- When is it suitable to use a SAFE note?SAFE notes are most suitable for seed funding rounds (which is first round where a startup raises capital from external investors).
- What are the benefits of using SAFE notes?
The benefits of using SAFE notes are:
1. faster negotiations due to the simpler nature of the document; and
2. startups can close with an investor as soon as both parties are ready to sign and the investor is ready to transfer the investment amount (instead of trying to coordinate a single close with all investors simultaneously). - What are the downsides of SAFE notes?
The downsides of SAFE notes are:
1. SAFE notes do not have maturity dates, so it is possible that a SAFE note will never convert into equity; and
2. SAFE notes restrict investors from transferring their rights under a SAFE note, so a SAFE note will be an illiquid investment until it is converted into shares (and even then, the investors will be subject to any pre-emptive rights contained in the applicable shareholders’ agreement or company constitution). - Are SAFE notes commonly used in Australia?Although priced equity rounds are more common in Australia, SAFE notes are gaining popularity due to the reduced negotiation time involved.
- What is an uncapped SAFE note?An uncapped SAFE note is where an investor pays their investment amount to the startup upfront, and then the SAFE note converts into shares at the same price as priced equity round. This type of SAFE agreement is not common because the investor receives no reward for providing their investment amount before the priced round.
- SAFE note vs equity: what is the difference?A straight equity round is where a valuation is set and the investor receives a fixed amount of shares in exchange for their investment amount. Under a SAFE note, however, no valuation is set and the number of shares that will get issued to the investor gets determined on conversion of the SAFE note into shares.
- Why is it important to get a SAFE Note reviewed by a lawyer?Yes. Although Y Combinator originally developed the concept of the SAFE note, we commonly see agreements titled “Simple agreement for future equity” that contain detrimental features not envisaged by the Y Combinator SAFE note.
What is a SAFE note
A simple agreement for future equity (SAFE) is an equity financing instrument that was developed by Y Combinator in the United States. The SAFE instrument was designed to accelerate the seed funding round for startups by providing a standard, short document (usually five pages) to simplify negotiations.
The crux of a SAFE instrument is that the investor will be agreeing to pay money to a startup in exchange for a contractual right to subscribe to equity when the startup reaches a defined trigger event (usually either a series A equity financing round, or alternatively, an exit event such as an initial public offering).
What is the difference between a SAFE note and a convertible note?
Although SAFE instruments are commonly called “SAFE Notes”, they should not be confused with convertible notes.
Convertible notes are debt instruments (with an option to convert into shares). If the investor does not choose to convert their convertible notes into shares, then the company will be obliged to repay the face value of the convertible note to the investor. Convertible notes usually also require the company to pay the investor interest payments (commonly called “coupons”).
Under a SAFE instrument, the company will have no obligation to repay the investment amount, and this is true even if the SAFE instrument never converts into equity. The only exceptions to this are:
- if the company achieves an exit event before the investor’s SAFE instrument coverts into shares, then the investor will have the option to redeem their investment amount or convert into shares; or
- if the company goes into liquidation before the SAFE instrument convert into shares, then the investor will be entitled to repayment of the investment amount. The investor will usually rank equally with preferred shareholders (i.e. between debt holders and ordinary shareholders). There is also no interest payable on SAFE instruments, as they are not debt instruments.
Different types of SAFE
There are four different types of SAFE instruments:
- valuation cap, no discount;
- discount, no valuation cap;
- valuation cap and discount; and
- most favoured nation, no valuation cap, no discount.
Valuation cap
A valuation cap sets a ceiling on the conversion price to protect investors’ upside in their investment before their SAFE instruments convert into shares. It is important to understand that a valuation cap is not a valuation of the company.
Discount
A discount will enable investors to convert their SAFE instruments into shares at a discount. The discount means they will receive more shares for their initial investment than they would have done if they were participating in the equity round normally.
Most favoured nation
A most favoured nation clause will entitle an investor to swap their SAFE instrument for future convertible instruments issued by the company, if those convertible instruments were offered on more favourable terms than the investor’s current SAFE instrument.
What are the downsides?
The downsides to SAFE instruments are:
- SAFE instruments do not have maturity dates, so it is possible that a SAFE instrument will never convert into equity; and
- SAFE instruments restrict investors from transferring their rights under a SAFE instrument, so a SAFE instrument will be an illiquid investment until it is converted into shares (and even then, the investors will be subject to any pre-emptive rights contained in the applicable shareholders’ agreement or company constitution).
05 December, 2021
What are SAFE Notes?
Safe Notes - Introduction
The simple agreement for future equity (commonly known as a SAFE note) is an equity financing instrument that was released by Y Combinator in late 2013 (and updated in 2018). The SAFE note was designed to accelerate the seed funding round for startups by providing a standard, short document (usually five pages) to simplify negotiations.
The crux of a SAFE note is that the investor will be agreeing to pay their investment amount to a startup upfront, in exchange for a contractual right to receive equity when the startup reaches a defined trigger event (usually either a priced equity financing round, or alternatively, an exit event such as an initial public offering).
To understand how SAFE notes work, it is helpful to compare them to convertible notes.
What is the Difference Between a SAFE Note and a Convertible Note?
Convertible notes are debt instruments (with an option to convert into shares). If the investor does not choose to convert their convertible notes into shares, then the startup will be obliged to repay the face value of the convertible note to the investor. Convertible notes usually also require the startup to pay the investor interest payments.
Under a SAFE note, the startup will have no obligation to repay the investment amount, and this is true even if the SAFE instrument never converts into equity. The only exceptions to this are:
1. if the startup achieves an exit event before the investor’s SAFE note coverts into shares, then the investor will be entitled to receive the greater of their original investment amount or a “conversion amount” calculated on basis that the investor’s SAFE note was converted into shares; or2. if the startup goes into liquidation before the SAFE note convert into shares, then the investor will be entitled to repayment of the investment amount. The investor will usually rank equally with preferred shareholders (i.e. between debt holders and ordinary shareholders). There is also no interest payable on SAFE notes, as they are not debt instruments.Different Types of SAFE Notes
There are three different types of SAFE notes:
1. valuation cap, no discount;
2. discount, no valuation cap;
3. most favoured nation, no valuation cap, no discount.
1/Valuation Cap, No Discount
2/Discount, No Valuation Cap
3/Most Favoured Nation, No Valuation Cap, No Discount
Conversion, Dilution and Pro Data Rights
On the startup reaching the defined trigger event (for example, a priced equity financing round or initial public offering), the SAFE note will convert into shares. If a valuation cap is used, it is important to note that the valuation cap is a post-money valuation of all SAFE investments and the options pool existing prior to the priced equity financing round. The valuation cap will not be “post” the priced equity financing round or the new options pool created as part of the priced equity financing round.
To prevent dilution, a SAFE note may also include an optional clause or side agreement granting the investor pro rata rights entitling them to subscribe to additional equity at the priced round to maintain their percentage after the priced equity round.Find answers to the most
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