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All the Angels & VCs we've talked with refused to accept a SAFE and required convertible notes. Any thoughts on changing their minds? Additionally, a VC group we are talking with are invested in our competitor, should we be worried?

Mia Scott avatar
Written by Mia Scott
Updated over 4 years ago

Are these SV based? SAFEs have wider acceptability here than elsewhere. It's pretty uphill to get people to use a legal instrument when they're not familiar with it.

For the SAFE terms, you can tell them the gold standards in San Francisco.


For the VC group invested in competitor - if a direct competitor, would assume that they would share info with the direct competitor on things you tell them, especially if they are lead investor in the competitor or have a board seat/observer role. If they are indirect competitor, it may just be that the investor has a focused theme in your space, and legitimately doesn't think you compete with the portfolio company the same way you see it.

Typically, non-leads are less involved in information sharing, though it could still happen depending on their style. You can ask directly if they see a conflict between investing in the two companies and gauge their response.

SAFEs are not as widely accepted outside of Bay Area, angels prefer convertible notes instead.

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