409.AI vs Pulley
Compare 409.AI and Pulley across 409A and the broader valuation lifecycle, covering pricing, turnaround, expert review, valuation coverage, and best-fit company stage.
409.AI vs Pulley at a glance
| 409.AI | Pulley | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $899 as a standalone report | 409A included in Growth plan, published around $3,500/yr |
| Typical turnaround | Draft report in 24 hours | Typically days to weeks |
| Best fit | Startups that want speed, price, and a simple valuation workflow | Current customers until Pulley closes on December 8, 2026 |
Competitor information reflects publicly available pricing and product descriptions and may change over time. Confirm current packaging and pricing directly with each provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is 409.AI cheaper than Pulley for a 409A valuation?
For the valuation alone, generally yes: 409.AI starts at $899 as a one-off report, while Pulley includes valuations in plans published around $3,500 per year. If you need Pulley’s cap table product anyway, compare the bundle price against buying the two separately.
Can I use 409.AI with a Pulley cap table?
Yes, and with whichever platform replaces it. You can export your cap table from Pulley and use 409.AI for the valuation. The resulting fair market value supports your option strike prices in any cap table system.
How fast is 409.AI compared with Pulley?
409.AI delivers a draft report in 24 hours after onboarding. Pulley valuations are handled by its in-house team, typically over days to weeks depending on plan and complexity.
Are 409.AI reports audit-defensible?
Yes. Reports are prepared for IRS safe harbor reliance and reviewed by a valuation expert. Your first two hours of audit support are free, then $175 per hour, if auditors or investors have questions later.
When does Pulley make more sense than 409.AI?
If you are a current customer taking Pulley’s assisted migration to Carta and you want valuations bundled with that cap table, or your current plan already covers a valuation you need before the shutdown date.
Does 409.AI only handle 409A valuations?
No. 409.AI covers the broader valuation lifecycle, including ASC 718 stock comp reporting, ASC 820 fair value for funds, IFRS 2, UK EMI and CSOP schemes, purchase price allocations, impairment testing, gift & estate, ESOP, and IP valuations, coverage a cap table platform typically does not offer.
Why do startups switch from Pulley to 409.AI?
Usually to get an expert-reviewed valuation from $899 with a draft in 24 hours, without a platform subscription to unlock it. With Pulley closing on December 8, 2026, companies choose their next cap table on its own merits and use 409.AI for the report, then add ASC 718, PPA, or other valuations from the same provider as needs grow.
Pulley is shutting down. What happens to my 409A?
A 409A report you already hold does not stop being valid because the provider closes: it supports option grants for up to 12 months from its valuation date, or until a material event such as a new financing. Your next valuation can come from any independent provider. 409.AI works from your cap table export, so the report does not depend on which platform you move to.