Pre-Raise Preparation (8-12 Weeks Before)
Capital Structure: - Decide raise amount (mapped to milestone math) - Choose instrument: SAFE vs. priced round - Set valuation range based on comparable SaaS raises - Model dilution through this round and the next - Clean cap table — resolve any outstanding equity issues
Metrics Package: - Current ARR/MRR and growth rate - Net revenue retention (NRR) - Gross margin - CAC payback period - Churn rate (logo and revenue) - Runway at current burn
Narrative: - One-sentence company description - Market thesis (why this market, why now) - Competitive positioning - Capital allocation plan - Path from current stage to Series A
Materials Preparation (6-8 Weeks Before)
Pitch Deck (10-12 slides): - Problem, market, solution, traction, business model, team, ask - Every slide supports the narrative — no filler
Data Room: - Financial model (3-year projection with monthly granularity) - Cap table (current and pro-forma post-round) - Incorporation documents - Customer metrics dashboard - Key contracts (if applicable)
One-Pager: - Single page summary for investor sharing and forwarding - Company, traction, team, raise amount, contact
Verbal Pitch: - 60-second version for casual introductions - 5-minute version for investor meetings - Answers to 20 most likely investor questions
Investor Targeting (4-6 Weeks Before)
Build Target List (30-50 investors): - Tier 1: Perfect fit — right stage, right vertical, right check size (10 investors) - Tier 2: Good fit — some alignment (15 investors) - Tier 3: Possible fit — warm-up conversations (15-20 investors)
Research Each Investor: - Recent investments (stage, vertical, check size) - Investment thesis and publicly stated preferences - Portfolio conflicts (do they already have a competitor?) - Decision-maker and best intro path
Sequencing Strategy: - Week 1-2: Tier 3 conversations (practice and refine) - Week 3-4: Tier 2 conversations (build momentum) - Week 4-6: Tier 1 conversations (close with strongest pitch)
Active Raise (4-8 Weeks)
Weekly Cadence: - Monday: Review pipeline, prep for week's meetings - Tuesday-Thursday: Investor meetings (2-3 per day max) - Friday: Follow-ups, data room requests, partner meeting prep
Tracking: - Log every interaction in a CRM or spreadsheet - Track: stage, next step, timeline, key concerns raised - Follow up within 24 hours of every meeting
Decision Points: - First term sheet: Don't sign immediately. Use it to accelerate other conversations. - Multiple term sheets: Compare economics AND terms. Cheapest price isn't always best deal. - No term sheets after 4 weeks: Pause, reassess positioning, potentially adjust terms.
Close: - Legal review of final terms (your lawyer, not theirs) - Board seat and governance terms confirmed - Wire timeline confirmed - Announce to team and stakeholders
Ready to Position Before You Pitch?
The Strategic Capital Review is a 30-minute call to assess your raise readiness and determine whether access to our investor network is relevant to your situation.
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