The Michigan Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal document commonly used in early-stage startup financing. It outlines the terms of an investment made by an investor in exchange for the promise of acquiring equity in a Michigan-based startup at a later date, usually when the company undergoes a future financing round or an exit event. This agreement provides a simplified alternative to traditional investment options, such as convertible notes or priced equity rounds. The Michigan SAFE establishes a contractual relationship between the startup and the investor, allowing the investor to support the company without determining an immediate valuation or price per share. As a result, it is particularly useful in situations where valuing the startup accurately is challenging due to its early stage or unique business model. Within the realm of Michigan SAFE, there exist variations tailored to the specific needs of the parties involved. One such variant is the MF VN (Michigan Founders Venture Notes), which allows founders to raise funding while deferring the need to define an explicit valuation for their startup. The MF VN also includes several investor-friendly provisions, like securing the investment with certain assets or intellectual property rights. Another type of Michigan SAFE agreement is the Michigan SAFE-D, also known as the Michigan Simple Agreement for Future Equity-Dividend. This variant includes an additional element of periodic dividends, giving investors a potential stream of income before the conversion of their investment into equity occurs. The Michigan SAFE-D aligns the interests of the startup and investor, as it enables investors to receive a return on investment while also participating in future equity growth. Overall, the Michigan Simple Agreement for Future Equity offers startups and investors a flexible and straightforward mechanism for raising capital and supporting entrepreneurial ventures. It provides a fair and symbiotic framework that fosters investment and growth in Michigan's vibrant startup ecosystem.