Conversion Terms
Valuation cap, discount rate, and conversion triggers that determine how the SAFE converts into equity at a subsequent qualifying financing.
A SAFE simplifies seed financings by deferring valuation and reducing negotiation overhead while preserving investor conversion rights. It provides clarity on conversion triggers and investor priority without issuing equity immediately or creating long-term board dilution terms.
Use the agreement with appropriate legal and tax review to confirm enforceability and compliance for your jurisdiction.
A founder or authorized officer signs on behalf of the company. The signer should be empowered by corporate governance (board resolution or bylaws) to bind the entity and must provide corporate name exactly as registered.
An investor signatory or an accredited investor representative signs the investor side. If signing for an entity or fund, include capacity and attach authority documentation to avoid later challenges.
Valuation cap, discount rate, and conversion triggers that determine how the SAFE converts into equity at a subsequent qualifying financing.
Treatment on a sale, merger, or IPO: whether SAFEs convert ahead of or in connection with the event and any liquidation preference.
Most-favored-nation clauses and pro rata participation rights that protect investor ownership percentage in follow-on financings.
Attachment of capitalization schedules, form of stock to be issued on conversion, and any investor side letters affecting terms.
Company and investor representations about authority, enforceability, and absence of conflicts or undisclosed liabilities.
Notice procedures, transfer restrictions, nominee arrangements, and methods for calculating share issuance and rounding rules.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Sequential or parallel depending on board or investor sign-off required |
| Authentication | Email link plus optional SMS code or KBA for higher assurance |
| Attachments | Include cap table and authority documents as required uploads |
| Retention | Automatic storage with audit trail and exportable PDF for records |
Ensure the platform produces a tamper-evident signed PDF and retains exportable audit records in compliance with ESIGN and UETA.
Enter immediately on execution to fix timing and tax periods
File required IRS forms if conversion causes reportable events (follow IRS guidance)
Update upon conversion or issuance to reflect new ownership
Keep executed agreements for statutory retention periods
Export eSign audit trail when closing financing or upon investor request
SAFE signed and funds transmitted; company records receipt and stores agreement.
A priced round or other event triggers conversion mechanics under the SAFE.
Company issues shares per cap/discount mechanics and updates ownership records.
Company issues tax information and updates regulatory or investor reports as required.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium+) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Yes (BAA available) | Yes (BAA available) | Varies | Varies |
A seed investor provided $100,000 via SAFE to accelerate product development
Founder used SAFEs to accept multiple small investors without immediate equity dilution
| Criteria | SAFE | Convertible Note |
|---|---|---|
| Debt or Equity | equity contract | debt instrument |
| Maturity Date | no maturity | yes, usually present |
| Interest | no interest | accrues interest |
| Simplicity | simpler documentation | more complex due to debt terms |