Simple Agreement For Future Equity Example Format In Alameda
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FAQ
SAFE note, also known as a Simple Agreement for Future Equity, is a type of investment contract commonly used by startups to raise capital from early-stage investors. With a SAFE agreement, you can secure funding for your startup while offering investors the right to convert their investment into equity in the future.
For example, if a SAFE has a valuation cap of $10 million, and your startup's next financing round values the company at $15 million, the SAFE investor's equity will be calculated based on the $10 million cap, not the $15 million valuation.
How to negotiate a SAFE agreement Understand the terms and conditions. Create a term sheet that outlines the conditions you're willing to accept and those you want to negotiate. Align interests with investors. Find investors who offer more than just capital. Come in with a plan. Focus on building relationships.
SAFE Note Example For example, an investor purchases a SAFE note from your startup with a valuation cap of $10M. Your company's value is set at $20M at $10/share during the subsequent funding round. The SAFE note will convert based on the valuation cap of $10M.
The Discount Rate is calculated as 100% minus the percent discount the SAFE investors are entitled to. For example, if SAFE investors are entitled to a discount of 20% (they can buy Standard Preferred Stock 20% cheaper than subsequent investors), the Discount Rate is 80% = 100% - 20%.
They are accounted for as equity on the balance sheet. When the Simple Agreement for Future Equity converts to preferred stock, the accounting entries are that the SAFE entry is removed and the amount is credited to preferred equity (ignoring any APIC implications).
The SAFE discount is derived by dividing the valuation cap by the typical equity financing valuation and then removing that value from one (representing no discount). In this case, $2 million / $4 million = 0.5 and 1 – 0.5 = 0.5 would be the mathematical representations. Discounts often vary from 0% to 20%.
An equity discount rate range of 12% to 20%, give or take, is likely to be considered reasonable in a business valuation. This is about in line with the long-term anticipated returns quoted to private equity investors, which makes sense, because a business valuation is an equity interest in a privately held company.
