Preferred vs Common Stock in Startups — What Rights Actually Differ?
Looking for preferred vs common stock in VC deals? Preferred is a rights package — liquidation preference, protective provisions, conversion — not just 'better shares.'
Deal terms determine who wins in exit scenarios and how much control investors have over company decisions. Our deal-terms guides explain the economics and governance provisions founders encounter in seed through growth rounds.
Read venture capital deal terms explainers below.
Looking for preferred vs common stock in VC deals? Preferred is a rights package — liquidation preference, protective provisions, conversion — not just 'better shares.'
Looking for how an exit waterfall divides proceeds? Model debt, preferred preferences, participation, and common — why a $40M headline exit is not $40M to the team.
Venture debt is non-dilutive capital on top of a priced equity round. Here's how term sheets, warrants, covenants, and drawdown mechanics actually work.
A term sheet is a non-binding document outlining the key terms of a proposed VC investment. Here's every section that matters and which terms to negotiate first.
A SAFE is a convertible financing instrument created by Y Combinator that converts into equity at a priced round. Here's exactly how valuation cap, discount, and MFN work.
A down round is a financing at a lower valuation than the previous round. Here's what triggers one, who it hurts most, and how to structure around it.