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Dan DeWolf 8/27/18 Dan DeWolf 8/27/18

The Form is Always Wrong

Mintz attorneys are often asked as to why we don’t simply provide “forms” on our website that can be downloaded and used. After all, a number of law firms let you download term sheets and other forms such as SAFEs. Our simple answer is: THE FORM IS ALWAYS WRONG! Legal forms are merely starting points and most forms are typically only half an inch deep. A successful enterprise truly needs so much more depth than what is provided in a basic form.

SAFEs: The (Not So) Simple Agreement for (Potential) Future Equity

By Dan DeWolf and Brian Novell

Historically, most start-up companies were funded either by the offering of equity or by loans in the form of convertible promissory notes. Recently, however, there have been some hybrid instruments created to fund start-ups. Most notably, and quite popular these days, is the use of an instrument called a SAFE. “SAFE” is an acronym for “simple agreement for future equity.”