Token DPA vs. SAFT and SAFTE
Currently, the SAFT (Simple Agreement for Future Tokens) is the instrument widely used by blockchain companies to pre-sell tokens. Republic Crypto aims to change that with the Token DPA. Although the SAFT dominates as a token presale agreement with accredited investors, Republic believes that this instrument is not optimal for less sophisticated retail investorsspecifically when the SAFT includes no maturity date or a provision to claim company assets if a project fails. The use of the derivative SAFTE (Simple Agreement for Future Tokens & Equity) which provides the prospect of future equity may not provide adequate protection if the project fails as equity holders are generally below debt holders in the event of a liquidation.
Our team realized: Who wants an IOU when we have existing established regimes for lending money to projects and leaving deposits on future purchases?
We're primarily concerned with how many SAFT instruments allows investors' token distribution rights to expire without the recourse of being a debtor as well as the inability of investors' to request money back if goals or projects never materialize on the promised schedule. Our team can reduce these concerns with the Token DPA, providing flexible terms favorable to investors interests. Despite using a framework for every agreement, each Token DPA is different and investors should read and understand each investment contract before making an investment.