One of the biggest hurdles so many startups face is funding. In many cases, the funding has to start early to introduce their products or services to the market. This means taking expensive loans or dipping into personal savings, which can cause additional stress.On the other hand, with a great business plan, a startup owner can find investors among those who are more likely to believe in their vision – family and friends. This is not an unusual process, as it can be pretty challenging to find investors willing to participate at the beginning.
A Friends and Family Simple Agreement of Future Equity or F&F SAFE is usually required to get through the first few months, including hiring employees, renting space, or buying resources.
What Is a Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)
The F&F SAFE agreement is essentially an investment tool or a financing instrument. It has existed as an option since 2013 and has become a popular solution for funding over the years.
The goal of any SAGE note is to assure the investor they'll get the chance to purchase equity at a preferential price when the company issues preferred stock. Unlike convertible notes, SAFEs are not a debt instrument and don't have an interest.
They also don't contain a maturity date, as the investors are not guaranteed equity. There are many benefits to using SAFE agreements when asking for funds from family and friends for startups.
It's a relatively simple document that doesn't require a great deal of negotiation. Plus, it leaves the startup in complete control.
Other Names for Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)
Depending on your state, a Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) may also be known as:
- SAFE Note
- SAFE Agreement
- SAFE Bond
- Friends & Family Round
- Pre-Seed Round
Who Needs a Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)
Anyone with a great business idea but insufficient funding can use the Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity. As SAFE's don't require an initial valuation, it can be challenging to find even angel investors.
But if you have family members and friends interested in your project, they can provide a type of pre-seed investment to get the business off the ground.
Why Use 360 Legal Forms for Your Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)
Customized for you, by you
Create your own documents by answering our easy-to-understand questionnaires to get exactly what you need out of your Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE).
Specific to Your Jurisdiction
Laws vary by location. Each document on 360 Legal Forms is customized for your state.
Fast and easy
All you need to do is fill out a simple questionnaire, print it, and sign. No printer? No worries. You and other parties can even sign online.
How to Create a Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) With 360 Legal Forms
The F&F SAFE is well-known for its flexibility and simplicity. It's essential to keep all the terms of the agreement fair and transparent – and in writing. You can transfer everything that was agreed upon orally to the Family and Friends Simple Agreement for Future Equity.
Let 360 Legal Forms help with our extensive library of attorney-vetted legal forms. The process is fast and easy. All you have to do is fill out our easy-to-understand questionnaire. Once complete, simply download your form as a PDF or Word document from your secure online account.
What Information Will I Need to Create My Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)?
To create your document, please provide:
- Company's Name: The full name of the company, address, and contact information
- Investor's Information: The full legal name of the family member and their contact details
- Terms of the Agreement: All provisions of the agreement, including any valuation caps and discounts
- Investment Amount: The sum of money the investor is providing
- Specified Triggering Event: An event that will prompt either purchase of the shares or an exit strategy
- Signatures: Both parties are required to sign the agreement
Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) Terms
- Convertible Note: A type of bond that you can convert into a specific number of shares
- Valuation Cap: Also known as conversion cap, represents a price ceiling for purchasing shares
- Maturity Date: A particular moment after which the company has to repay their investors
- Liquidity Event: A type of exit strategy such as asset sales, bankruptcy, merger, or acquisition
- Equity Round: A single event of offering equity to investors (usually several rounds)
- Startup Company: A new business in the initial stages of operations
Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) Signing Requirements
Both parties involved in the Family and Friends Simple Agreement for Future Equity should ensure the terms are fair and clear to everyone.
Upon review, the owner of the company and the investor sign the agreement in the presence of a witness. Notarization is not required but an option for anyone wanting to add another layer of validity to the contract.
What to Do With Your Friends and Family Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)
After the F&F SAFE is signed, the investor releases the funds to the company per the terms of the agreement.
The recipient of the funds must utilize them in the way it was stipulated in the contract. Both parties should have a copy of the agreement for archival purposes.
