The New Hampshire Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legally binding agreement between an investor and a startup company. It provides a framework for the investor to contribute funds to the startup in exchange for the right to obtain equity in the future. The SAFE agreement is commonly used in early-stage investments and has gained significant traction in the startup ecosystem. Under the terms of the New Hampshire SAFE agreement, the investor provides capital to the startup to support its growth and development. However, instead of acquiring an immediate equity stake, the investor receives a promise that upon a future triggering event, such as a later financing round or an acquisition, they will be entitled to receive equity or a predetermined return on their investment. The New Hampshire SAFE agreement offers certain advantages over traditional investment instruments like convertible notes or common stock purchase agreements. It is intended to simplify the investment process, reduce transaction costs, and streamline negotiations between the startup and investors. Furthermore, it offers greater flexibility in determining the valuation and terms of future equity issuance. Different variations of the New Hampshire SAFE agreement exist to cater to diverse investment scenarios and startup needs. These variations include: 1. New Hampshire Post-Money SAFE: This type of SAFE agreement determines the investor's equity stake based on the valuation of the startup after the triggering event (e.g., a new financing round). It allows the investor to receive equity based on the post-money valuation, which often provides a clearer picture of the startup's progress. 2. New Hampshire pre-Roman SAFE: In contrast to the post-money SAFE, the pre-Roman SAFE determines the investor's equity stake based on the valuation of the startup before the triggering event takes place. This type of SAFE agreement allows the investor to secure a specific percentage of ownership in the startup regardless of future dilution. 3. New Hampshire Prorate SAFE: A pro rata SAFE agreement grants the investor the right to maintain their ownership percentage in subsequent financing rounds. This means that if the investor initially held a 10% equity stake, they have the option to invest an additional amount in future financing to maintain their 10% ownership. Whether using a post-money, pre-Roman, or pro rata structure, the New Hampshire SAFE agreement serves as a flexible and efficient instrument for early-stage investors and startups. It balances the investor's desire for greater potential returns with the startup's need for capital to fuel growth.