Nebraska Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal mechanism utilized by startups to raise funds from investors without having to determine the precise company valuation at the time of early-stage investments. As an alternative to traditional equity or convertible note arrangements, SAFE allows startups to receive immediate cash injections while postponing the valuation negotiation until a future equity financing round. The Nebraska SAFE entails a straightforward contractual agreement between the startup and the investor, wherein the investor provides funding in exchange for the right to obtain equity in the company at a later date, usually during a qualified financing round or an exit event. This agreement allows startups to focus on growth and development instead of spending excessive time and resources on setting a valuation in the early stages. There are different variants of the Nebraska SAFE, tailored to specific needs and preferences: 1. Cap SAFE: This type of SAFE presents an upper limit, known as a "valuation cap," at which the investor's equity conversion will be calculated during the subsequent financing round. If the startup's valuation exceeds the cap during the financing round, the investor benefits from receiving equity at a predetermined price, protecting their investment from excessive dilution. 2. Discount SAFE: The discount SAFE offers investors the advantage of purchasing equity at a reduced price compared to the valuation established during the subsequent financing round. This arrangement rewards early investors for taking on the risk associated with funding startups in their initial stages. 3. MFN (Most Favored Nation) SAFE: The MFN SAFE incorporates a provision that safeguards the investor's interests by granting them additional benefits in case the startup issues future SAFE sat better terms than those initially offered. If a subsequent SAFE is issued under more favorable terms, the MFN SAFE automatically adjusts to match those terms, ensuring the investor's investment remains advantageous compared to later investors. 4. Pro Rata Rights SAFE: In this type of SAFE, investors are granted the option to maintain their equity ownership percentage in the company by investing proportionally during future financing rounds. This ensures that early-stage investors have the opportunity to protect their shareholdings and prevent dilution caused by new investors. Nebraska SAFE agreements have gained popularity due to their simplicity, flexibility, and ability to expedite fundraising activities for startups. By adopting this model, startups can secure early-stage investments while deferring the valuation negotiation to a later, more mature stage of the company's development. This approach promotes efficiency, reduces legal complexities, and enables startups to focus on achieving their business goals.