Because exercising stock options should not require personal risk, debt, or guesswork.
Equitybee helps startup employees turn their equity into ownership without using personal savings or taking on loans. Thousands of employees from VC-backed companies choose Equitybee because it is transparent, non-recourse, and designed specifically for startup employees.
Verified reviews from employees who used Equitybee to exercise their stock options
94% of reviews are 5-Stars. Data checked August 17, 2026. Read all reviews on Trustpilot
Startup employees consistently highlight the same themes in their reviews.
Here is what they say, in their own words.
Startup employees say Equitybee made it possible to exercise stock options without risking their personal savings or financial stability.
"After extensive comparison, Equitybee offered the best option for the non-recourse financing of our stock options. They were friendly, helpful, and offered very practical, real-world next steps. Their site is equally efficient and very easy to use. Time will tell (as our relationship hinges on a successful exit event), but so far, so great!"
by Dana, Jul 2026
"Saved my expiring options – I didn’t have the cash to exercise before my options expired, and EquityBee stepped in and funded everything. Jake was fantastic throughout the process, kept me updated, and made it simple."
by Russel, Aug 2025
"Equitybee helped me fund my ISOs without raising the money myself or giving up control of my shares. The team clearly explained the process, offered multiple options, and let me choose how many options to include. I also accessed some pre-IPO value as cash. I’d recommend Equitybee to others seeking liquidity while keeping their equity."
by Bradley Van Horn, Dec 2025
Employees say Equitybee’s terms are clear, straightforward, and easy to understand,
with no hidden fees or surprises.
"Equitybee was great to work with. They had fantastic communication and were completely transparent though the whole process."
by Gonzalo Vasquez, Jun 2025
"I Reached out to equitybee seeking stock options funding solutions, the team was extremely friendly, provided a clear process and all needed details. Ended up referring colleagues who too enjoyed a most professional and easy process. Overall, a positive experience!"
by Zohar Bronshtine, Sep 2025
"Easiest way to get funding for stock options across all the other companies I tried. Clear and straightforward guidance from the advisor (Jake) who helped me make sure the funding made sense for me. It didn’t feel like I was getting rushed or forced into the process and they gave me a lot of support even without guarantee of business…."
by KK, Dec 2025
Employees say Equitybee understands the realities of startup equity and guides them through complex stock option decisions.
"No recourse funding that is smooth and transparent – I contacted EquityBee couple of months to help me with exercising my options. Once I uploaded my information, that weekend itself Gorge came back with a funding offer …"
by Raghu N, Nov 2025
“Great experience. Jake was super helpful and went above and beyond to help me through the process. I have already recommended EquityBee to several co-workers and friends.”
by Cory, Sep 2025
"Fast communication, great service. They are able to walk you through the entire process and always think from your perspective on what's best for you I've tried lots of similar services and this is definitely the best. Highly recommend."
by Hanxin Jin, Jan 2026
Employees say Equitybee helped them act quickly, especially when facing tight stock option exercise deadlines.
Employees frequently mention the quality of service, highlighting responsive communication and professional support throughout the process.
"Perfect customer management! Thank you Adi for a professional, transparent, and truly attentive service, Keeping me informed throughout the whole process. For me and my family, you are a real rain maker"
by Wiseman, Jul 2025
“I was so impressed that they have a direct link to Carta. The process was easy and Jake was fantastic in keeping me updated and explaining the process. I'm thrilled I used Equitybee over other companies as I feel I was treated like a VIP and received a better package than others would have offered.”
by Connie, Aug 2025
"Top Notch Service From the beginning to the end, EquityBee worked tirelessly to help me realize my equity opportunities. George Torounidis and Nick Adams provided me with the same white glove service that they give to multi-million dollar deals even though the value of my deal was relatively insignificant: they knew it wasn't insignificant to me!"
by Robert Bauer, May 2024
Using personal savings to exercise stock options can create concentrated financial risk and tax exposure.
Employees choose Equitybee because:
Loans introduce fixed repayment obligations, regardless of the outcome you get from your shares.
Employees choose Equitybee because:
- No monthly payments
- No personal liability*
- Payment only occurs if the shares result in value
Equitybee’s model is built around the performance of the shares, rather than fixed repayment obligations.
*Assumes you comply with the agreement terms.
Not all employee equity financing solutions are built the same.
Employees choose Equitybee because it combines scale, speed, and a proven operating model designed specifically for startup employees.
Employees choose Equitybee because:
- Broader company support - Equitybee supports employees across thousands of startups through a multi-layer capital model, including Venture Market Funds and a marketplace of over 10,000 investors, covering more than 4,000 companies
- Support across earlier stages - Equitybee works with employees from earlier-stage, venture-backed companies, including Series B and beyond
- Faster access to funding - Equitybee’s structure enables a streamlined process, with funding sometimes completed in days
- Established reputation and regulatory oversight - Equitybee Securities is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and FINRA member, and has helped thousands of employees across 900+ companies access their equity
Equitybee’s scale, speed, and experience allow it to support a wider range of employees, companies, and timelines than many other financing solutions.
Letting stock options expire means giving up ownership and any potential upside from future company exit.
Employees choose Equitybee because:
- They retain ownership of their shares
- They introduce the possibility of future value without risking personal capital
- Their financial risk remains limited while upside remains possible
Equitybee allows employees to move from no participation to potential participation without introducing personal financial risk.
These reviews are written by real startup employees who used Equitybee to exercise their stock options.
Fast acting no bureaucracy.
Robert Herb,
August 11, 2026
Process was faster and smoother than expected.
Christian,
July 23, 2026
After extensive comparison, Equitybee offered the best option for the non-recourse financing of our stock options. They were friendly, helpful, and offered very practical, real-world next steps. Their site is equally efficient and very easy to use. Time will tell (as our relationship hinges on a successful exit event), but so far, so great!
Dana,
July 15, 2026
Very responsive and doing their best to broker deals.
Elisena Tatalo,
May 26, 2026
User friendly process, supportive and friendly staff, and timely execution.
Fouad Khalil,
April 3, 2026
excellent communication and support - especially in consideration for the limited time period to complete the funding.
Steven,
February 9, 2026
I reached out to equitybee seeking stock options funding solutions, the team was extremely friendly, provided a clear process and all needed details. Ended up referring colleagues who too enjoyed a most professional and easy process. Overall, a positive experience!
Zohar Bronshtine,
January 30, 2026
Fast communication, great service. They are able to walk you through the entire process and always think from your perspective on what's best for you. I've tried lots of similar services and this is definitely the best. Highly recommend
Hanxin Jin,
January 30, 2026
Easiest way to get funding for stock options across all the other companies I tried. Clear and straightforward guidance from the advisor (Jake) who helped me make sure the funding made sense for me. It didn't feel like I was getting rushed or forced into the process and they gave me a lot of support even without guarantee of business. When it came time to do the transaction, everything was seamless and smooth.
KK,
December 29, 2025
Equitybee was a great option for me to access funding for my ISOs without needing to raise the money on my own or losing control of the shares themselves. They explained to entire process to me and offered me multiple options and ultimately gave me the choice of how many options I wanted to include in the funding. I was even able to access some of the pre-IPO value of my shares as cash. I had a great experience and would recommend Equitybee to others looking for pre-IPO liquidity without giving up their equity.
Bradley Van Horn,
December 19, 2025
Equitybee is great! They provided me all the information and resources I needed to make a good decision and their funding process was effortless. I recommend them highly!
Richard Bossi,
December 9, 2025
I contacted EquityBee couple of months to help me with exercising my options. Once I uploaded my information, that weekend itself George came back with a funding offer. Then after evaluating the offer, I signed up with equitybee. Then. after they marketed my options on their investment platform, I got the a go ahead for part of the options.
Then within 2 weeks I got the funds i bank account. I was able to exercise my options and be an owner in my company. The whole process was very transperant and seamless. I would work with them in a heartbeat again
Raghu N,
November 20, 2025
The process to secure funding was very well explained and follow up from the Equitybee team was very timely. I hope the settlement phase goes as smoothly but won't know that for some time yet.
Scott Bruner
September 19, 2025
Great experience. Jake was super helpful and went above and beyond to help me through the process. I have already recommended EquityBee to several co-workers and friends.
Cory
September 12, 2025
I didn't have the cash to exercise before my options expired, and EquityBee stepped in and funded everything. Jake was fantastic throughout the process, kept me updated, and made it simple. Funds landed right when I needed them. If you're facing expiring options with limited liquidity, I highly recommend EquityBee.
Russel
August 22, 2025
✓ Verified Review
I was so impressed that they have a direct link to Carta. The process was easy and Jake was fantastic in keeping me updated and explaining the process. I'm thrilled I used Equitybee over other companies as I feel I was treated like a VIP and received a better package than others would have offered.
Connie
August 12, 2025
✓ Verified Review
They deliver the money quickly to you once they find funding for your equity options. Definitely a legit operation.
Binh
August 04, 2025
✓ Verified Review
Thank you Adi for a professional, transparent, and truly attentive service, Keeping me informed throughout the whole process. For me and my family, you are a real rain maker ☔ 😊
Wiseman
July 29, 2025
✓ Verified Review
They had fantastic communication and were completely transparent through the whole process.
Gonzalo Vasquez
June 23, 2025
✓ Verified Review
This company is one of the best I dealt with. They are transparent and honest and explain everything step by step. Highly recommended
Eliyya Shukeir
May 12, 2025
✓ Verified Review
The equitybee team was helpful and answered all my questions patiently.
Sam
April 22, 2025
✓ Verified Review
Very accommodating. Easy and quick process. Provided good insights and expertise.
Jorge
March 31, 2025
✓ Verified Review
Ryan was responsive every step of the transaction. He made me feel comfortable.
Gilbert
March 25, 2025
✓ Verified Review
Liroy was absolutely great. He explained every step and guide me wonderfully during all the buying process.
Gidon Weinstock
March 14, 2025
Equitybee exists to solve one problem: help startup employees turn their equity into ownership without risking their financial future. That focus is why employees consistently choose Equitybee, recommend it to peers, and share detailed reviews about their experience.
Frequently asked questions
Startup employees use Equitybee to exercise stock options without using personal savings or taking on fixed repayment obligations. Equitybee provides funding that allows employees to become owners while keeping personal liquidity available for other life needs. Payment only occurs in the case of a liquidity event.
No. Equitybee is not a loan.
There are no monthly payments and no personal liability if there is no liquidity event, assuming the agreement terms are met. Repayment depends on the outcome of the shares, not on a fixed repayment schedule.
If there is no liquidity event, the employee owes nothing.
Equitybee’s model is outcome-based and tied to the performance of the shares.
Using personal savings can concentrate financial risk and reduce personal liquidity.
Employees choose Equitybee because it allows them to exercise options without committing personal cash, keeping liquidity available for other priorities and avoiding the risk of losing their own capital if the company never exits.
Letting options expire means giving up ownership and any future potential outcome if the company exits.
Employees choose Equitybee because it allows them to retain ownership and introduce the possibility of future value without risking personal capital.
Equitybee is designed to support employees facing option exercise timelines.
Once documents are submitted, Equitybee follows a structured review process that allows employees to move forward without unnecessary delays, sometimes within days.
Equitybee works with startup employees who hold vested stock options at eligible, venture-backed private companies.
Eligibility depends on the company, the option terms, and other factors reviewed during the process.
Employees trust Equitybee because of its transparent model, clear communication, and track record of supporting employees across hundreds of venture-backed companies.
This experience helps employees feel confident when making important decisions about their equity.
You can check eligibility by submitting your company and option details through Equitybee’s website. Equitybee partners with Carta to support a faster and more accurate review process.