Fundraising for Equity vs SAFT: Which Is Right for You?

As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, the importance of a well-thought-out fundraising strategy for crypto token launches becomes increasingly evident. Founders of cryptocurrency projects are often faced with a crucial decision: whether to opt for equity financing or pursue a SAFT (Simple Agreement for Future Tokens) offering. Each method presents unique opportunities and challenges, making it essential for project founders to assess their project specifications, listing strategy, type of cryptocurrency project, and market-making services to determine the most suitable fundraising path.

Crypto VC Capital Invested & Bitcoin Price, 2016-2023

I. Equity Financing: Building Partnerships for Growth

Equity financing has been a tried-and-tested method for raising funds for startups across various industries. In the cryptocurrency space, equity financing involves selling shares of the project to investors in exchange for capital, essentially making these investors partial owners of the venture.

Advantages of Equity Financing

• Strategic Support: Equity investors often bring valuable expertise, connections, and guidance to the project.
• ​Long-Term Commitment: Equity investors have a vested interest in the project’s success, leading to ongoing support and collaboration.
• ​Regulatory Compliance: Equity financing operates within well-established regulatory frameworks, offering clarity and compliance.

Considerations for Equity Financing

• ​​Dilution of Ownership: Selling equity shares means diluting the founders’ ownership and control over decision-making.
• ​Jurisdictional Constraints: Some jurisdictions have specific regulations for equity fundraising in the cryptocurrency space, affecting accessibility to investors.
• ​Reporting Requirements: Equity financing may entail more rigorous reporting and transparency obligations to shareholders.

Fulfilling Requirements for Equity Financing

To pursue equity financing, cryptocurrency projects must adhere to regulatory requirements governing fundraising activities. These requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of investors targeted. Typically, projects must:

• ​a. Comply with Securities Laws: Projects seeking equity financing must navigate securities regulations, which can vary significantly between countries. Consulting legal experts familiar with cryptocurrency regulations is essential to ensure compliance.
• ​b. Offer Financial Disclosures: Equity investors require comprehensive financial disclosures, including business plans, financial statements, and risk assessments. Transparency is critical to building trust with potential investors.
• ​c. Accredited Investor Verification: In many jurisdictions, equity fundraising is limited to accredited investors who meet specific income or asset criteria. Verifying investor status is crucial to avoid legal complications.

II. SAFT Offering: Securing Early-Stage Funding

The SAFT model emerged as an innovative fundraising approach in the cryptocurrency industry. It involves selling future tokens to accredited investors, who will receive the tokens once the network is fully operational and the tokens are tradable.

Advantages of SAFT Offering

• ​Early Funding: SAFT allows projects to secure initial funding to support development before the token launch.
• ​Regulatory Flexibility: SAFT offerings offer some regulatory flexibility to navigate evolving compliance requirements.
• ​Token-Centric Financing: SAFT aligns fundraising directly with the project’s core asset – the token.

Considerations for SAFT Offering

• Timing Uncertainty: SAFT investors commit to receiving tokens in the future, which may be subject to delays or market conditions.
• ​Regulatory Compliance: SAFT offerings must adhere to applicable securities regulations to avoid potential legal challenges.
• ​Investor Expectations: SAFT investors anticipate the success and value of the project’s tokens, creating pressure for the project to deliver.

Fulfilling Requirements for SAFT Offering

• a. SAFT offerings are typically limited to accredited investors who fulfill specific financial criteria. Verifying investor accreditation is crucial to remain compliant.
• ​b. Token Utility and Network Development: Projects must clearly outline the utility of their tokens and the development progress of their networks to reassure investors about the token’s future value.
• ​c. Legal and Regulatory Guidance: SAFT offerings involve complex legal considerations, and projects should seek guidance from legal experts familiar with the intricacies of token offerings and relevant securities laws.

To conduct a SAFT offering, cryptocurrency projects must meet specific requirements to ensure compliance and investor protection. 

III. Balancing Tradeoffs

Deciding between equity financing and a SAFT offering involves considering various tradeoffs. Equity financing offers ownership stakes to investors and allows the company to raise funds without the immediate pressure of launching a token. However, it requires sharing decision-making authority with investors and may result in dilution of ownership. On the other hand, SAFT offerings enable early fundraising, token liquidity, and community engagement. However, conducting a successful SAFT offering requires a solid project roadmap and a clear token utility proposition.

Does your project need a token?

It is crucial for project founders to assess whether their project truly requires a native token. Some projects may thrive without a token, particularly those focused on building blockchain infrastructure or enterprise solutions. Companies like ConsenSys, a blockchain software development company, and Chain, a blockchain enterprise solutions provider, have successfully raised funds through equity financing, emphasizing their focus on technology development rather than issuing tokens.

On the other hand, projects with decentralized networks, DApps, or blockchain platforms that require native tokens to function effectively are better suited for a SAFT offering. Examples include Polkadot, a multi-chain blockchain platform, and Filecoin, a decentralized storage network, both of which conducted successful SAFT offerings to raise funds for platform development and token distribution.

V. Recommendations for Choosing the Right Financing Method

Project Focus and Token Utility: Analyze the core focus of your project and the role of the native token within the ecosystem. If the token serves a critical purpose, such as powering transactions or enabling governance, a SAFT offering may be more suitable.

Market Assessment: Evaluate the demand and interest from potential investors and stakeholders in both equity financing and SAFT offerings. Understanding market sentiment can help you make an informed decision.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Conduct thorough legal research to understand the regulations and requirements surrounding equity financing and SAFT offerings in your jurisdiction. Compliance with relevant laws is crucial to ensure a smooth fundraising process.

Expert Advice: Seek guidance from experienced advisors and professionals in the blockchain and fundraising space. Their insights can help you weigh the pros and cons of each method and make the right decision for your project.

Conclusion

Liquidity provision is a critical aspect of the listing strategy. It ensures that investors can easily buy and sell tokens, creating a liquid market. A liquid market attracts more participants, enhances token adoption, and increases investor confidence.

Yellow Capital is a leading provider of market making and liquidity provision services for crypto projects. With our expertise and experience in the crypto market, we can guide you through the listing strategy process and help you navigate the complexities of exchange selection, compliance requirements, and liquidity provision. Our team of experts is committed to supporting your project’s success and unlocking its full potential.

To learn more about Yellow Capital and how we can assist you in developing a robust listing strategy, schedule a call with our team today. Let us help you achieve your listing goals and drive the growth of your crypto project.

As a conclusion, a well-defined listing strategy is crucial for the success of a crypto token launch. It ensures visibility, liquidity, and access to a broader investor base. By carefully considering factors such as exchange selection, compliance requirements, market analysis, and token utility, project founders can make informed decisions that align with their goals. Additionally, partnering with market making and liquidity provision experts like Yellow Capital can further enhance the listing strategy and unlock the full potential of the crypto project.