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YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/07/18
@ Y Combinator
Investors should check their rights and the cap table during conversion to ensure their SAFEs are converted correctly and that they retain their pro-rata rights.
Video
YC
Carolynn Levy and Kirsty Nathoo - Startup Investor School Day 1
@ Y Combinator
03/07/18
Related Takeaways
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/07/18
@ Y Combinator
Investors should review the cap table and conversion calculations carefully when their SAFEs convert, as errors can occur and affect their ownership stake.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/07/18
@ Y Combinator
Investors should ensure their rights under a SAFE are respected during conversion rounds, particularly regarding pro-rata rights, as ignoring these rights breaches the contract.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/07/18
@ Y Combinator
Investors should model their SAFE conversions to understand the implications of multiple SAFEs with different valuations and discounts, as this can complicate ownership stakes.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/07/18
@ Y Combinator
Pro-rata rights were not included in the original SAFE conversion round due to the different nature of seed rounds in 2013, but investors can negotiate side letters for these rights.
KN
Kirsty Nathoo
10/17/18
@ Y Combinator
Founders need to be aware that their ownership percentage can decrease significantly due to dilution from SAFEs and new equity rounds, so they should plan accordingly for future fundraising. The percentage of ownership for SAFE investors is based on the valuation cap in the SAFE, and if the priced round valuation is higher than the cap, they convert at the cap, receiving more shares for the same investment than Series A investors.
KN
Kirsty Nathoo
10/17/18
@ Y Combinator
It's crucial for founders to understand their dilution when raising money through SAFEs or convertible notes, as they may end up owning significantly less of the company than expected after a priced round.
KN
Kirsty Nathoo
10/17/18
@ Y Combinator
When raising money on SAFEs, the investor's ownership is calculated by dividing their investment amount by the post-money valuation or valuation cap.
KN
Kirsty Nathoo
10/17/18
@ Y Combinator
The introduction of post-money SAFEs simplifies understanding dilution by clarifying how much of the company founders have sold to investors after all SAFEs have converted.
KN
Kirsty Nathoo
10/17/18
@ Y Combinator
It's crucial for founders to keep track of how much equity they've sold through SAFEs, as this affects their ownership percentage and future fundraising.