used as a substitute for equity-like structures like a SAFE, convertible note, or equity. It is not debt, doesn't have a fixed repayment schedule, doesn't require a personal guarantee."
A Delaware Shared Earnings Agreement between Fund & Company is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions under which a fund (typically an investment fund or venture capital firm) and a company agree to share profits generated from a specific investment or business venture. This agreement is commonly used in the private equity and venture capital industries, where a fund provides the necessary capital to a company in exchange for a share of its future earnings. It serves as a mechanism to align the interests of both parties and establish a fair and mutually beneficial arrangement. Here are some relevant keywords associated with the Delaware Shared Earnings Agreement between Fund & Company: 1. Profit sharing: The agreement revolves around sharing the profits generated by the company with the fund based on predetermined terms. 2. Investments: The fund provides capital or investments to the company, enabling it to expand operations, develop products, or enter new markets. 3. Equity stake: The fund typically receives an ownership stake or equity in the company, entitling it to a share of the future earnings. 4. Dilution protection: The agreement may include provisions to protect the fund's ownership percentage in the event of additional rounds of funding or new equity issuance by the company. 5. Distribution waterfall: Defines the order in which profits are distributed among various stakeholders, including the fund, founders, and other investors. 6. Management fee: The fund may charge a management fee for overseeing the investment and providing ongoing support to the company. This fee is usually a percentage of the fund's committed capital. 7. Vesting period: In some cases, the fund's share of profits may be subject to a vesting period, ensuring that the company achieves certain performance milestones before sharing the earnings. 8. Fund redemption: This clause may outline the conditions under which the fund can exit the investment and redeem its equity stake, such as achieving a predetermined return on investment, company valuation milestones, or specific timelines. Types of Delaware Shared Earnings Agreements between Fund & Company: 1. Traditional VC Shared Earnings Agreement: In this type, a venture capital firm invests in early-stage startups in exchange for a percentage of the company's future profits. 2. Private Equity Profit Sharing Agreement: This variant involves a private equity fund making an investment in a mature company in return for a share of its profits. The agreement may include specific performance metrics or targets related to the company's growth or financial performance. 3. Seed Funding Shared Earnings Agreement: Startups seeking seed capital may enter into a shared earnings agreement with a fund, which provides the necessary funds in exchange for a percentage of future profits. This arrangement can help startups without established revenue streams secure investment. 4. Mezzanine Financing Shared Earnings Agreement: Mezzanine financing is a hybrid of debt and equity, and this type of shared earnings agreement enables a fund to provide mezzanine financing to a company, entitling it to a portion of future profits along with interest payments. These Delaware Shared Earnings Agreements between Fund & Company offer a flexible framework for investors and businesses to collaborate while sharing risks and rewards associated with their ventures.