The Founders Guide to SAFE Startup Fundraising is a free, step-by-step guide for anyone seeking to raise startup capital. It provides information on the minimum requirements for equity to be offered for conversion, the types of convertible notes to use, and the types of MFN-only SAFEs to consider.
Off the bat, founders should be aware of the pre-money and post-money SAFE types. Post-money SAFEs which are the most recent type recommended (or available to use at the Y-Combinator website) can lead to significant dilution for the existing shareholders, as the company’s valuation is determined after the SAFE converts. This means that the conversion price for the SAFE will be based on a higher valuation, which can result in the existing shareholders owning a smaller percentage of the company.
Simple Agreement for Future Equity
A Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is an agreement between an investor and a startup company that converts a certain amount of investment into equity when certain events take place. This is a way to fund startups that have no revenue or have not yet been able to generate significant value. Investing in a startup is important because it is essential for its survival in the long run.
SAFE is a relatively new type of investment instrument. It has been created to help early-stage private companies raise money in a faster and simpler manner.
SAFEs are different from other forms of equity financing, in that they do not provide immediate voting rights, similar to common stock. However, they do allow investors to receive a discount off of a future retail price. They also offer strong lender protections.
Many founders prefer to invest in a SAFE instead of using convertible notes. Investors will get a discounted price in exchange for taking on more risk. Using a SAFE also helps ensure that the company is attractive to later rounds of funding.
If you’re unsure about whether a SAFE is right for you, you should ask an attorney to look over the terms. Y Combinator’s standard agreement is just five pages. In fact, you’ll find that most YC startups use a SAFE, even if they’re not at YC.
SAFEs are also a faster and more affordable method for early-stage investors to invest in promising startups. Unlike Series Seed and Series A equity financing, a SAFE is not a loan and does not accrue interest.
The key to success with a SAFE is having a clear understanding of what is happening at all times. Not all agreements are the same, and you should make sure to check out each document carefully. You’ll also want to discuss what happens if your company fails, and how to dissipate any funds.
SAFEs are relatively new in the world of startup funding, but they have quickly become a favorite among both founders and investors. They are quick and easy to prepare, with minimal transaction costs.
How SAFEs Fit Into a Funding Strategy
SAFEs (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) are a type of financing instrument that is commonly used by startups to raise capital. SAFEs are similar to convertible notes, in that they allow investors to provide funding to a company without receiving equity in the company at the time of the investment. Instead, the investment converts into equity at a later date, typically when the company raises a subsequent round of funding.
SAFEs are often used early on in a company’s funding strategy, when the company has not yet determined the valuation of the company or the terms of the next equity round. This allows the company to raise funds quickly without the need for extensive negotiations with investors.
SAFEs can be a useful tool for startups that are not yet ready for a traditional equity round of financing. They can provide a flexible and relatively simple way for startups to raise capital, and can help bridge the gap between seed funding and later rounds of financing. They also allow startup to focus on building and validating product market fit before negotiating the terms of an equity round.
However, SAFEs have some downsides too, as they can dilute the ownership of the existing shareholders and are not as common as convertible notes or equity rounds among VCs and other institutional investors.
The rationale for and types of SAFEs
The rationale for using SAFEs as a financing instrument is to provide a relatively simple and flexible way for startups to raise capital, without the need for extensive negotiations with investors. SAFEs allow a startup to raise funds quickly and focus on building and validating their product or service before determining the valuation of the company or the terms of a future equity round.
There are two main types of SAFEs: the traditional SAFE and the capped SAFE.
A traditional SAFE is a simple agreement between the startup and the investor, where the investor provides funding to the company in exchange for the right to convert the investment into equity at a later date. The terms of the conversion, such as the conversion price or the conditions under which the investment will convert, are not specified in the SAFE.
A capped SAFE, on the other hand, provides a cap on the valuation of the company at which the investment will convert into equity. This means that the investor is protected from large dilution in the event that the company’s valuation increases significantly. Capped SAFE also provides a better understanding of the potential valuation of the company for the investor.
SAFEs can be a useful tool for startups to raise capital, but it’s important to keep in mind that they do have downsides. SAFEs are not as common as convertible notes or equity rounds among VCs and other institutional investors, and they can dilute the ownership of the existing shareholders. It’s also important to note that SAFEs are not regulated securities, and therefore not subject to the same securities laws and regulations.
Problems with Pre-Money & Post-Money SAFEs
Pre-money SAFEs and post-money SAFEs refer to the timing of when the SAFE is converted into equity. In a pre-money SAFE, the SAFE converts into equity before a new funding round, and the valuation of the company is determined before the SAFE converts. In a post-money SAFE, the SAFE converts into equity after a new funding round, and the valuation of the company is determined after the SAFE converts.
One potential problem with pre-money SAFEs is that they can lead to confusion and disagreements between the startup and the investor regarding the valuation of the company. Since the valuation is determined before the SAFE converts, it can be difficult to agree on the terms of the conversion and the price at which the SAFE will convert into equity.
Post-money SAFEs can also have their own set of problems. One issue is that they can lead to significant dilution for the existing shareholders, as the valuation of the company is determined after the SAFE converts. This means that the conversion price for the SAFE will be based on a higher valuation, which can result in the existing shareholders owning a smaller percentage of the company.
Another problem with post-money SAFEs is that they can be less attractive for investors, as they do not provide as much protection against dilution. Since the valuation of the company is not known at the time of the investment, it can be difficult for investors to determine the potential return on their investment.
Additionally, SAFEs in general can also create complexity when it comes to accounting and tax purposes, as the SAFE holders are not considered equity holders until the conversion happens and it’s not clear how the SAFEs should be accounted for.
In conclusion, both pre-money and post-money SAFEs have their own set of potential problems, and startups should carefully consider the pros and cons of each option before choosing one. It is also important to consult with legal and financial advisors before issuing a SAFE.
Making SAFEs simple and safe
Making SAFEs simple and safe for startups and investors involves several steps:
- Clearly define the terms and conditions of the SAFE: This includes specifying the conversion price, the conditions under which the investment will convert into equity, and any other relevant terms.
- Communicate clearly with investors: Startups should make sure that investors understand the risks and potential returns associated with a SAFE, as well as the terms and conditions of the investment.
- Avoid unnecessary complexity: Simplifying the SAFE document and its terms can help prevent misunderstandings and disagreements between the startup and investors.
- Have a clear plan for the future: Startups should have a clear plan for how they will use the funds raised through a SAFE and how they will move forward with future rounds of financing.
- Consult with legal and financial advisors: Startups should consult with legal and financial advisors before issuing a SAFE to ensure that they are in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, and to ensure that the SAFE is structured in the best way possible for the company and its investors.
- Using a standard form of SAFE: Startups can use a standard form of SAFE, like the Y Combinator SAFE, which has been widely accepted and is well-understood by investors and legal communities.
By following these steps, startups can make SAFEs simpler, safer, and more attractive to investors, while also protecting their own interests.
Convertible notes
Convertible notes are used by startups to raise money for their business. They can be repaid when the company reaches an agreed-upon valuation. However, some people do not like the structure of convertible notes. Fortunately, there are other options for raising seed money.
Before you decide whether or not to use a convertible note to raise startup funding, it is important to know the differences between these two types of investment. The more you understand the different options, the more successful your fundraising efforts will be.
Convertible notes can be repaid through multiple installments. This option may be a good solution for a startup that cannot afford to pay back the initial loan. Another advantage is that investors can earn interest as the note is outstanding. In some cases, the interest is tax-deductible.
Convertible notes typically have an interest rate of 2% to 8%. If the note is not repaid, the investor has the right to ask for repayment. Some companies that don’t repay the debt by the maturity date will be forced to file bankruptcy.
SAFE notes are a more favorable alternative to convertible notes for many startup founders. These notes allow entrepreneurs to buy shares of common stock at a discounted rate. Unlike convertible notes, SAFEs don’t have a maturity date, interest rate, or deadline.
Although SAFEs have their advantages, there are also disadvantages. One disadvantage is the dilution that can occur when a company’s valuation goes above its cap. Often, a company will issue more shares of equity than it originally plans.
A valuation cap helps protect startups from issuing too much or too little equity. However, a valuation cap can make an investor less willing to invest. There are also some administrative fees associated with the conversion.
When negotiating a convertible note, make sure that the terms are clear. A good rule of thumb is to negotiate for the longest note length possible.
Whether or not you choose convertible notes or SAFEs to fund your startup, be sure to consult with an experienced lawyer. Having a lawyer’s advice will ensure that you do your due diligence and that you are protected.
MFN-only SAFE
For those of you who are considering raising money for your startup, you may wonder if a MFN-only SAFE is the best option. Generally, this type of convertible is less complicated and offers ready access to funding. However, there are some potential drawbacks.
The first problem with a MFN-only SAFE is that it limits the amount of startup funding you can raise. It will also limit the terms you can offer new investors. This is because the startup will be required to inform the first investor when it makes a new investment. While this might sound nice, it can also make the company’s negotiation tactics more cumbersome.
Secondly, you’ll need to calculate the dilution of your business. In other words, you need to know how much of your business the investor will own once the deal is converted into shares. If you don’t do this, you risk losing control of the business.
Finally, you’ll need to negotiate a cap on the valuation of the SAFE. A cap can help you get a better price per share. Some investors will insist on a cap, while others won’t. You’ll need to decide what’s best for your situation.
Ultimately, a SAFE is a simple way to obtain early investments. The agreement is usually five to 10 pages long. Depending on the number of investors, you can usually negotiate a few key terms.
Another advantage to a SAFE is the fact that you don’t have to wait until a certain funding round to find out how much of the business you own. This gives you more time to focus on your startup’s growth.
When you decide to raise money with a SAFE, you can either take the standard form or create a more customized document. Whether you choose to create a more unique SAFE or a simpler one, you should seek legal counsel to ensure your deal points are correctly reflected in your documents.
As for which type of SAFE is right for you, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each. Typically, you’ll want to go with an uncapped SAFE for pre-seed and seed rounds. Getting an uncapped SAFE at this stage can show your company’s potential to attract good investors in the future.
Minimum requirements for equity to enter conversion
If you are interested in raising startup capital, you need to know the minimum requirements for equity to enter conversion during SAFE startup fundraising. Having a clear understanding of the different types of options available will help you choose the best one for your startup.
The SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is a new financial instrument introduced by Y Combinator in 2013. It is an alternative to convertible notes.
Convertible notes allow startup founders to buy shares at par value, instead of the current market price, when they raise a priced financing round. They also give startups the flexibility to change the terms of the agreement as market conditions change.
One benefit of convertible notes is that they are relatively easy to acquire. A simple seed investment can be done in a matter of days for a small amount of cash. However, there are some downsides to this type of investment.
A convertible note is a type of debt, which means that you have to repay the principal and interest before it matures. This is challenging for startup owners. You could end up in bankruptcy if you are unable to pay back the notes before the maturity date.
While convertible notes can be an ideal way to secure funding for your startup, they have certain disadvantages. Investors want compensation for their high-risk investments. That’s why you should be sure to discuss your startup’s goals and objectives with legal counsel before investing.
If you are considering investing in a startup with a 5 million cap, you should be aware that a SAFE may not be an option. Instead, you should consider purchasing uncapped notes in your next round.
Regardless of the type of SAFE you are investing in, make sure to read the company’s disclosure carefully. There are many different versions of these documents, so read them closely to get the best deal.
Also, be wary of any type of convertible note that comes with a 409a valuation. These are five-page documents that are required by law to be filed with the SEC. Depending on the valuation, it may require professional fees and administrative costs.
