Fundraising & Investors
Investor Readiness Checklist for UK Startups
A practical checklist covering the story, numbers, legal documents and process investors expect during an early-stage raise.
Fundraising story
Clear customer problem and differentiated solution.
Evidence supporting market size and timing.
Specific traction metrics with definitions and source data.
Credible explanation of competition and defensibility.
Round size, use of funds and milestone funded.
Financial information
Integrated financial model with assumptions, cash flow and runway.
Historic management information reconciled to accounting records.
Monthly burn, committed costs and hiring plan.
Scenario analysis for slower growth or delayed funding.
Ownership and round structure
Accurate fully diluted cap table.
Details of options, warrants, convertibles and shareholder rights.
Proposed valuation and dilution analysis.
Existing investor consents or pre-emption requirements identified.
Legal and tax readiness
Company records, filings and material contracts organised.
Intellectual property ownership documented.
Employment and contractor arrangements available for review.
SEIS or EIS position assessed where relevant, without overstating advance assurance.
Investor process
Target investor list prioritised by fit and access.
Pitch deck, one-line description and forwardable introduction prepared.
Secure data room organised with clear document names.
Pipeline owner, next actions and follow-up cadence agreed.
Request a readiness review
Startup CFO can help strengthen the financial model, reporting and fundraising materials behind your round. When the business is ready, you can also apply to Investor Match for consideration for relevant introductions. Applications do not guarantee an introduction or funding.
