diff --git a/content/blog/what-is-a-safe-note/index.md b/content/blog/what-is-a-safe-note/index.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..a8b97fc1 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/what-is-a-safe-note/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,94 @@ +--- +title: "What is a SAFE Note?" +author: ethan@clausehound.com +tags: ["SAFE"] +date: 2021-10-04 +description: "This article provides a detailed overview of a SAFE Agreement, as well as how to initiate fundraising for your early startup." +--- + +#### What is a SAFE Agreement? + +A Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is used between a company and an investor. It allows startups to reduce the complexity and length of negotiations +with seed-stage investors when raising capital. A SAFE functions like a convertible note, however is not a debt instrument. Rather, a SAFE is a contractual right +to future equity. + +Investors invest their money into a company using a SAFE. In exchange, the investor receives a right to purchase stock in a future equity round, subject to +certain conditions set beforehand in the SAFE. + +#### Initiating a Friends & Family Fundraise + +It can be challenging for an early-stage company to persuade formal investors to contribute to the first round of funding. As a result, it is common for startups +in their early stages to leverage their existing relationships. This phase of fundraising is called the Friends and Family round. + +To start, **consider the valuation of your company**. This can be difficult because at this early stage, startups are likely not generating any revenue. Due to +the lack of revenue, it is difficult to project into the future and provide an accurate valuation of the company. There are agencies that can provide companies +with a pre-seed valuation. This approach can add legitimacy to a company’s valuation since it will not be self-proclaimed. + +Second, ##determine how much money you are needing to raise##. When initiating a friends and family round, note that the purpose is to kick-start your company. +As such, do not estimate the maximum amount of funding you can generate. Rather, think strategically. For example, develop a six-month plan and determine how +much it will cost to buy what you need (ex. inventory, assets, financing for early employees). When you develop a plan like this, it can be easier to request +additional funding if the business is progressing according to the plan. + +Third, **build a business plan**. Develop concepts and define goals that will communicate a clear path for your first six to twelve months. Detail how you plan +to utilize the initial funds and state any risks involved. In addition, you can compare how your business differs from competitors. + +Fourth, **make the pitch**. You can produce a PowerPoint or similar presentation that will clearly communicate your vision, how you are going to achieve your +goals, and how you will measure the progress at each stage along the way. + +In a friends and family round, there are three common ways that you can receive funding. The first is a loan (a planned repayment), the second is a gift (no +requirement to pay back the money), and the third is equity (contributors become investors and later shareholders). This article will focus on the equity option +that is governed by a **Simple Agreement for Future Equity** (SAFE). + +#### Equity Investments with Friends & Family + +When your friends and family are investing in your company in exchange for equity, it is your responsibility to detail the risks involved. As a founder, you are +at risk of injuring your relationships if your early-stage investors are not properly informed and educated. As a result, it is a founder’s obligation to provide +basic investor education. For example, elucidate when your early investors will be able to convert their SAFE into stock. Often, a subsequent equity financing +involving a sale of preferred shares provides the trigger. + +Beyond raising money, it is important to acknowledge that the investors signing a SAFE will become a part of the company as shareholders. As a result, there are various future stipulations to consider. + +#### Structuring the Deal + +1. Don’t Over-Dilute Equity + +When onboarding investors through early equity shares, determining a cap on equity is critical. Setting a cap on equity will help to ensure that you do not +dilute the number of shares available. This is important if you plan on securing formal investors in future fundraising rounds. When you plan for a cap on +equity, later rounds of investment will be easier to secure, because the equity will not be diluted early on. + +Furthermore, equity is a key motivator for both early-stage employees and future investors. As a result, it is important to consider this fact when adding early +passive stakeholders. + +2. Develop Term Sheets + +Term sheets are a necessary element to future fundraising. They are useful for two reasons. First, they help to ensure that you do not over-dilute equity. +Second, the term sheet will outline the risks involved in the investment, which is important in the event that investors do not realize any return on their +money. + +3. Plan your fundraising goals + +Although a company may be unable to accurately predict how much money it will raise during the next round, having a clear idea of fundraising goals is essential. +For instance, a company will want to avoid raising an excessive amount of money through SAFEs. If they fail to do so, it can result in an over-dilution of Series +A investors when those SAFEs eventually convert into equity. To prevent this, planning in advance and saving a specified amount of equity for your next round of +fundraising will help ensure that future investors stay interested and motivated. + +Once you have secured friends and/or family members as investors, you can begin the process to close the deal. + +#### Takeaways + +- A SAFE allows start-ups to receive financing from investors. In exchange for money, an investor receives a right to purchase stock in a future equity round. +- While structuring a SAFE, the most important consideration for a company is to determine a cap on equity to avoid over-diluting shares. +- Prior to issuing a SAFE, a start-up will need to first 1) determine the valuation of the company 2) plan its fundraising goal 3) build a business plan, and 4) +- make a pitch. + +#### Disclaimer + +This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not create a lawyer-client relationship with the reader. It is not legal advice and should not +be regarded as such. Any reliance on the information is solely at the reader’s own risk. + +#### About Clausehound + +Clausehound is a specialized software agency that builds document and knowledge tools for product design teams that support educators and trainers, governments +and their citizens, law firms and legal teams, and large or small businesses. + +Edited by: Rajah Lehal