This 1-page document can lead to a call or get lost in the depths of an investor’s inbox. Often times this is the document that gets forwarded around as an “intro” to a company from one investor to another or from someone in your network willing to provide a warm introduction. It needs to stand on its own yet be concise.

7 key items every exec summary should touch on:
  • Team – Always the first thing I look at.
  • Product – Brief overview.
  • Market – Size and competition, keep it very brief.
  • Traction – What are your KPI’s and how are you doing on them?
  • Revenue Model – How do you make money?
  • Pain Point – What problem are you solving?
  • Funding – How much are you raising and how far does it get you?

Think of your exec summary as a resume for your business. Its primary purpose is to get you the “interview.” For most viewers it is also the first representation they will have of your brand. So make it representative of who you are in look & feel. Space is limited so minimize any fluff (true for any interactions with investors). I like short bullets, graphs/info-graphics, and I want to “get it” with as little reading as possible

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