500 Startups KISS Documents
KISS (Keep It Simple Security) is 500 Startups’ alternative to YC’s SAFE. Published in 2014 by 500 Global, it offers two main variants — Debt (with maturity and interest) and Equity (no maturity, no interest, similar to SAFE) — designed to handle early-stage convertible investments with lean documentation.
These documents are designed for the Delaware C-Corp structure. Direct use by a Turkish Limited Şirket or Anonim Şirket is legally problematic and creates incompatibility with the Turkish Commercial Code. To replicate a similar structure inside a Turkish entity, jurisdiction-specific adaptations are required — consult Turkish counsel.
All rights belong to 500 Global. Vircon Legal links these documents only for reference; no copyright is claimed and no modifications are made. Source: github.com/500/keep-it-simple-security
DOCX
KISS — Convertible Debt
The debt variant. Typically 18-month maturity with ~5% interest. Converts to equity at qualified financing or matures into stock at a defined valuation. Closer to a traditional convertible note than a SAFE.
DOCX
KISS — Convertible Equity
The equity variant. No maturity, no interest — closer to a SAFE. Converts at the next qualified financing or change-of-control event. Standard pro-rata participation rights are baked in.
REPO
KISS Documents Repository
Full repository of 500 Global’s KISS templates including the README explainer, alternate variants, and document history. Browse for short-form versions and additional reference material.