Best practices guide for reporting to your investors

Investor reporting and communication is a critical aspect of startup management.

Investor reporting is the process of sharing both qualitative and quantitative information with existing and potential investors. The nature and depth of these reports vary depending on the company's stage, industry, and regulatory requirements. For early-stage startups, particularly pre-revenue companies, investor updates may be more narrative-driven, focusing on strategic developments, key milestones, and market positioning. In contrast, publicly traded companies are required to provide detailed financial statements, operational metrics, and strategic insights at regular intervals.

The primary objective of investor reporting is to maintain transparency, foster trust, and reinforce confidence in the company’s vision, strategy, and performance. Keeping investors well-informed strengthens relationships and can facilitate future funding opportunities.

Whilst it is optional for private companies, some shareholder agreement may stipulate mandate requirements to share certain details on a month, quarterly or annual basis.  

What to include in your update

While there are no strict rules for structuring investor updates, they should provide a comprehensive and transparent overview of the company's current status, strategic direction, financial position, and any challenges faced. The goal is to ensure investors have a clear understanding of the business’s progress and outlook.

Investor updates are not just about sharing information—they also serve as an opportunity to leverage the expertise, network, and resources of your investors. Many angel investors, VCs, and PEs you’ve engaged with through your start up journey have extensive industry connections and can provide valuable support, whether through strategic guidance, potential partnerships, or introductions to key stakeholders.

By keeping investors well-informed and engaged, you strengthen their confidence in the company and enhance their willingness to contribute beyond financial investment.

Some elements to include in your investor update

  • Introduction: provide a concise overview of your company's purpose, recent achievements, setbacks, and operational tempo. Set the tone for the update and capture investor interest by hinting at key insights covered in the report.
  • KPIs: investors want to understand progress and business and financial performance and require metrics to gauge this. Report on the 3-5 most critical business metrics, including core financials, cash runway, and monthly burn rate.
  • Highlights: celebrate successes and highlight relevant progress you have made through brief bullet points. Focus on relevant financial, operational, and user growth achievements to reinforce positive momentum.
  • Challenges (“Bad and ugly”): be candid about obstacles and setbacks. Transparency builds trust, so avoid painting an overly optimistic picture. Clearly outline key challenges to ensure investors remain informed and prepared to support where possible.
  • Asks: not every update needs an "ask," but when you do have specific needs, be direct. Whether seeking introductions, strategic guidance, or industry connections, provide clear context, relevant links, and actionable details. Treat investor networks with respect and leverage them effectively to address challenges.

Template: follow the Investor Reporting Template for a structured and engaging update, combining concise language with specific details for informative communication.

This resource, and any guidance within it, must not be relied on as legal advice. We recommend that you seek specific advice to deliver an outcome best suited to your situation.

Investor reporting and communication is a critical aspect of startup management.

Investor reporting is the process of sharing both qualitative and quantitative information with existing and potential investors. The nature and depth of these reports vary depending on the company's stage, industry, and regulatory requirements. For early-stage startups, particularly pre-revenue companies, investor updates may be more narrative-driven, focusing on strategic developments, key milestones, and market positioning. In contrast, publicly traded companies are required to provide detailed financial statements, operational metrics, and strategic insights at regular intervals.

The primary objective of investor reporting is to maintain transparency, foster trust, and reinforce confidence in the company’s vision, strategy, and performance. Keeping investors well-informed strengthens relationships and can facilitate future funding opportunities.

Whilst it is optional for private companies, some shareholder agreement may stipulate mandate requirements to share certain details on a month, quarterly or annual basis.  

What to include in your update

While there are no strict rules for structuring investor updates, they should provide a comprehensive and transparent overview of the company's current status, strategic direction, financial position, and any challenges faced. The goal is to ensure investors have a clear understanding of the business’s progress and outlook.

Investor updates are not just about sharing information—they also serve as an opportunity to leverage the expertise, network, and resources of your investors. Many angel investors, VCs, and PEs you’ve engaged with through your start up journey have extensive industry connections and can provide valuable support, whether through strategic guidance, potential partnerships, or introductions to key stakeholders.

By keeping investors well-informed and engaged, you strengthen their confidence in the company and enhance their willingness to contribute beyond financial investment.

Some elements to include in your investor update

Template: follow the Investor Reporting Template for a structured and engaging update, combining concise language with specific details for informative communication.

This resource, and any guidance within it, must not be relied on as legal advice. We recommend that you seek specific advice to deliver an outcome best suited to your situation.

This resource, and any guidance within it, must not be relied on as legal advice. We recommend that you seek specific advice to deliver an outcome best suited to your situation.
This resource, and any guidance within it, must not be relied on as legal advice. We recommend that you seek specific advice to deliver an outcome best suited to your situation.

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