Alaska Simple Agreement for Future Equity, commonly known as Alaska SAFE, is a legal document that outlines an agreement between an investor and a startup company in Alaska. This agreement determines the investor's financial contribution to the company in exchange for the right to obtain equity in the future. SAFE is often preferred by early-stage startups as it provides a simplified alternative to traditional equity financing. Under Alaska SAFE, investors provide funds to startups with the expectation of receiving equity at a later date, typically when the company goes through a specified financing event such as a subsequent funding round or a liquidity event like an acquisition. The amount of equity the investor receives is determined based on the valuation of the company at that financing event. Alaska SAFE offers several advantages for both investors and startups. For investors, it offers a simpler and faster investment process compared to traditional equity financing. They don't have to determine the valuation of the company at the time of investment, which can often be challenging for early-stage startups. Instead, by deferring the equity issuance until a later financing event, the investor can benefit from potential valuation increases. Startups benefit from Alaska SAFE as it allows them to secure initial funding promptly without conducting a complex and time-consuming valuation process. By using SAFE, founders can focus on developing their product and growing their business while deferring the equity issuance until future financing events. There are different types of Alaska SAFE: 1. Valuation Cap SAFE: This type of SAFE includes a pre-determined valuation cap, which establishes the maximum company valuation at which the investor's equity will be calculated during the future financing round. If the company's valuation surpasses the cap, the investor receives equity based on the capped valuation, ensuring a favorable investment return. 2. Discount SAFE: This type of SAFE includes a discount rate, typically a percentage, which is applied to the share price of the future financing round. The investor receives equity at a reduced price compared to later investors, incentivizing early investment. 3. MFN (Most Favored Nation) Safe: This type of SAFE enhances investor protection by ensuring that if the company issues Safes with more favorable terms to subsequent investors, the original investor is entitled to those improved terms as well. It ensures that early investors are not disadvantaged if the company introduces more investor-friendly Safes in the future. By utilizing Alaska SAFE, both investors and startups in Alaska can navigate early-stage fundraising more efficiently and effectively. It provides a flexible and adaptable mechanism to attract investment while minimizing the complexity and governance associated with traditional equity financing.