USA companies do not have to file equity ownership until they float. However interest in larger companies such as Facebook and Groupon means that sometimes this information is in the public domain or good estimates.
Interesting to look at Who owns Facebook? and then try and work out the intial ownership. In the film Social Network, Eduardo Saverin was a founder with 30%. When he tried to close the bank account, he found his stake reduced by investors. But you can still work out the initial split between the Facebook founders and see if it helps you with your Founders’ Split.
The Sydney Morning Herald details the ownership of Groupon. It all looks a little like Ocado in the UK. It is quite staggering how much cash could be taken out of Groupon by the founders if all goes well.
In the USA there is a rule that when there are more than 500 shareholders/stockholders, the company must float. In the case of Facebook, allowing a small group of investors to buy shares from founders and employees, this can keep the number of shareholders below the 500 limit.
Not many companies in Europe grow so dramatically so quickly but it is always good to dream and remember a business plan resource.
Hat tip: Amar of ProjectHugo
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