South Dakota Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal document used by startups to raise funds in exchange for a promise of future equity. The SAFE agreement is designed to simplify the investment process by deferring a valuation of the company until a later date, typically during a subsequent equity financing round or exit event. This allows both the startup and the investor to focus on the terms of the investment rather than negotiating the value of the company. The South Dakota Simple Agreement for Future Equity provides investors with the opportunity to invest in early-stage companies without the immediate need to establish a valuation. This makes it particularly attractive for startups that are in the early stages of development where valuations may be highly speculative. With a SAFE agreement, investors provide capital to the company in exchange for the right to convert their investment into equity at a later predetermined valuation cap or discount rate. There are different types of South Dakota SAFE agreements that startups can choose from, depending on their specific needs and circumstances. These include: 1. CAP SAFE: The CAP SAFE sets a valuation cap, which establishes the maximum value at which the investment can convert into equity. This ensures that investors receive their shares at a price lower than the future valuation, providing them with potentially significant returns. 2. DISCOUNT SAFE: The DISCOUNT SAFE offers investors a discount on the future valuation price, allowing them to obtain more shares for their investment. Investors receive equity at a reduced price compared to future investors, providing them with a competitive advantage. 3. VALUATION CAP AND DISCOUNT SAFE: This type of SAFE combines both a valuation cap and a discount, providing investors with double protection. Investors can choose to convert their investment into equity at either the valuation cap or a discounted price, whichever option is more beneficial to them. 4. MFN SAFE (Most Favored Nation): The MFN SAFE is a unique type of SAFE that aims to protect early investors from being disadvantaged by subsequent investment deals. Under this agreement, if the company issues Safes or other convertible securities with more favorable terms to later investors, the early investors will automatically receive those improved terms. In summary, the South Dakota Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a flexible and investor-friendly investment instrument utilized by startups to raise funds without establishing an exact valuation. By choosing from various types of Safes, entrepreneurs can tailor their fundraising strategy to fit their unique needs, attract investors, and fuel their growth.