Wyoming Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal document used by startups and investors to allow for future investment in a company. It is designed to simplify the fundraising process and provide flexibility for both parties involved. The Wyoming SAFE operates by granting the investor the right to acquire equity in the company at a later date, typically when a specific event occurs, such as a future financing round or acquisition. This agreement is often preferred by startups as it does not set a specific valuation for the company at the time of investment, allowing for less negotiation and faster execution. There are several types of Wyoming SAFE agreements available, including: 1. pre-Roman SAFE: In this type, the investment amount is contributed prior to the valuation of the company being determined. The investor receives equity in the company once a subsequent funding round or triggering event takes place. 2. Post-Money SAFE: This agreement is similar to the pre-Roman SAFE, but the investment is made after the company's valuation has been determined. The investor still acquires equity in the company upon a future event. 3. Valuation Cap: The Wyoming SAFE may include a valuation cap, which sets the maximum valuation at which the investor can convert their investment into equity. This cap provides protection for the investor from substantial dilution if the company achieves a high valuation in subsequent financing rounds. 4. Discount Rate: A Wyoming SAFE can also include a discount rate, whereby the investor's investment will be converted into equity at a discounted price, typically lower than the price paid by future investors in subsequent funding rounds. This incentive compensates the investor for the risk taken at an earlier stage. 5. Conversion Mechanics: The agreement defines how the investment will be converted into equity, either automatically upon a specific triggering event, or at the investor's option. 6. Dilution Protection: Wyoming SAFE agreements might include provisions that protect the investor from dilution in subsequent funding rounds. This means that the investor's ownership percentage is preserved, ensuring a fair return on investment. Overall, Wyoming Simple Agreement for Future Equity provides a streamlined way for startups to raise capital, and for investors to participate in the potential success of early-stage companies. It offers flexibility, simplicity, and transparency, making it an attractive option for both parties involved in the investment process.
Wyoming Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal document used by startups and investors to allow for future investment in a company. It is designed to simplify the fundraising process and provide flexibility for both parties involved. The Wyoming SAFE operates by granting the investor the right to acquire equity in the company at a later date, typically when a specific event occurs, such as a future financing round or acquisition. This agreement is often preferred by startups as it does not set a specific valuation for the company at the time of investment, allowing for less negotiation and faster execution. There are several types of Wyoming SAFE agreements available, including: 1. pre-Roman SAFE: In this type, the investment amount is contributed prior to the valuation of the company being determined. The investor receives equity in the company once a subsequent funding round or triggering event takes place. 2. Post-Money SAFE: This agreement is similar to the pre-Roman SAFE, but the investment is made after the company's valuation has been determined. The investor still acquires equity in the company upon a future event. 3. Valuation Cap: The Wyoming SAFE may include a valuation cap, which sets the maximum valuation at which the investor can convert their investment into equity. This cap provides protection for the investor from substantial dilution if the company achieves a high valuation in subsequent financing rounds. 4. Discount Rate: A Wyoming SAFE can also include a discount rate, whereby the investor's investment will be converted into equity at a discounted price, typically lower than the price paid by future investors in subsequent funding rounds. This incentive compensates the investor for the risk taken at an earlier stage. 5. Conversion Mechanics: The agreement defines how the investment will be converted into equity, either automatically upon a specific triggering event, or at the investor's option. 6. Dilution Protection: Wyoming SAFE agreements might include provisions that protect the investor from dilution in subsequent funding rounds. This means that the investor's ownership percentage is preserved, ensuring a fair return on investment. Overall, Wyoming Simple Agreement for Future Equity provides a streamlined way for startups to raise capital, and for investors to participate in the potential success of early-stage companies. It offers flexibility, simplicity, and transparency, making it an attractive option for both parties involved in the investment process.
