💰 Funding

SAFEs explained

Lesson 3 of 10 · 6 min read

The SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is YC's standard pre-seed instrument. Key terms:

  • Cap: max valuation at conversion. Lower cap = more dilution at next round.
  • Discount: % off the next round price (typically 20%).
  • MFN: most-favored-nation; you'll get the best terms given to later SAFE investors.

No interest. No maturity date. No board seat. Founder-friendly. Use the post-money YC version.

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