The basics
Shares
Equal units of ownership in a company. Own 1,000 of a company's 100,000 shares and you own 1 per cent of it.
A plain-English explanation, not financial or tax advice. Rules and rates change, so check your own situation. For free, impartial guidance, try MoneyHelper. Disclaimer.
You'll hear it as
The founders hold most of the shares.
Why it matters to you.
Owning shares is what equity means in practice. Your slice depends on how many shares exist in total, not just how many you hold.
Related terms.
Videos.
Mentioned in 3 videos, plus more on Business & startups.