Raising investment is a milestone but it’s also a process that demands preparation. Here’s a practical checklist to help you assess whether your business is truly ready to approach investors.

1. Your Investor Story is Clear

• Can you articulate the problem, your solution, traction to date, and your vision in under 2 minutes?
• Is your story compelling, credible, and aligned with market trends?

2. Financials Are in Order

• Clean cap table with no red flags?
• 3-year forecast with assumptions clearly stated?
• Understanding of unit economics and cash runway?

3. Deck & Data Room Are Ready

• Pitch deck that tells your story visually and succinctly?
• One-pager for quick intros?
• Financial model, key metrics, and supporting documents in a secure data room?

4. Legal & Governance Are Clean

• Shareholder agreements and IP ownership sorted?
• Any convertible notes or SAFE agreements clearly documented?
• Board structure and decision-making processes defined?

5. Traction & Milestones Are Evident

• Can you show product-market fit or early signs of it?
• Do you have customer feedback, revenue, or partnerships to validate progress?

6. Team & Gaps Are Transparent

• Do you have the right core team in place?
• Are you clear about the gaps and how funding will help fill them?

7. Use of Funds is Strategic

• Can you clearly explain how the money will be used?
• Is there a link between funding and key growth milestones?