The Michigan Simple Agreement for Future Equity, also known as SAFE, is a legal contract that outlines terms and conditions for investment in a startup company. This innovative investment instrument was created to simplify and expedite early-stage funding rounds, providing benefits for both investors and entrepreneurs. The Michigan SAFE operates on the premise of offering equity to the investor at a later financing round, typically during a conversion event such as a subsequent equity sale or venture capital funding round. This agreement serves as a promise from the company to issue shares to the investor in exchange for their initial investment, but without establishing a precise valuation at the time of investment. It is a flexible tool that helps facilitate early-stage funding while postponing the valuation negotiations until a later stage. Michigan offers various types of SAFE agreements tailored to specific situations and investment preferences. One such variation is the "Discount SAFE," which offers the investor a discount on the future share price when the conversion takes place. This ensures that the investor receives a predetermined discount as a reward for supporting the company in the early stages. Another form of Michigan SAFE is the "Valuation Cap SAFE." In this case, the agreement includes a pre-determined valuation cap on the company, ensuring that the investor's conversion price will not exceed a specific amount. The cap protects the investor, enabling them to benefit from potential future company growth while limiting their risk exposure. Furthermore, Michigan SAFE agreements can also incorporate both a discount and a valuation cap, offering investors a combination of benefits. These hybrid agreements are commonly used when negotiating investment terms, where the investor receives both a discounted price and a capped valuation, ensuring they benefit from future growth while mitigating risk. Overall, the Michigan Simple Agreement for Future Equity provides a streamlined and efficient method for fundraising, enabling startups and investors to collaborate with greater ease. By deferring the equity valuation until a later stage, entrepreneurs can focus on building their business, while investors can support early-stage companies with confidence, knowing they will receive their fair share when the company achieves a conversion event.