The total capital injected into a company during a funding round represents the cash raised. Post-money valuation, conversely, is the company’s total worth immediately after the funding round. For instance, if a company raises $5 million and the post-money valuation is $25 million, it signifies that the initial valuation, before the new investment, was $20 million.
Understanding the relationship between the investment amount and the resulting company valuation is crucial for both investors and founders. It informs the equity dilution experienced by existing shareholders and establishes a benchmark for future funding rounds. Historically, discrepancies between these figures have led to disputes and misunderstandings, highlighting the necessity for clarity and transparency in financial agreements.