Cap table, ownership & dilution · Working
Record holder
Also called: registered holder
ELI5
The owner named in the company's records.
Used in conversation
“The record holder may be a nominee.”
Definition
The person or entity listed in the company's official securities register.
Here “Record holder” means: The person or entity listed in the company's official securities register.
Pitch context
You will see “Record holder” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches cap table, ownership & dilution.
Why it matters: In cap table, ownership & dilution, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Connected terms
- Registered holderThe search label “registered holder” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- National Venture Capital Association — Model Legal DocumentsDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Exempt OfferingsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Safe financing documentsSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Series A Term Sheet TemplateSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16