Raising your first institutional round comes with a lot of unknowns. What do investors want to see? How polished do your numbers need to be? How do you know if your company is truly ready?
This checklist brings clarity to a process that often feels opaque. Based on insights from thousands of early-stage founders and investors, it breaks down the core areas to focus on at pre-seed: product, financial foundations, burn and runway, FP&A, and fundraising readiness, so you can prepare with confidence.
Whether you're weeks or months away from raising, this resource helps you understand what “ready” looks like and where to invest your limited time.