San Jose California Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a legal contract widely used in Silicon Valley, allowing startups to raise capital without determining an initial valuation. It is specifically crafted for early-stage companies seeking investments from angel investors, venture capitalists, or other funding sources. The SAFE is designed to simplify and expedite the funding process, while also offering protection and potential benefits for both the startup and the investor. There are various types of San Jose California SAFE, each tailored to meet different investment needs and conditions: 1. Valuation Cap SAFE: This type of SAFE sets a maximum pre-money valuation for the company at the time of conversion, ensuring that the investor will receive preferential pricing when converting their investment into equity. It safeguards the investor from potential dilution and rewards them accordingly if the company achieves a higher valuation upon conversion. 2. Discount SAFE: The Discount SAFE provides investors with a predetermined discount rate when converting their investment into equity during a future financing round. This enables investors to acquire company shares at a reduced price compared to later-stage investors, protecting their investment and incentivizing early support. 3. Post-Money SAFE: Unlike the traditional SAFE structure, the Post-Money SAFE considers the company's valuation after the conversion of the SAFE investment. This means that the valuation of subsequent financing rounds will take into account the investment made through the SAFE, providing a clearer perspective on the investors' ownership percentages and overall equity structure. 4. MFN (Most Favored Nation) SAFE: This SAFE type ensures that the investor receives the most favorable terms among all the other investors who invest in the company after the SAFE round. The investor can benefit from any superior terms or conditions negotiated by subsequent investors, reducing the risk of missing out on significant advantages acquired by later funders. 5. Capped SAFE: Capped SAFE, as the name suggests, sets a predetermined cap on the amount of equity an investor may receive upon conversion. This imposes a maximum limit on the investor's potential ownership stake, protecting the company from excessive equity dilution while offering a clear understanding of the investor's potential returns. San Jose California Simple Agreement for Future Equity provides a flexible framework for startups and investors to engage in funding without the complexities of traditional equity financing. It streamlines the investment process, ensuring a level of protection for both parties while fostering growth and innovation in the dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem of San Jose, California.