Equity capital is a term that refers to the funds provided by the shareholders of a company. These funds are used to finance the operations of the company, and in return, the shareholders gain ownership in the company. Synonyms for equity capital include shares, stock, ownership, stake, investment, and capital stock. Shares and stock refer to the ownership units of a company that represent a portion of the company's equity. Ownership, stake, and investment all represent a financial interest in the company. Capital stock refers to the total value of shares that have been issued by a company. These synonyms are commonly used in accounting, finance, and investment industries.