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Financial Mastery

Term sheet clause 5 of 25 · Economics

Anti-dilution in a term sheet

In plain English: Adjusts the investor's conversion price if you later raise at a lower price (a down round). Typical: Broad-based weighted average.

Founder-friendly

Broad-based weighted average.

Investor-friendly

Narrow-based or full ratchet.

What to watch for

Red flag

Full ratchet (reprices to the new low price).

How to model it

Don't judge this clause by reading it; put numbers on it. In our workbooks it's modelled in Cap Table - Round Simulator for down-round tests, so you can see what it changes in your ownership or your payout before you agree.

Not legal advice. Norms vary by country and market cycle. Have a startup lawyer review your term sheet before you sign.