SAFE and convertible note calculator

SAFE and convertible note calculator

Author: Reed McBride
|
Read time:  3 minutes
Published date:  24 June 2020
If you're fundraising, check out our free SAFE and convertible note calculator to understand the potential future impact before they convert in a priced round.
Introducing Carta’s SAFE and convertible note calculator

SAFEs and  convertible notes have become very popular in recent years, with many startups using them to conduct their initial fundraises. There are a number of reasons for this, including: 

  • Speed: These agreements are simpler and shorter relative to preferred stock financing documents (e.g. Series Seed or Series A). This usually means the process takes less time to close.

  • Cost: Priced rounds often require startups and investors to invest far more in up-front legal fees.

  • Simple terms: Traditional funding rounds require founders to commit to terms like a fixed valuation, despite uncertainty in the early stages of a company. SAFEs and notes are usually more flexible. (These will convert into preferred stock in a future priced round.) 

  • Rolling closings: You can close notes and SAFEs individually as you meet new investors instead of having to coordinate a formal closing between multiple investors on the same day.

  • Speed: These agreements are simpler and shorter relative to preferred stock financing documents (e.g. Series Seed or Series A). This usually means the process takes less time to close.

Despite these benefits, many founders don’t fully understand the terms or potential impact of notes or SAFEs until they convert in a priced round. These impacts—such as additional dilution to a founder—can be material, and unfortunately at that point their conversion terms are generally set in stone.

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Free SAFE and convertible note calculator

While notes and SAFEs can be a great solution for founders, it’s important to understand the potential future impact before fundraising. That’s why we’re thrilled to debut the Carta SAFE and convertible note calculator today.

Our SAFE and convertible note calculator will help you understand the potential dilutive impact of pre-money SAFEs, post-money SAFEs (aka YC SAFEs), and notes once they convert in a future priced round. You can set up your model in seconds and run as many scenarios as you’d like—all you need are a few inputs:

  • A few numbers from your current cap table, including your current holdings and the company’s current fully diluted share total 

  • Any number of notes or SAFEs (in any mix you like)

  • Figures for a prospective future fundraise

From there, the calculator will reveal a range of outcomes, modeling how ownership in your company may be distributed across a range of priced round valuations.

Download SAFE and convertible note calculator
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A few tips and tricks for using the SAFE and convertible note calculator:

  • Observe the impact of post-money SAFEs (aka YC SAFEs) vs. the same amount raised with pre-money SAFEs—you’ll see post-money SAFEs are more dilutive. 

  • Assume some additional interest for any notes you model (generally these will accrue interest at an agreed-upon rate from issuance until conversion). 

  • Model the impact of the different available option pool percentages in your priced round—this typically dilutes your ownership percentage and drives down the effective price per share for the round. 

safes and notes calculator

If you’re preparing for your first note or SAFE financing round, consider joining Carta Launch (free for companies with up to $1M raised and up to 25 equity holders) to set up your cap table. Launch will help you track all the notes and SAFEs you issue while providing you, your investors, and your counsel (if applicable) with visibility.

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Reed McBride
Author: Reed McBride
Reed McBride joined Carta in 2019 and is VP of Strategic Partnerships + Ecosystem at Carta, and an active early-stage investor. Reed started his career as a start-up attorney at Orrick, advising tech companies on billions of dollars of VC and M&A transactions. He then scaled two start-ups over five years, building new teams and leading a diverse range of functions. Reed holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering with Highest Honors from the University of Illinois and a JD from Berkeley Law, where he graduated Order of the Coif and served on the California Law Review. When he's not at work, you can usually find him on a trail with his three kids.
DISCLOSURE: This publication contains general information only and eShares, Inc. dba Carta, Inc. (“Carta”) is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services.  This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests.  Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business or interests, you should consult a qualified professional advisor.  This communication is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Carta does not assume any liability for reliance on the information provided herein.