Oakland Michigan Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal contract established between an investor and a startup company, with the aim of providing a framework for funding without determining the company's valuation at the time of investment. This type of agreement is commonly used in the venture capital and startup ecosystem. SAFE agreements are gaining popularity due to their simplicity and flexibility compared to traditional equity financing methods. They allow startups to raise funds without setting a specific valuation, avoiding potential disagreements between investors and founders regarding the company's worth. Instead, the investor provides capital in exchange for the right to obtain equity in the company at a future predetermined event, such as a subsequent investment round or acquisition. The Oakland Michigan SAFE agreement protects both the investor and the startup and typically contains various terms and conditions. These may include: 1. Conversion Trigger: It stipulates the event that triggers the conversion of the SAFE into equity, such as a qualified financing round or acquisition. 2. Conversion Mechanism: The agreement outlines the terms of the equity conversion, such as the conversion price or discount rate. 3. Valuation Cap: This sets a maximum company valuation for equity conversion regardless of the actual valuation at the conversion event, allowing the investor to secure a favorable investment return. 4. Conversion Discount: This feature grants the investor a predetermined discount on the equity price during the conversion, ensuring they receive additional equity compared to later investors. 5. Liquidation Preference: This provision ensures that in the event of a liquidation or sale, the SAFE holder will have priority in receiving their investment back before common equity holders. While there might not be specific variations of the Oakland Michigan SAFE agreement, startups and investors can negotiate the terms to align with their specific needs. These negotiations may involve adjusting the conversion trigger, conversion mechanism, valuation cap, conversion discount, or other terms based on the parties' preferences and risk appetite. In conclusion, the Oakland Michigan Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a versatile funding mechanism utilized by startups and investors. It provides a flexible way to raise capital without setting a valuation, allowing startups to focus on growth and avoiding disputes over early-stage company worth. By understanding the key components and negotiation possibilities, both parties can structure a SAFE agreement that aligns with their goals and interests.