The Fast Lane – Mastering Convertible Instruments
Most early-stage funding doesn’t come from priced equity rounds — it comes from convertible instruments like CLAs, SAFEs, and FEAs. They’re fast, flexible, and powerful — but the math can quietly destroy your ownership if you’re not careful.
This is the second session of the Startup Fundraising & Legal Bootcamp, a 4-part interactive series by Home of Innovation (HOIV) x Schoenherr Attorneys at Law.
We break down convertibles from the ground up, showing you how to use them strategically, spot hidden risks, and set yourself up for your next priced round.
🔍 What You’ll Learn
The Instrument Menu: CLA vs. SAFE vs. FEA — what’s the difference and which fits your startup
The Mechanics: Discounts, valuation caps, and interest explained clearly
Strategy: Using convertibles to collect commitments, run a rolling close, and bridge to a priced round
Red Flags: Toxic clauses in “standard” agreements you need to avoid
Even if the acronyms feel like a foreign language now, this session builds your understanding from the basics — the knowledge you’ll wish you had before your first investor call.
🎤 About the Speaker
Dominik Tyrybon | Attorney at Law, Schoenherr
Dominik is an expert in Schoenherr’s Start-up & Venture Capital practice. He guides founders through early-stage convertibles, priced rounds, and complex VC negotiations. His sessions are packed with real-world examples and practical insights — no fluff, no unnecessary jargon.
About the Series
This workshop is the second of a 4-part series covering the startup funding lifecycle, from your first check to exit.
You can attend individually, but the sessions build on each other — attending all ensures maximum clarity and leverage. Later workshops assume you understand the basics covered here.
Designed for startup founders — no legal background required.
By the end of this session, you’ll understand how convertibles really work, how to protect your ownership, and how to raise early funding with confidence.