A SAFE (simple agreement for future equity) is a standardized document used by startup companies for early-stage fundraising. A SAFE investment may convert to equity in the company in a future round of fundraising (Series A, for example) and does not give a SAFE investor a specific number of shares at the time of the investment. The price of shares owned by a SAFE investor are determined in the future round of fundraising.

The terms of a SAFE are intended to be balanced between the interests of the investors, and the founders or existing owners of the company, but a SAFE may not be appropriate for every early-stage company or investor.

The SAFE was created by Y Combinator, a well-known tech accelerator, in 2013.

In West Virginia (WV), as in other states, a SAFE (simple agreement for future equity) is not specifically regulated by state statutes but is governed by general principles of contract law and securities regulations. A SAFE is a financial instrument used by startups during early-stage fundraising, allowing investors to convert their investment into equity at a later financing round, typically at a discount. The terms of a SAFE should be clear, fair, and comply with both federal securities laws and any applicable state regulations. Founders and investors in WV should ensure that their SAFE agreements adhere to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as any relevant state securities laws. It is important for both parties to understand that while SAFEs are designed to simplify early-stage investment, they are not suitable for all situations and should be used with careful consideration of the company's future financing strategy and the rights of the investors. Consulting with an attorney experienced in securities law is advisable to navigate the complexities of using SAFEs in West Virginia.