SAFEs were first developed by Y Combinator in 2013 as an alternative to convertible notes. A SAFE agreement is a type of convertible instrument, but unlike debt instruments, SAFEs do not accrue interest or have a maturity date, making them an attractive fundraising option for early-stage startups.
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).
SAFE Example The SAFE investor would receive 6,250 shares under the 20% discount rate term in their agreement, or 15,000 shares if they had a valuation cap of $4 million. If an Investor had both features included in their SAFE agreement, the investor would likely choose the valuation cap and receive 15,000 shares.
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%.
The equity method is typically applied when a company's ownership interest in another company is valued at 20%–50% of the stock in the investee. The equity method requires the investing company to record the investee's profits or losses in proportion to the percentage of ownership.
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%.
You will need to print the completed form, have it notarized, and fax it to the SEC before obtaining your CIK and CCC numbers. The SEC provides you with these numbers by sending a message to the e-mail address required to be included in the completed information form.
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.
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%.