The interest rate is the amount charged by a lender, usually expressed as a percentage of principal annually.

Convertible notes also carry an interest rate. Unlike traditional loans, however, this interest is paid in additional shares upon conversion of the note instead of cash. Let’s say you invest $1,000 in a startup through a convertible note with a 5% interest rate. If they receive a series A investment one year later, you would have accrued $50 worth of interest and would be entitled to $1,050 worth of shares at the appropriate conversion rate.

While Convertible Notes have an interest rate, the interest and principal are rarely repaid in cash; rather, the accumulated interest entitles the investor to receive more stock if and when the note converts to equity.