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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 the discretion of the investor.
What is a Convertible Agreement?
A Convertible Agreement lets early-stage investors fund Qatari startups while delaying the exact valuation until a later funding round. Instead of getting shares right away, investors receive the right to convert their investment into equity under pre-agreed terms when specific events occur, like a major funding round or company sale.
Under Qatar's Commercial Companies Law, these agreements help bridge the gap between initial funding needs and formal equity rounds. They're particularly popular in Doha's growing tech sector, where startups need quick access to capital but struggle with immediate valuations. The agreement typically includes key terms like discount rates, valuation caps, and conversion triggers that comply with local corporate regulations.
When should you use a Convertible Agreement?
Consider using a Convertible Agreement when your Qatari startup needs quick funding but determining an accurate company valuation proves challenging. This tool works especially well for tech companies and innovative ventures where traditional valuation methods don't capture future potential, particularly in Qatar's rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
The agreement makes sense when you need to close a funding round quickly while preserving flexibility for future valuations. It's particularly valuable when dealing with angel investors or early-stage venture capital firms operating under Qatar Financial Centre regulations. The structure helps avoid lengthy negotiations over current valuation while protecting both investor interests and founder control.
What are the different types of Convertible Agreement?
- Standard SAFE Agreement: Most common in Qatar's tech sector, featuring straightforward conversion terms and valuation caps aligned with QFC regulations
- Discount-Only Agreement: Offers investors a set percentage discount on future funding rounds without a valuation cap
- Cap-and-Discount Agreement: Combines both valuation caps and discount rates, popular among Qatari angel investors
- Interest-Bearing Convertible Note: Includes an interest rate component, structured to comply with Qatari banking regulations
- Islamic-Compliant Convertible Agreement: Modified structure ensuring Shariah compliance while maintaining conversion features
Who should typically use a Convertible Agreement?
- Startup Founders: Lead negotiations and sign Convertible Agreements to secure early-stage funding while maintaining control over company valuation
- Angel Investors: Provide initial capital through these agreements, particularly active in Qatar's technology and innovation sectors
- Legal Counsel: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with QFC regulations and Qatari commercial law
- Company Directors: Approve and execute agreements as part of their corporate governance duties
- Financial Advisors: Structure conversion terms and advise on valuation metrics that align with local market conditions
How do you write a Convertible Agreement?
- Company Details: Gather current corporate registration, shareholder information, and QFC licensing status
- Investment Terms: Define investment amount, valuation cap, discount rate, and qualifying round parameters
- Conversion Triggers: Specify events that activate conversion rights under Qatari law
- Investor Information: Collect investor details, ensuring compliance with local foreign investment regulations
- Timeline Planning: Set clear deadlines for funding rounds and conversion windows
- Documentation Review: Use our platform's automated system to generate a compliant agreement that includes all required elements
What should be included in a Convertible Agreement?
- Party Identification: Full legal names and registration details of the company and investors under Qatar law
- Investment Terms: Precise investment amount, valuation cap, and discount rate specifications
- Conversion Mechanics: Clear triggers and calculation methods for equity conversion
- Governing Law: Explicit reference to Qatar Commercial Law and QFC regulations
- Rights Assignment: Terms for transfer and assignment of conversion rights
- Shariah Compliance: Necessary provisions ensuring alignment with Islamic finance principles
- Dispute Resolution: Specific Qatar court jurisdiction or arbitration procedures
What's the difference between a Convertible Agreement and an Access Agreement?
A Convertible Agreement differs significantly from an Investment Agreement in both structure and purpose. While both facilitate investment in Qatari companies, they operate quite differently under local commercial law.
- Timing of Valuation: Convertible Agreements postpone company valuation until a future funding round, while Investment Agreements require immediate valuation
- Risk Distribution: Convertible Agreements offer investors potential upside through discount rates and valuation caps, whereas Investment Agreements lock in equity terms immediately
- Documentation Complexity: Convertible Agreements typically require simpler documentation under QFC regulations, making them faster to execute
- Shareholder Rights: Investment Agreements grant immediate shareholder rights, while Convertible Agreement holders must wait until conversion to exercise such rights
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