What is a Convertible Note Negotiation?
A convertible note is a short-term loan that companies, such as startups, can use to raise the capital they require to build their business. The arrangement is between the company and an investor, and it must contain key information about the deal, such as principal amounts and maturity dates.
Before agreeing to a convertible note’s terms, it’s advisable to negotiate them to ensure the document meets your requirements and doesn’t put you at a disadvantage.
Here are some tips on how to negotiate a convertible note, such as what key terms to discuss with the other party, and how a qualified lawyer will assist you with the process.
What Terms in a Convertible Note Should You Negotiate?
There are various terms that you should negotiate in your convertible note.
- Valuation cap. This sets the maximum company price for conversion. For example, if the valuation cap is too low, it can result in severe equity loss.
- Maturity date. This is the deadline for the conversion or repayment. A longer timeline provides a longer operational runway in which to reach the specific milestones triggering financing.
- Discount rate. If it’s higher than the standard 20 percent, this creates too much dilution.
- Interest rate. The document should state if the interest rate is simple or compounding. It’s important to scrutinize the interest rate to avoid additional dilution.
- Conversion trigger. You want clarity about what triggers financing, along with minimum financing amounts. As an investor, you might want to negotiate conversion rights or repayment options at maturity.
How Do You Negotiate a Convertible Note?
There are some things to bear in mind when negotiating a convertible note.
Consider Confidentiality
Confidentiality protects sensitive information in the agreement and ensures that valuation discussions are kept private. Understand exactly what information is limited.
You might want to negotiate how long the information must be kept private and if non-disclosure provisions are mutual.
Remember to Customize the Convertible Note
A convertible note is not a standardized document. It can be tailored to your specific transaction. With this in mind, you should consider your goals and any industry-specific requirements before entering into negotiations with the other party.
Check the Valuation Cap
One of the most important aspects of a convertible note is the valuation cap. It shouldn’t be set too high as this can create high equity, or so low that it can’t be met in future financing rounds.
Get a Legal Review
It’s worth hiring a lawyer to review your convertible note before you negotiate any of its terms, as this will help you to identify key aspects to negotiate.
On ContractsCounsel, one of the largest online legal marketplaces, you’ll connect to a curated network of vetted lawyers who will review your convertible note for a flat fee.
Here’s how to request that a lawyer on the platform reviews your convertible note:
- Go to the ContractsCounsel marketplace.
- Select ‘One-time project’ and ‘Contract review.’
- Post your project, which is free to do.
- Try to mention what you require to match with suitable lawyers on the platform. You could specify if you want the lawyer to pay special attention to certain aspects of the note.
- Wait for bids. You’ll receive multiple bids from lawyers on the platform who are ready to assist you, instead of having to find a lawyer.
- Gather lawyer information. You can review data provided by the platform about the lawyers, such as their location, credentials, years of experience, client ratings for previous projects completed on the platform, and field of expertise.
- Select a lawyer to hire to review your convertible note.
Do You Need to Hire a Lawyer to Negotiate a Convertible Note?
It’s in your best interest to hire a lawyer if you want to negotiate a convertible note. A lawyer will conduct various activities to protect your interests, such as:
- Identifying any legal or drafting issues that could affect ownership and future financing.
- Interpreting the terms’ legal consequences, such as how valuation caps are linked to discounts and other aspects of the convertible note.
- Explaining how the note could convert in different financing scenarios to provide clarity and determining when and how automatic conversion occurs.
- Negotiating protective provisions that determine investor restrictions, ensuring the convertible note remains reasonable and balanced.
- Reviewing default and remedy provisions. They’ll identify any situations resulting in trigger penalties or payouts.
- Examining maturity dates to ensure they’re fair by balancing the investor’s requirement for a timeline with the founder’s operational runway.
- Checking for any inconsistencies between the convertible note and other documents, such as shareholder agreements.
- Negotiating with the other party directly on your behalf, should this be required.
- Providing strategic negotiations that prioritize your interests and requirements.
- Adding the agreed-on terms from the negotiation in the finalized agreement.
Where to Find a Lawyer for a Convertible Note Negotiation
If you need to hire a lawyer to help you negotiate a convertible note, you shouldn’t have to worry about where to find one who’s experienced or reputable. You can easily find one on an online legal marketplace such as ContractsCounsel. You’ll have easy access to a curated network of lawyers who can formulate effective strategies for negotiating key points in the convertible note to protect your interests.
When seeking a lawyer for help with negotiations, you should also request that they review the convertible note beforehand. This will ensure that the lawyer has the big picture of the transaction and can guide through negotiations accordingly.