all users, and internal staff access is strictly controlled via non-optional 2FA and Google Workspace identities. Regular automated security testing and code reviews by senior engineers ensure that the platform remains resilient against emerging threats.

Vestd follows a continuous deployment cycle, with minor updates and performance improvements released weekly. Major feature updates—such as the recent IFRS 2 module or the 50+ HRIS integrations—are typically announced quarterly via the platform’s newsroom and email newsletters. As a cloud-native SaaS platform, all updates are deployed automatically with zero downtime for the user. Vestd also proactively updates its legal templates and guided workflows in response to changes in UK law or HMRC guidelines (e.g., changes to EMI reporting deadlines), ensuring that customers are always using the most current and compliant frameworks without needing to take manual action.

Under Vestd's terms, the customer remains the sole owner and 'Data Controller' of all corporate and equity data uploaded to the platform. Vestd acts as the 'Data Processor.' If a customer decides to cancel their subscription, they can export their full cap table and all uploaded documents in standard formats (CSV, PDF) before the service is terminated. However, users should note that canceling the subscription means losing access to the automated vesting tracking, HMRC notification generation, and the live stakeholder portals. Vestd maintains a strict GDPR-compliant privacy policy, detailing how data is handled and providing a dedicated Data Protection Officer (DPO) for any inquiries.

Vestd is built for 'scalability by design,' supporting companies from their first incorporation through to enterprise-level operations. The platform can handle thousands of stakeholders and multiple overlapping share schemes with ease. For scaling businesses, Vestd’s integration with HRIS platforms ensures that equity administration keeps pace with rapid hiring. The introduction of IFRS 2 reporting and Iinvestd Raise helps mid-market companies manage the financial and fundraising complexities that come with growth. Its recent merger with Trica Equity also means the platform is increasingly capable of supporting cross-border teams, allowing companies to scale their equity strategy across multiple jurisdictions while maintaining a single digital record.

Vestd subscriptions typically carry a minimum 12-month term, which automatically renews unless notice is provided before the renewal date. Customers are sent a reminder prior to the renewal to discuss any changes in their plan needs. Cancellation within the 12-month term generally does not result in a refund for the remaining period. Upon cancellation, the automated features of the platform (like Companies House sync and vesting alerts) will cease to function. The contract terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, reflecting Vestd's status as an FCA-regulated UK entity. The company’s B Corp status also legally binds it to consider the impact of its decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders.

Compliance is Vestd's strongest pillar. It is directly authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under FRN 685992. The platform is fully GDPR compliant, with a comprehensive Data Processing Agreement (DPA) included in its company terms. For technical and information security, it holds the ISO 27001 certification. Furthermore, its 'Guided' and 'Standard' plans are specifically designed to meet HMRC compliance for schemes like EMI, providing the necessary valuations and filing workflows to avoid tax penalties. The recent B Corp certification also confirms the company's compliance with high standards of social and environmental performance. For US-related equity, Vestd supports 409A valuations and the platform is structured to support IFRS 2 financial reporting standards.