The Arizona Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of a potential investment in a startup or early-stage company based in Arizona. It serves as a precursor to a formal equity financing agreement and provides a simplified framework for investors and founders to negotiate and establish the terms of the investment. The Arizona SAFE offers flexibility and simplicity compared to traditional equity financing agreements, making it a popular choice for both investors and entrepreneurs. The document represents a promise of future equity issuance to the investor, typically triggered by a specific milestone or event, such as a subsequent equity financing round or an exit event. Key features of the Arizona SAFE include: 1. Conversion and Equity: The document outlines the conversion terms and conditions, stating the agreed-upon formula or method for converting the SAFE investment into equity shares in the company at a later date. 2. Valuation Cap: This provision places a maximum valuation on the company at the time of conversion, ensuring that the investor receives an appropriate equity stake in relation to their investment amount. 3. Discount Rate: The SAFE may include a predetermined discount rate, enabling the investor to acquire equity at a reduced price compared to future investors participating in subsequent funding rounds. 4. Trigger Events: The SAFE specifies the events that would trigger the conversion of the investment into equity. These may include an equity financing round, acquisition, or IPO. 5. Investor Rights: Depending on the version of the Arizona SAFE used, it may grant certain rights to the investor, such as information rights, right of first refusal, participation rights, or governance rights. Although the Arizona SAFE is a standardized document, there are variations designed to cater to specific needs. Some common types of Arizona SAFE include: 1. Arizona SAFE with Valuation Cap: This version includes a predetermined valuation cap to protect the investor from excessive dilution, guaranteeing a maximum conversion price. 2. Arizona SAFE with Discount: This type of SAFE offers a discounted conversion price to incentivize early-stage investments and reward investors for taking on higher risks. 3. Arizona SAFE with Most Favored Nation (MFN) Clause: Including an MFN provision ensures that the investor will receive any favorable terms offered to subsequent investors in future funding rounds, maintaining fairness and ensuring they receive competitive benefits. In summary, the Arizona Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a flexible investment instrument commonly used by startups and early-stage companies in Arizona. It simplifies the negotiation process and establishes the terms for future equity issuance, benefiting both investors and founders seeking capital infusions.
The Arizona Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of a potential investment in a startup or early-stage company based in Arizona. It serves as a precursor to a formal equity financing agreement and provides a simplified framework for investors and founders to negotiate and establish the terms of the investment. The Arizona SAFE offers flexibility and simplicity compared to traditional equity financing agreements, making it a popular choice for both investors and entrepreneurs. The document represents a promise of future equity issuance to the investor, typically triggered by a specific milestone or event, such as a subsequent equity financing round or an exit event. Key features of the Arizona SAFE include: 1. Conversion and Equity: The document outlines the conversion terms and conditions, stating the agreed-upon formula or method for converting the SAFE investment into equity shares in the company at a later date. 2. Valuation Cap: This provision places a maximum valuation on the company at the time of conversion, ensuring that the investor receives an appropriate equity stake in relation to their investment amount. 3. Discount Rate: The SAFE may include a predetermined discount rate, enabling the investor to acquire equity at a reduced price compared to future investors participating in subsequent funding rounds. 4. Trigger Events: The SAFE specifies the events that would trigger the conversion of the investment into equity. These may include an equity financing round, acquisition, or IPO. 5. Investor Rights: Depending on the version of the Arizona SAFE used, it may grant certain rights to the investor, such as information rights, right of first refusal, participation rights, or governance rights. Although the Arizona SAFE is a standardized document, there are variations designed to cater to specific needs. Some common types of Arizona SAFE include: 1. Arizona SAFE with Valuation Cap: This version includes a predetermined valuation cap to protect the investor from excessive dilution, guaranteeing a maximum conversion price. 2. Arizona SAFE with Discount: This type of SAFE offers a discounted conversion price to incentivize early-stage investments and reward investors for taking on higher risks. 3. Arizona SAFE with Most Favored Nation (MFN) Clause: Including an MFN provision ensures that the investor will receive any favorable terms offered to subsequent investors in future funding rounds, maintaining fairness and ensuring they receive competitive benefits. In summary, the Arizona Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a flexible investment instrument commonly used by startups and early-stage companies in Arizona. It simplifies the negotiation process and establishes the terms for future equity issuance, benefiting both investors and founders seeking capital infusions.
