Maturity Date
The deadline by which a convertible note must either convert to equity or be repaid.
Definition
The maturity date is when a convertible note comes due. If the note has not converted into equity through a qualifying financing event by this date, the investor can technically demand repayment of the principal plus accrued interest. In practice, most notes are extended or renegotiated rather than repaid, since early-stage companies rarely have the cash to repay. Typical maturities are 12-24 months.
Why it matters
An approaching maturity date with no funding round in sight gives the note holder leverage. They can demand repayment (forcing a crisis) or negotiate favorable conversion terms, potentially causing more dilution for employees.
Example
A company issued a $1M convertible note with an 18-month maturity. At month 16, it has not raised a priced round. The note holder agrees to extend maturity by 6 months in exchange for lowering the valuation cap from $10M to $7M.