Kings New York Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal investment document widely used in startup funding rounds. SAFE serves as an alternative to traditional equity financing, offering a simpler and more flexible approach for both startup founders and investors. A SAFE agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which an investor provides capital to a startup company in exchange for the right to convert that investment into equity at a later date. It allows founders to receive immediate funding without establishing a valuation for their company, which can sometimes be challenging in the early stages of a startup. The Kings New York SAFE agreement typically consists of various key elements: 1. Principal Investment: The amount of money an investor commits to providing to the startup. 2. Conversion Terms: The conditions and terms under which the investment converts into equity, usually triggered by a specific event such as a future preferred stock financing or a company's acquisition. 3. Valuation Cap: This is an optional feature that places a maximum pre-money valuation on the startup at the time of conversion, ensuring that the investor's equity conversion is not diluted in subsequent funding rounds. 4. Discount Rate: Another optional provision that allows investors to convert their investment into equity at a discounted price compared to the price offered in future funding rounds. The discount rate incentivizes early-stage investors to take on more risk. 5. Conversion Mechanics: The agreement should explicitly state how the investment will convert into equity, such as the type of shares issued and the process to determine the number of shares the investor will receive. It is worth noting that Kings New York SAFE agreements may come in different variations, each tailored to specific investment scenarios or industry requirements. Some common variations include: 1. Post-Money SAFE: This variation considers the valuation of the startup after the infusion of the investment amount. It offers investor protections in terms of ownership percentage if a subsequent financing round occurs before the conversion of the SAFE. 2. Multiple SAFE Converts: In some cases, a startup may issue multiple SAFE agreements to different investors or in successive funding rounds. Each SAFE may have specific terms and conditions varying from one another. 3. International SAFE: This variant encompasses specific terms and provisions catered to cross-border transactions, addressing legal and tax considerations when investors and startups are located in different countries. In conclusion, the Kings New York Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) provides a standardized and simplified investment framework for startups and investors. With its various options and flexibility, it enables founders to secure capital efficiently and investors to participate in future success while addressing potential risks and dilution concerns.