Atlanta Securities Attorneys & Lawyers

What is a Most Favored Nation Clause?

Most favored nation startups are new companies that have a most favored nation or MFN clause in agreements with investors. This clause keeps later investors from getting better terms than the first investors, and it's completely different from the clause that involves countries. Most favored nation clauses are terms in many convertible notes. Some clauses make sure all parties in a contract get equal terms. MFNs usually last until the next round of financing, also called an equity round, starts.

Convertible Notes: What Are They?

Convertible notes are loans from investors that convert into equity or stocks when the company reaches prenegotiated milestones. An MFN clause in a convertible note keeps another investor from getting more equity for a similar loan when the company is more successful.

Why

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Seed Money: What Is It?

Seed money is used to fund the earliest stages of a new business, potentially up to the point of launching your product. Seed money may come from a variety of sources, including debt and equity offerings. Usually, an investor will exchange money in exchange for some equity or share in the company. The seed money is intended to support the early operations of the business until it begins to create a profit, or is ready for additional investors.

Common uses of seed money include the following:

• Product development.

• Market and demographic research.

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Non-qualified stock options give you an alternative way of compensating employees. They also give employees a sense of ownership that builds loyalty and encourages them to work harder.

Non-Qualified Stock Options: What Are They?

A non-qualified stock option gives employees the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price. There are several key elements to a stock option.

• Grant date: The date when the employee receives the option to buy the stock.

• Exercise price:

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Preferred stock is a special class of equity that adds debt features. As with common stock, shareholders receive a share of ownership in the company. Preferred stock also receives special rights, including guaranteed dividends that must be paid out before dividends to common shareholders, priority in the event of a liquidation, is listed separately from common stock, and trades at a different price than common stock.

Why Is Preferred Stock Important?

Preferred stock gives you a financing alternative to taking on debt. You generally maintain greater control over your company than if you issue new common shares.

You can also remain flexible for future financing rounds by keeping debt off of your balance sheet and retaining a call option. The call option allows you to reduce your outstanding equity and offer a greate

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