Sessions · Advisor session
From SAFEs to Preferred Stock: A Founder's Guide to Fundraising Instruments with Becki Degraw, Wilson Sonsini
Monday, February 9, 2026 · 12–1 PM PST
This session has ended.
About this session
From SAFEs to Preferred Stock: A Founder's Guide to Fundraising Instruments
Raising capital? Let's talk about what you're actually signing.
When you're fundraising, the documents matter—and not just the valuation. The difference between a SAFE, a convertible note, and preferred stock can reshape your cap table, your control, and your future funding rounds. Most founders navigate these decisions with incomplete information and a lot of anxiety.
This Expert Session is different. You'll get direct access to Becki DeGraw, Partner at Wilson Sonsini, one of the leading startup law firms in the world. Her wheelhouse is exactly this: the nitty-gritty of fundraising instruments and how they actually work.
This isn't a lecture. It's a small group Q&A where you bring your real questions—whether you're deciding between a SAFE and a note, trying to understand dilution, or figuring out what preferred stock terms actually mean for your company. Becki will walk you through the landscape and help you make informed decisions about the equity structures that matter most right now.
Hosting this session
Becki DeGraw
Partner, Wilson Sonsini
Becki DeGraw practices corporate and securities law in the San Francisco office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and is a co-leader of the firm's emerging companies practice. She serves as outside general counsel and advises technology and growth companies at all stages of development. Becki works closely with entrepreneurs to guide them through initial company formation issues, day-to-day corporate governance matters, financing transactions, and liquidity events.n
n
Becki has extensive experience counseling investors of all sizes and stages of investment, including accelerators, family offices, venture funds, and corporate strategic investment arms. As a result, she has full coverage of the marketplace, from seed stage through growth equity. In addition, Becki has spearheaded Wilson Sonsini's specialized investor-focused team in this practice area.
Next step
Have a question behind the session?
Share what you’re working through. If your company qualifies, we’ll reply personally within 24 hours.
For companies that have raised at least $1M from venture firms.