Investor Readiness Checklist
A disciplined, category-by-category checklist covering the twelve dimensions sophisticated capital reviews before a serious conversation.
Narrative and positioning
A single-page articulation of what the business does, for whom, and why it deserves outsized attention. Written for the intelligent generalist, not the domain expert. If it requires jargon to make sense, it is not yet ready.
Business fundamentals
Twenty-four months of monthly financials. Clear separation of GAAP revenue, bookings, ARR, and cash. A rolling forecast built from unit-level assumptions, not top-down aspiration. Cohort retention or repeat behavior visualised, not asserted.
The use of proceeds
Precise allocation of the requested capital across hiring, product, GTM, and reserves — with the milestones each tranche is expected to unlock. Investors ask this question in every meeting; a fluent answer earns immediate credibility.
The data room
Organised, versioned, and reviewed before it is shared. See our dedicated guide on data room best practices.
The team
A clear articulation of who is in the room, what each person owns, and where the near-term hires will be made. Gaps acknowledged unprompted are strengths; gaps discovered by the investor are risks.
The reference universe
A short list of customers, partners, or advisors prepared and willing to speak candidly. Curate carefully. A single unprepared reference call can undo months of narrative.
Interactive checklist
Work through it privately
Work through each item privately before any investor conversation. Progress saves in your browser; you can email yourself the results at the end.
Narrative & positioning
Business fundamentals
Use of proceeds
Data room
Team
References
Take this with you
Download the printable version
Share your name and email and we'll send the printable version now. Your details are held privately by our team — no marketing lists, no third parties.
You may also find helpful