West Virginia Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal document that outlines an agreement between an investor and a startup company based in West Virginia. The purpose of this agreement is to provide a framework for the investor to invest in the company in exchange for future equity. The West Virginia SAFE operates similarly to other SAFE agreements, providing a straightforward and transparent method for early-stage startups to raise capital. It allows investors to fund startups without determining the company's valuation at the time of investing. Instead, the valuation is determined during a future equity financing round or a specific event outlined in the agreement. By utilizing a SAFE, West Virginia startups can attract investors who are interested in supporting their growth but may not want to go through the traditional preferred stock financing route. The agreement enables startups to secure initial funding without setting a fixed valuation, thus avoiding the complexities and negotiations associated with equity pricing. There are different types of West Virginia SAFE agreements, each suited for specific situations or preferences: 1. pre-Roman SAFE: This type of SAFE is used when the investment is made before the startup undergoes subsequent equity financing. The investor's funding contributes to the pre-money valuation, determining the equity stake obtained in the future equity financing round. 2. Post-money SAFE: In contrast to the pre-money SAFE, this agreement is used when the investment is made after a specific equity financing round. The investor's funding is then added to the post-money valuation of the company, influencing the equity stake obtained. 3. Valuation cap SAFE: Typically, investors opt for this type of SAFE to gain potential upside and protect their investment from excessive dilution. It includes a predetermined valuation cap, ensuring that the investor's equity stake will not be disproportionately diluted during subsequent financings. West Virginia startups seeking investment can utilize these various types of SAFE agreements to attract investors, accelerate growth, and secure capital without the hurdles of traditional equity financing. It offers investors a simplified and standardized approach to supporting innovative ventures while fostering economic development within the state.