Convertible Note Convertible Debt Convertible Loan A Convertible Note is a form of short-term debt that converts into equity, usually in conjunction with a future financing round. The investor lends money to a startup and instead of getting the money back with interest, the investor receives equity in the company. Each convertible note is usually an unsecured, short-term debt instrument that converts into equity — typically preferred shares — under specified conditions, such as a future funding round. The conversion to equity can be mandatory in some conditions or elective in others.