San Jose, California is a vibrant city located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Known as the capital of tech, it is home to numerous technology companies and startups. Within this thriving ecosystem, the San Jose California Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) serves as a crucial financial document for startups seeking funding. The San Jose California Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal agreement between an investor and a startup that outlines the terms and conditions of the investment. It provides a simplified and standardized framework for early-stage fundraising, allowing startups to raise capital without going through the complexities of traditional financing instruments like convertible notes or preferred stock. SAFE agreements are commonly used in San Jose's startup community due to their flexibility and simplicity. It allows startups to receive an upfront investment without setting a valuation on their company, which is helpful in the early stages when valuations can be challenging to determine. Instead of issuing equity immediately, the SAFE agreement promises the investor equity in the company's future priced equity round or a liquidity event. There are different types of SAFE agreements that cater to specific investment scenarios. These include: 1. Valuation Cap: This type of SAFE agreement sets a maximum cap on the startup's valuation during the future priced equity round. It ensures that the investor receives equity at a predetermined maximum valuation, providing them with potential upside if the company's valuation exceeds the cap. 2. Discount: A SAFE agreement with a discount provides the investor with a reduction or discount on the price per share during the future priced equity round. This allows the investor to acquire equity at a lower price than later-round investors, acknowledging their early investment risk. 3. Most Favored Nation (MFN): The MFN SAFE agreement ensures that if the startup issues Safes in the future with better terms, the investor maintains the right to receive the more favorable terms. This protects the investor from being diluted if the startup offers more favorable terms to future investors. 4. Pro Rata Rights: Some SAFE agreements include pro rata rights, giving the investor the opportunity to participate in future fundraising rounds to maintain their ownership percentage in the company. This provision ensures that the investor has the option to protect their investment by participating in subsequent financing rounds. In conclusion, the San Jose California Term Sheet — Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a vital document for startups in Silicon Valley's tech ecosystem. With its simplicity and flexibility, the SAFE agreement provides a streamlined approach to fundraising, helping startups attract investments and accelerate their growth. Different variations of the SAFE agreement cater to various investment scenarios and protect both the investor and the startup.