A Guide to the Open Cap Table Format (+ OCX)

This article is Part 2 of our Open Cap Table Series. To learn more about the Open Cap Table Coalition, read Part 1 here.

The Open Cap Table Format (OCF) is a game-changer for managing a company’s capitalization table. Developed by the Open Cap Table Coalition, it’s the first open-source format specifically designed for sharing cap table data securely and efficiently. 

Open Cap Table Format: A Walkthrough 

The OCF is a data storage format designed for easy exchange and integration with various software tools. It uses JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), a human-readable format, making it accessible even for those without extensive technical knowledge. 

• Structure: The format is built around a core data structure with sections for company information, security types (common stock, preferred stock, options, etc.), and security holders (investors, founders, employees). 
• Data Fields: Each section includes specific data fields relevant to that section. For example, the security holder section would include fields for name, investment amount, and the number of shares owned. 
• Relationships: The format allows for establishing relationships between different data points. This enables capturing complex ownership structures and financing rounds accurately. 

Open Cap Table Export (OCX)

While the Open Cap Table Format excels at efficient data exchange, human users often require a more intuitive presentation. To address this, the Open Cap Table Export Standard (OCX) was developed. Created in collaboration with leading law firms, OCX provides a standardized format for OCF data, offering a comprehensive overview of a company’s cap table. 

OCX not only presents OCF data in a standardized, familiar Excel format, but also includes pre-built formulas for many calculated values. This feature enhances usability by enabling users to make quick calculations and the option to create custom spreadsheet views. 

Mantle: An Easier Way to Navigate OCX

Mantle’s equity management platform simplifies cap table management by enabling customers to effortlessly import and export their cap table in OCX format. With a single click of the “Export OCX” button, users can instantly download their cap table data for easy use and portability. 

Mantle’s equity management platform also allows users to set bookmark dates and generate OCX exports as of that specific date. This is useful when a user wants to generate a snapshot of the cap table at any point in time in the company’s history.

These bookmark dates align with Mantle’s Timeline View, which provides a dynamic visual representation of the company’s cap table evolution. Users can effortlessly explore key milestones, filter by security types of stakeholders, and pinpoint specific moments in time to generate detailed OCX exports for in-depth analysis or sharing. 

Need your company’s cap table in the OCX format? Sign up for Mantle.