Safe vs Priced Equity Round

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Understanding the differences between SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) and priced equity rounds is essential for both founders and investors. SAFEs offer simplicity, speed, and are typically perceived as founder-friendly, allowing founders to focus on their work without grappling with complex terms and conditions. However, reliance on SAFEs can lead to unforeseen dilution when multiple SAFEs stack up over time, complicating future fundraising and potentially overwhelming founders during later rounds. Priced rounds, historically viewed as more complex, ultimately provide clarity and structure, especially in early-stage fundraising. Establishing clean terms during seed or Series A rounds sets a solid legal precedent, aiding founders in subsequent financing efforts and minimizing complexities introduced by later investors who may impose difficult terms. The evolution of both funding mechanisms shows that while SAFEs have become increasingly complex, priced rounds have advantageous streamlined processes, offering a balance of effort and future security for founders. Engaging in priced rounds not only benefits current negotiations but also fosters favorable conditions for ongoing fundraising activities.

This week is a discussion of the points of differentiation vs commodification in various AI models. Including how these points might change over time, and might change between language, image, and video models. Then Fraser pivots to orienting around jobs to be done in AI, and how the various models have a huge gap between being capable of doing something, and doing it well.

We then talk about Claude 3, the nature of benchmarking, and the rapid dropping LLM prices. Lastly, we cover a startup subject, debating the merits of SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) vs. priced equity rounds in early-stage funding.

Links:

Claude 3 from Anthropic
LMSys Chatbot Leaderboard for which models are sticking out right now
For areas where models don't differentiate, we are back to the 7 powers framework. Hamilton Helmer's website with overview of the 7 Powers framework: https://7powers.com/, Sachin Rekhi has a good detailed primer on the 7 Powers as well.
Carta guide on priced rounds vs SAFEs, which we don't really agree with all the pros and cons, but is a decent overview

(00:00) - Opening
(00:31) - Are models an inevitable commodity?
(05:58) - How image, video, and other models may pan out differently than language
(08:20) - It's not the model, it's the customer
(10:20) - Jobs to be done in AI - 1. Can it do it... 2. very well.. 3. exactly how I want it to.
(22:13) - Claude 3 by Anthropic
(25:25) - ELO Leaderboard Results
(26:25) - Claude 3 Haiku and Falling LLM Prices
(30:33) - SAFES vs priced equity rounds