Valuation Cap
Specifies the maximum company valuation used to calculate conversion price at qualifying financing rounds.
A valuation cap SAFE streamlines early-stage funding by simplifying documentation, delaying a full valuation until a priced round, and protecting investor upside through a conversion cap that limits dilution at the next financing.
The SAFE Valuation Cap Agreement is used by parties involved in early-stage financing: founders, seed investors, accelerators, and corporate counsel.
Use the SAFE when parties want a fast, lower-cost funding instrument that preserves flexibility until a priced round or exit event triggers conversion.
Specifies the maximum company valuation used to calculate conversion price at qualifying financing rounds.
States the principal paid by the investor that will convert into equity at the conversion event.
Defines events (qualified financing, liquidity event, dissolution) that cause conversion or payout.
Optional percentage reduction to conversion price if both cap and discount apply under contract terms.
Any most-favored-nation clauses or pro rata participation rights for follow-on financings.
Identifies the jurisdiction for disputes and contains signature blocks for each party.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Authentication | Email link or SMS two-factor |
| Conditional Fields | Show fields only when applicable |
| Reminders | Automated email reminders schedule |
| Template Locking | Prevent edits after execution |
Choose an eSignature platform that supports required authentication, audit trails, and integrations for cap table updates.
Integrations with tools like CRMs, cap table platforms, and cloud storage reduce manual updates and help maintain a single source of truth.
Date parties sign; use MM/DD/YYYY format.
Period defining when cap applies to conversion.
Date funds are transferred and investment becomes effective.
Update immediately after conversion event.
Retain records per company policy and law.
Agree terms, cap, and amount with investor.
Both parties sign the SAFE; funds transfer.
Record investment on cap table and corporate records.
Qualified financing or liquidity triggers conversion.
| Criteria | SAFE Valuation Cap | Convertible Note |
|---|---|---|
| Interest | no interest | often accrues |
| Maturity Date | no maturity | has maturity |
| Security | unsecured | sometimes secured |
| Complexity | lower complexity | higher complexity |
| 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 | No | No | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
A startup accepted several $50K seed checks using identical SAFEs to close quickly
An accelerator offered standard SAFEs to cohort companies for program investment