This guide explains:
What is a Share Split?
A share split divides existing shares into more shares, reducing the nominal value per share. Total holding value stays the same.
Example: 1 share at £1 nominal value splits into 100,000 shares. A shareholder's total investment value is unchanged - they simply hold more shares at a lower nominal value each.
For more information on this, see our Share split filing guide.
Why carry out a Share Split?
Lower nominal value per share, more shares for fundraising/option pools, and a cleaner, more investor-friendly cap table.
Note: To officially complete a share split, you must notify Companies House using form SH02.
What is an SH02?
A form filed with Companies House to notify them of a share split (subdivision).
How to file an SH02 with Companies House
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Pass an Ordinary Resolution: Shareholders must approve the share split with a standard resolution (signed by at least 50% of shareholders).
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Submit the SH02 Form to Companies House: File the SH02 online to formally record the change.
See our resources here
How to process a share split on FounderCatalyst
Set-by-step walkthrough
1. Go to the "Current cap table" section
2. Click “Split shares” button
Use the Split Shares button in the top-right corner.
3. Enter the split ratio
Input the ratio in the format 1 : X. For example, 1:100,000.
The system multiplies each shareholding automatically and splits the nominal value.
4. Confirm & review
The cap table updates instantly.
- Review all shareholder holdings
- Confirm the split looks correct
Important: After splitting shares on FounderCatalyst, double-check the nominal value under General Company Details to ensure it updates correctly.
Nominal value - quick overview
A share’s nominal value is its base value as set by the company - usually something like £1, 10p, 1p or lower.
Following a share split, the nominal value must decrease in the same ratio as the split.
Example: 1 share at £1 split into 10,000 shares → each new share has a nominal value of £0.0001.
This keeps the total aggregate nominal capital the same.
Important note: If the nominal value is not correct on the platform, filings and documents may show incorrect share capital figures.
