Unicorns are flush with cash and stuck. A new kind of startup crisis is taking hold in 2026

In 2026, many high-value startups face a new crisis termed "cap table gridlock," where complex ownership structures hinder growth more than a lack of capital. This issue arises from concentrated venture capital investments, mega-round funding, and extended private company lifecycles, leading to competing investor agendas and governance challenges. As traditional financing methods struggle to address these complexities, structured equity is gaining traction as a potential solution, offering flexibility to navigate the evolving landscape of private market dynamics.