The Oregon Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal instrument designed to facilitate early-stage investment in startups. It originated from the Y Combinator SAFE and has been adopted and modified for use in Oregon. The Oregon SAFE is an innovative financial tool that allows startups to secure funding without determining a valuation at the time of investment. The Oregon SAFE operates as a convertible security, entitling the investor to convert their investment into equity shares at a later equity financing round or a specified liquidity event. This type of agreement is particularly beneficial for both startups and investors who prefer not to establish a fixed valuation during the initial investment stage. There are different types of the Oregon SAFE, each with its own variations and attributes. Here are a few of the notable variants: 1. Valuation Cap SAFE: This type of Oregon SAFE places a cap on the valuation at which the investment will convert into equity. It ensures that early investors are protected by not converting their investment at a valuation higher than the predetermined cap. 2. Discount SAFE: The Discount SAFE offers investors a discount when converting their investment into equity during subsequent financing rounds. It incentivizes early investors by providing them with favorable conversion terms as compared to later investors. 3. MFN SAFE: The Most Favored Nation (MFN) SAFE ensures that if the company issues Safes with more favorable terms to subsequent investors, the earlier SAFE investors will automatically benefit from those terms. It helps early investors maintain the same benefits as newer ones, reducing the risk of dilution. 4. Pro Rata Rights SAFE: This type of Oregon SAFE grants investors the right to participate in future financing rounds to maintain their ownership percentage in the company. It ensures existing investors can participate in subsequent equity offerings on a pro rata basis to prevent dilution. 5. Consolidated SAFE: The Consolidated SAFE combines multiple Safes into a single document. It simplifies administration for startups and investors who have participated in multiple SAFE rounds, consolidating all the terms into one agreement. Overall, the Oregon Simple Agreement for Future Equity serves as a flexible investment tool well-suited for startups and investors seeking to raise capital while deferring valuation discussions. Its various types allow customization based on the specific needs and preferences of both parties, fostering an environment conducive to early-stage investment in Oregon's vibrant startup ecosystem.