A Delaware Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal document used by startups or early-stage companies to raise capital from investors without the need for immediate valuation or dilution discussions. It provides a framework for future investment rounds, outlining the terms and conditions of the investment in exchange for equity in the company at a later date. A SAFE agreement is a financial instrument that has gained popularity in the startup ecosystem due to its simplicity and flexibility. It is often used in Delaware, a state known for its business-friendly environment and extensive corporate law infrastructure. The main purpose of a SAFE agreement is to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between the startup and the investor, allowing the company to secure financing while providing the investor with potential future equity upside. This type of investment structure is particularly attractive to early-stage investors who want to support promising ventures but are not ready to commit to a specific valuation. The primary type of Delaware Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is known as the "Post-Money SAFE." This agreement determines the investor's equity ownership based on the startup's valuation at the next equity financing round. If the startup proceeds with a substantial funding round, the investor's SAFE investment converts into preferred stock or common stock, depending on the terms outlined in the agreement. Another type of SAFE agreement is the "pre-Roman SAFE." This variant operates similarly to the Post-Money SAFE, except that the investor's equity is calculated based on the pre-money valuation of the company at the next funding round. This means that the investor's ownership stake is determined before additional capital is injected into the startup. There are several key terms and concepts commonly found in a Delaware Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE). These include the valuation cap, which sets a maximum valuation at which the investor's Safes convert into equity. The discount rate is the percentage at which the investor's Safes convert, providing them with a more favorable equity valuation compared to later-stage investors. Additionally, a SAFE agreement may include a pro rata rights clause, allowing the investor to participate in future financing rounds to maintain their ownership percentage. In summary, a Delaware Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a widely utilized investment instrument that enables startups to raise capital from investors without determining an immediate valuation. This flexible agreement helps both parties establish a framework for future equity negotiations, potentially leading to the investor's conversion into preferred or common stock. The primary types of SAFE agreements are the Post-Money SAFE and the pre-Roman SAFE, each with its own valuation considerations and conversion mechanisms.