SAFE, or Simple Agreement for Future Equity, is a type of investment agreement used by startups and early-stage companies to raise capital from investors. A SAFE is similar to a convertible note, but it is simpler and more flexible. Unlike a traditional equity investment, a SAFE does not have a set valuation or a maturity date. Instead, it is a promise from the company to give the investor equity in the future, based on certain conditions, such as the company raising a subsequent round of financing or reaching a certain valuation. This allows the company and the investor to agree on the terms of the investment without the need for a lengthy negotiation process or valuation.

Converted into equity (shares) in the company at a later date. A SAFE is similar to a convertible note in that it allows investors to provide funding to a startup without requiring the company to issue shares or other equity securities immediately.

SAFEs are typically used in the seed or early stage of a startup’s development, when the company’s valuation and future prospects are highly uncertain. The terms of a SAFE are negotiated between the investor and the company, and they typically include a valuation cap, which sets the maximum valuation at which the SAFE can be converted into equity. This helps protect the investor by ensuring that they receive a certain level of ownership in the company if it is successful. One advantage of using a SAFE is that it can simplify the fundraising process for startups, since it avoids the need for complex negotiations and legal documents. However, SAFEs can also be risky for investors, since they do not provide the same level of protection as other types of equity investments. For this reason, it is important for investors to carefully review the terms of a SAFE and understand the risks before agreeing to invest in a startup using this type of contract.