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SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap)
Raise early money fast with the post-money SAFE, the 2026 market standard.
What is a SAFE: Post-Money?
A SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap) is a legal document used to raise early money fast. The post-money SAFE is the 2026 market standard.
Built for founders raising a pre-seed or seed round from angels or funds who want speed over a priced round.
SAFE: Post-Money template, current for 2026
Uses the post-money framework (the market default since 2018 and standard in 2026), with clean pro-rata handling and a plain-language ownership explainer.
How HDAi does this differently
Unlike a static form, HDAi runs a guided interview and assembles your SAFE: Post-Money as you answer. When you want it finished, a licensed Hart David Carson attorney reviews it and tailors it to your facts before you sign. The interview and the first draft are automated. The judgment belongs to an attorney.
What you’ll be asked
A short interview in plain language that asks only what this document needs.
- What is the full legal name of the company issuing the SAFE? The startup raising the money. This is the entity that will issue stock to the investor when the SAFE converts.
- What type of entity is the company? Post-money SAFEs are designed for C-corporations. If the company is an LLC, the SAFE mechanics (which convert into stock) do not fit and counsel should adapt the instrument.
- In what state is the company incorporated? Drives the corporate-law references (e.g., stock authorizations, conversion mechanics) and, by default, the governing law.
- What is the company's principal business address? Used in the signature block and for delivery of notices under the agreement.
- What is the full legal name of the investor? The person or entity providing the cash. Use the exact legal name; for a fund, include the entity type (LP, LLC).
- Is the investor an individual or an entity? Determines the signature block format and which representations about authority apply.
- What is the investor's address for notices? Where the company will send legal notices and, later, financing documents.
- How much is the investor paying for this SAFE? The cash amount wired to the company now. This is the Purchase Amount that converts into stock later.
- What is the post-money valuation cap? The maximum company valuation used to price this SAFE's conversion. In a post-money SAFE, the cap is measured AFTER all SAFEs and convertibles (but before the new priced round money), so the investor's ownership percentage is fixed and transparent.
- Should the SAFE also include a discount to the priced-round price? Some SAFEs add a discount (e.g., 20%) so the investor converts at the better of the cap price or the discounted round price. The classic post-money cap-only SAFE has no discount. Add one only if negotiated.
- What discount percentage applies? The percentage off the priced-round price (e.g., 20 means the investor pays 80% of the round price). Only used if you chose to include a discount.
- Should the investor receive pro rata (participation) rights in the next equity financing? Pro rata rights let the investor invest additional money in the priced round to maintain their ownership percentage. Common for larger checks; often omitted for small angel amounts.
- Should this SAFE include a 'Most Favored Nation' (MFN) provision? An MFN lets this investor upgrade to more favorable terms if the company later issues another SAFE or convertible on better terms before a priced round. Useful when this SAFE has no cap or a high cap.
- How many days does the investor have to elect the cash payment in a Liquidity Event? In a Change of Control or IPO, the investor may elect a cash return of the Purchase Amount instead of Common Stock. This sets the election window (measured from the Company's notice of the event). If the investor does not elect cash within this window, the SAFE automatically converts to Common Stock at the Liquidity Price.
- Which state's law should govern this SAFE? Usually the state of incorporation. Governs interpretation and enforcement of the agreement.
- How should disputes be resolved? Choose the mechanism for resolving disagreements. The courts of the governing-law state are the simplest default; arbitration keeps disputes private.
- Which arbitration organization and seat? Names the administering body and the city where arbitration is held. Only used if you chose arbitration.
- What is the effective date of this SAFE? The date the SAFE is signed and the investment is made. Appears in the title block and controls signature dating.
- Who signs for the company? The authorized officer executing on the company's behalf (usually the CEO). Must have board authority to issue the SAFE.
- What is that person's title? Confirms the signer's authority to bind the company.
- If the investor is an entity, who signs on its behalf? Name and role of the person signing for an investor entity. Leave blank if the investor is an individual signing personally.
- What is that signer's title with the investor entity? Confirms authority to bind the investing entity.
Frequently asked
About the SAFE: Post-Money and how HDAi works.
What is a SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap)? +
A SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap) is a legal document used to raise early money fast on the post-money form that is the 2026 market standard. Founders raising a pre-seed or seed round from angels or funds use it when they want speed over a priced round.
Is HDAi's SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap) legally binding? +
The SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap) HDAi generates is a professionally drafted document that becomes binding once it is completed, reviewed, and properly signed. If you want a licensed Hart David Carson attorney to finish it, book a planning call. The firm's flat-fee packages, the Illinois Family Plan and Company Launch, cover the most common needs; for any other draft, an Illinois attorney will tell you on the call what finishing it would involve.
Do I need a lawyer to use this SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap)? +
You can generate and download the SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap) in minutes, free of charge. A licensed Hart David Carson attorney can then review it and tailor it to your facts before you sign, which is the part no template can do.
What makes this SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap) current for 2026? +
Uses the post-money framework (the market default since 2018 and standard in 2026), with clean pro-rata handling and a plain-language ownership explainer.
How long does the SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap) take? +
Estimated time about 11 min (22 questions), depending on how much you already know. The document assembles as you answer. Export it as PDF or Word, or send it to a Hart David Carson attorney for review.
Does this SAFE: Post-Money (Valuation Cap) work in my state? +
HDAi's interview is state-aware. If you ask an attorney to finish the draft, a licensed Hart David Carson attorney confirms it against your state's requirements before you rely on it. Validity and required formalities vary by state.
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