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Convertible Agreement
I need a convertible agreement for an early-stage investment in a tech startup, with a conversion cap and discount rate specified, and a maturity date of 18 months. The agreement should include provisions for automatic conversion upon a qualified financing round and optional conversion at maturity.
What is a Convertible Agreement?
A Convertible Agreement lets early-stage Nigerian startups raise quick funding by offering investors the right to convert their initial investment into equity shares later. It works like a loan that can transform into company ownership, usually when specific triggers occur, like a major funding round or company sale.
Under Nigerian corporate law, these agreements help founders avoid complex share valuations during early fundraising while giving investors potential upside. The conversion typically happens at a discount to the future share price, rewarding early investors for their initial risk. This format has become popular among Lagos-based tech startups and innovation hubs seeking flexible capital.
When should you use a Convertible Agreement?
Use a Convertible Agreement when your Nigerian startup needs quick funding but can't easily determine its current valuation. This works especially well for early-stage companies with promising growth potential but limited operating history, making traditional equity valuations challenging.
The agreement proves particularly valuable during bridge funding rounds or when rapid market entry matters more than lengthy negotiations. Many Lagos tech startups use these agreements to secure initial seed funding from angel investors while postponing complex valuation discussions until their Series A round. This approach helps maintain momentum while protecting both founder and investor interests under Nigerian investment laws.
What are the different types of Convertible Agreement?
- Convertible Debt Agreement: Basic format offering debt that converts to equity, popular among Nigerian tech startups for seed funding
- Convertible Note Purchase Agreement: More detailed version with specific purchase terms and investor protections
- Convertible Loan Note Agreement: Focuses on interest-bearing loans with conversion rights
- Loan Conversion Agreement: Used to convert existing traditional loans into equity
- Loan Conversion To Equity Agreement: Specialized version for structured equity conversion with detailed shareholding terms
Who should typically use a Convertible Agreement?
- Startup Founders: Initiate and sign Convertible Agreements to secure early-stage funding without immediate equity dilution
- Angel Investors: Provide initial capital in exchange for future equity rights, often through Lagos-based investment networks
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Nigerian investment laws and protect client interests
- Financial Advisors: Guide valuation terms and conversion metrics, especially for tech startups
- Company Secretaries: Handle documentation, filing, and corporate governance requirements for conversion events
- Venture Capital Firms: Often involved during conversion triggers, particularly during Series A rounds
How do you write a Convertible Agreement?
- Company Details: Gather corporate registration documents, CAC filings, and shareholder information
- Investment Terms: Define investment amount, valuation cap, discount rate, and conversion triggers
- Financial Records: Compile current financial statements and growth projections
- Stakeholder Rights: Document voting rights, board seats, and anti-dilution provisions
- Compliance Check: Review Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission requirements
- Platform Usage: Use our automated system to generate a legally-sound Convertible Agreement template
- Internal Review: Have key stakeholders review terms before finalizing
What should be included in a Convertible Agreement?
- Parties Section: Full legal names and addresses of investor and company, with CAC registration details
- Investment Terms: Principal amount, interest rate, maturity date, and conversion price formula
- Conversion Triggers: Qualifying financing rounds, exit events, or maturity conversion rights
- Valuation Cap: Maximum company valuation for conversion calculations
- Investor Rights: Information rights, pre-emptive rights, and tag-along provisions
- Default Provisions: Consequences of payment default or breach of terms
- Governing Law: Nigerian law application and jurisdiction clause
- Execution Block: Signature requirements per Companies and Allied Matters Act
What's the difference between a Convertible Agreement and a Bond Purchase Agreement?
Convertible Agreements differ significantly from Bond Purchase Agreements in Nigerian corporate finance. While both are investment instruments, they serve distinct purposes and come with different rights and obligations.
- Investment Structure: Convertible Agreements offer future equity ownership, while Bond Purchase Agreements provide fixed returns without ownership rights
- Risk Profile: Convertible Agreements carry higher risk but greater potential returns through equity conversion, whereas bonds offer more predictable, fixed-income returns
- Regulatory Requirements: Bond issues require SEC registration and more stringent compliance under Nigerian securities laws; Convertible Agreements often qualify for private placement exemptions
- Target Users: Early-stage startups typically use Convertible Agreements, while established companies prefer Bond Purchase Agreements for debt financing
- Exit Mechanisms: Convertible Agreements transform into equity during funding rounds or exits; bonds typically mature with principal repayment
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