Why Convertible Notes Hinder Growth In Underserved Ecosystems
Too Long; Didn't Read
CrunchBase recently published a <a href="https://news.crunchbase.com/news/cap-tables-share-structures-valuations-oh-case-study-early-stage-funding/"><em>new case study on early-stage funding</em></a> including the different types of deal structures, priced (equity) and unpriced (convertible notes or SAFES). The post was a useful, if very high level, overview of the early-stage funding process. However, due to this simplicity, the article painted a naive picture of how unpriced rounds often work in practice. While notes and SAFES have become the norm in recent years, it doesn’t mean they should be, especially in underserved ecosystems like Texas, Pittsburgh, or Atlanta.