The Ultimate Investor Question Worksheet: How to Prepare for Investor Meetings Like a Pro
Raising capital for your business is a pivotal moment in your startup journey, and investor meetings are your opportunity to secure funding and strategic partnerships. But are you truly prepared to answer the tough questions investors will ask?
This Investor Question Worksheet is your go-to resource to ensure you're ready for investor meetings. Whether you're raising a Seed round or Series A, these are the essential questions you'll need to address to instill confidence in potential investors and increase your chances of closing the deal.
1. Know Your Company’s Legal Structure
✅ What is the legal name of your company?
✅ Are you a Delaware C-Corp?
(Investors typically prefer Delaware C-Corps due to tax benefits, legal protections, and standardization.)
2. Showcase Your Investor Network
✅ Which venture capitalists (VCs) are already committed to this round?
✅ Who are the lead investors, and what makes them notable?
Investors gain confidence when they see a strong cap table with reputable investors leading the round. If you don’t have a lead investor yet, be prepared to explain your strategy for securing one.
3. Clearly Define Round Type & Terms
✅ What funding round are you raising (Seed, Series A, etc.)?
✅ What are the deal terms (valuation, discount, SAFE/convertible note details)?
Be ready to break down the structure of your round in a way that demonstrates a fair valuation and a strong growth trajectory.
4. SAFE Pro Rata Rights
✅ Does your SAFE agreement include pro rata rights?
(Pro rata rights allow investors to maintain their ownership percentage in future funding rounds.)
Understanding how pro rata rights work and their implications for future dilution is crucial for investor transparency.
5. Provide Access to Your Data Room
✅ Do you have a structured and organized investor data room?
✅ Does it include:
A financial model
The last 12 months of actual financials
An updated cap table including all SAFE or convertible note agreements
Your data room is a critical part of due diligence, and its organization reflects the professionalism of your fundraising process.
6. Understand Your Runway & Burn Rate
✅ How long will your current funds last?
✅ How does this new raise extend your financial runway?
✅ What is your current monthly burn rate?
Investors want to see that you’re managing capital efficiently. Have a clear breakdown of your expenses and how this raise will sustain your operations.
7. Outline Your Previous Raises & Milestones
✅ How much have you raised in previous rounds?
✅ What milestones have you achieved since then?
If you've already secured funding in the past, demonstrate how you've effectively deployed that capital to drive measurable growth.
8. Sales Performance & Revenue Traction
✅ What is your current retail sales velocity?
✅ What is your Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) performance?
✅ What are your revenue projections for the next 12 months?
Investors want to see consistent, repeatable revenue growth before making a commitment.
9. Repeat Customer Rate & Lifetime Value (LTV)
✅ What percentage of customers are repeat buyers?
✅ What is your customer LTV over the last 12 months?
A strong repeat purchase rate signals customer loyalty and brand stickiness, key indicators for long-term success.
10. Retail Expansion & Commitments for 2025
✅ Which major retailers are you working with?
✅ What percentage likelihood do you assign to pending retail deals closing?
Retail expansion is a major growth driver, and investors want to know how secure and scalable your retail strategy is.
11. Product Roadmap & Future Growth
✅ What new products are in development?
✅ What markets or verticals are you expanding into?
Your ability to innovate and scale beyond your current offerings will set you apart from competitors.
12. Gross Margins & Profitability
✅ What are your current gross margins for DTC and retail?
✅ Where do you see opportunities for margin improvement?
Gross margin efficiency is one of the most critical factors in scaling sustainably. Have a plan for increasing margins through manufacturing efficiencies, reduced COGS, and pricing strategies.
13. Retail Pricing & Competitive Positioning
✅ How does your pricing compare to competitors?
✅ What is your unique value proposition on the shelf?
Investors want to see that you understand how your pricing strategy impacts brand perception and market positioning.
14. Exit Strategy & Market Potential
✅ What is your long-term exit strategy?
✅ Are there potential acquisition opportunities?
In the end, investors only make money when there is an exit. Whether it’s M&A, IPO, or strategic buyout, you need a clear path to liquidity.
15. Competitive Landscape
✅ Who are your biggest competitors?
✅ How do you differentiate from them?
Investors want to know why you have a unique and defensible market position.
BONUS: Additional Questions You Must Be Ready For
🔹 Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): What does it cost to acquire a customer, and how does it compare to LTV?
🔹 Team & Leadership: Who are your key team members, and what experience do they bring?
🔹 Strategic Partnerships: Are you collaborating with major brands or retailers?
🔹 Risk Factors: What risks do you foresee in your market, and how are you mitigating them?
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Be Confident, Be Investable
The key to securing investment is not just having a great business, but being able to articulate your vision with clarity and confidence.
Use this Investor Question Worksheet to refine your pitch, strengthen your responses, and present a compelling case for investment.
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