Discount rate
Also called: conversion discount
ELI5
Early investors convert at a cheaper share price.
Used in conversation
“The note converts with a twenty percent discount.”
Definition
A percentage reduction from a later financing price used to calculate conversion of an earlier instrument.
Here “Discount rate” means: A percentage reduction from a later financing price used to calculate conversion of an earlier instrument.
Pitch context
You will see “Discount rate” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches valuation & conversion mechanics.
Why it matters: In valuation & conversion mechanics, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Connected terms
- Discount rateThe same visible label “Discount rate” names different concepts.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- Y Combinator — Safe financing documentsDirect source · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- National Venture Capital Association — Model Legal DocumentsDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Exempt OfferingsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Series A Term Sheet TemplateSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16