Learn · Security · 8 min read
Why startups outgrow single-key wallets.
One founder with full control is fine on day one and catastrophic on day 400. Multisig is how you add accountability without slowing every $12 SaaS charge.
The problem with single keys
A single private key is a single point of theft, loss, and coercion. For company treasury, that is usually unacceptable past the first few hires.
M-of-N in plain language
2-of-3 means any two of three owners must approve. 4-of-7 is for larger boards. Higher thresholds mean more safety and more coordination cost.
- ·Solo operator: 1-of-1 Safe/Squads still gives you on-chain vault structure
- ·Small team: 2-of-3 is the usual default
- ·Never set threshold higher than you can operationally reach
Safe vs Squads
Safe is the EVM standard. Squads is the Solana standard. Glide supports both so multi-chain teams do not run two treasury products.
Policy on top
Multisig answers “who must sign.” Value rules answer “should this transfer even be proposable?” Use both for high-value moves.