Pre-Seed Investment Opportunity

Invest In CrewChiefSteve

Y Combinator SAFE — 25% Discount at Conversion

CrewChiefSteve Technologies builds AI-powered hardware and software for motorsport. We're raising pre-seed capital through the industry-standard Y Combinator SAFE with a 25% discount for early investors.

Begin Investment Read The SAFE
The Opportunity
What We're Building
CrewChiefSteve Technologies is building the next generation of connected hardware and AI tools for racing teams — from pit road sensors to autonomous operations agents. Built by a crew chief, for crew chiefs.
5
Hardware Products
Active hardware products in development — real devices designed for real race teams, from oil heater controllers to tire temperature probes.
24
AI Agents
Autonomous AI agents managing operations, inventory, engineering, and support — the operating system behind the company.
32
Sanctioning Bodies
Products designed to serve teams across 32 racing sanctioning bodies — a massive, underserved market.
The Founder
Built By a Crew Chief

Steve Kuykendall

Founder & CEO

Not a tech company that read about racing. A crew chief who builds technology. Over three decades on pit road — 35+ years across every level of motorsport, from grassroots dirt tracks to professional road racing. Every product, every feature, every decision comes from direct experience solving real problems that racing teams face every weekend.

1,000+
Races
35+
Years
32
Sanctioning Bodies
Capital Allocation
Use Of Funds
Your investment goes directly into getting products to market and building the operational foundation for scale.
50%
Hardware Compliance Testing & Liability Insurance
First priority. Certification testing (FCC, UL, CE) and product liability coverage required to ship hardware to customers. This is the gate between prototype and product.
30%
Operations & Infrastructure
Manufacturing setup, inventory systems, fulfillment infrastructure, and the operational backbone needed to take and deliver real orders.
20%
Engineering & Development
Continued firmware and software development, AI agent expansion, and iteration on hardware based on field testing feedback.
The Instrument
The Y Combinator SAFE

The Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) was created by Y Combinator in 2013 and is now the standard investment instrument for pre-seed rounds — used in 90% of pre-seed deals on Carta's platform as of Q1 2025.


You invest now. When we raise a priced equity round, your SAFE automatically converts into preferred stock at a 25% discount to the price paid by the new investors. No interest, no maturity date, no complex negotiation. You took the earlier risk — you get better pricing.

25% Discount at Conversion
When Series A investors pay $1.00 per share, your SAFE converts at $0.75 per share. Your investment buys roughly 33% more shares than it would at full price. That's the reward for stepping in early.
Expected Timeline
We anticipate our first priced round before Q4 2026, potentially earlier. That means SAFE holders investing now could see conversion within months — not years.
Standard Legal Document
The YC SAFE is a standardized, widely-understood agreement. Short, clear, and used by thousands of startups and investors. No complex negotiation needed.
Automatic Conversion
Your SAFE converts into preferred stock when the company raises a priced equity round. No additional action required on your part.
Acquisition Protection
If the company is acquired before a priced round, SAFE holders receive their investment back or convert at the acquisition price — whichever is more favorable.
The Agreement
Read The SAFE
The actual Y Combinator SAFE (Discount Only) for CrewChiefSteve Technologies, Inc. Review the full agreement below or download the PDF.
YC SAFE — Discount Only — CrewChiefSteve Technologies, Inc. Download PDF
Next Steps
How To Invest
Four steps from interest to executed SAFE agreement.
01
Review the SAFE
Read the agreement above. Have your attorney review if you'd like.
02
Reach Out
Contact us to discuss your investment amount and any questions.
03
Sign & Wire
Both parties sign the SAFE. You wire the purchase amount.
04
Receive Your SAFE
You receive your fully executed SAFE agreement for your records.

Ready To Back Us Early?

You're taking the earlier risk. We're giving you better pricing. That's the deal.

Start A Conversation
Email
CrewChiefSteve@gmail.com
Address
105 Hathaway Lane, Unit 103
Mooresville, NC 28117
Instrument
YC SAFE — Discount Only
25% Discount at Conversion
Questions
Investor FAQ
What exactly am I buying with a SAFE?
You are investing cash now in exchange for a legal agreement that gives you the right to receive preferred stock when the company completes its first priced equity round or is acquired. You are not buying stock today.
What does the 25% discount mean in practice?
When the next round investors pay $1.00 per share, your SAFE converts at $0.75 per share. Your investment buys approximately 33% more shares than it would at full price.
When does my SAFE convert?
It converts automatically when CrewChiefSteve Technologies raises a priced equity round (Series Seed, Series A, etc.) or is acquired. No action required on your part.
What happens if the company is acquired?
Your SAFE either converts into equity at the acquisition terms or you receive payment equal to your investment amount — whichever is more favorable to you.
Do I need accredited investor status?
Yes. The SAFE requires that investors are accredited investors as defined in Rule 501 of SEC Regulation D. If you are not accredited at the time of a future equity financing, the company may void the SAFE and return your investment.
Should I have my attorney review the SAFE?
We always recommend investors consult with their own legal and financial advisors. The YC SAFE is a standardized document, which makes legal review straightforward.