The North Dakota Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a financial instrument commonly used by early-stage startups to raise capital without determining an immediate valuation. The SAFE agreement grants investors the right to receive equity in the company at a later specified trigger event or a predetermined date. This innovative instrument is gaining popularity in the startup ecosystem due to its flexibility and simplicity. With the North Dakota SAFE, startups can secure essential funds by offering investors a promise of future equity, avoiding complicated and time-consuming negotiations over valuation during the initial funding stages. It is an investor-friendly approach, as it provides potential investors with a straightforward and standardized agreement, reducing legal complexities and transaction costs. By aligning the interests of both founders and investors, the SAFE instrument has become an attractive alternative to traditional equity financing. In North Dakota, there are two main types of SAFE agreements available: 1. Valuation Cap SAFE: This type of SAFE sets a maximum valuation at which investors can convert their investment into equity in the future. If the company achieves a higher valuation at the trigger event or date, investors will benefit from the capped valuation, securing potentially better terms. The valuation cap protects investors from excessive dilution if the company's value significantly increases before the triggering event. 2. Discount SAFE: A Discount SAFE entitles investors to receive equity at a specified discounted price compared to the valuation at the trigger event or predetermined date. This type of SAFE provides an advantage to investors by allowing them to secure equity at a lower price than future investors or common shareholders. The discount acts as a reward for the early investment risk taken by the SAFE holders. Both types of North Dakota SAFE agreements offer startups a flexible and efficient way to attract investors and raise capital without establishing an immediate valuation. They provide startups with the necessary capital injection to drive growth, while investors benefit from the potential future value appreciations. It is essential for both parties to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of the agreement to ensure a fair and mutually beneficial investment process.