Term-sheet economics · Working
Pari passu
Also called: equal ranking
ELI5
Holders rank equally.
Used in conversation
“Series A and Series B are pari passu in the exit waterfall.”
Definition
A ranking in which specified securities or claims share equally at the same level of priority.
Here “Pari passu” means: A ranking in which specified securities or claims share equally at the same level of priority.
Pitch context
You will see “Pari passu” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches term-sheet economics.
Why it matters: In term-sheet economics, 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.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- National Venture Capital Association — Model Legal DocumentsDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Series A Term Sheet TemplateDirect source · practitioner · 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 — Safe financing documentsSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16