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1. Strategic clarity
Before raising capital, be clear on why you are raising.
☐ Can you clearly articulate the problem your business solves?
☐ Is your value proposition simple and easy to explain?
☐ Do you know exactly what milestone this funding will unlock?
☐ Have you defined what success looks like 18–24 months after raising?
☐ Is your raise driven by momentum rather than cash pressure?
Notes:
2. Growth & traction
Investors look for evidence of progress.
☐ Is revenue growing consistently?
☐ Can you clearly demonstrate customer demand?
☐ Do customers stay and continue buying from you?
☐ Can you explain your growth drivers?
☐ Are key performance metrics tracked monthly?
Notes:
3. Financial visibility
Strong financial organisation builds confidence.
☐ Are your management accounts up to date?
☐ Can you clearly explain your revenue breakdown?
☐ Do you understand your gross margins?
☐ Is your cash runway clearly modelled?
☐ Are your financial forecasts realistic and well-structured?
Notes:
4. Funding plan
Be intentional about the amount you raise.
☐ Have you calculated the capital required to reach your next major milestone?
☐ Have you included a time buffer for fundraising?
☐ Have you considered the ownership impact of this round?
☐ Is your use-of-funds plan specific and measurable?
☐ Does this raise strengthen your position for the next stage?
Notes:
5. Governance & documentation
Preparation reduces friction during due diligence.
☐ Is your cap table accurate and up to date?
☐ Are all shareholder agreements accessible and signed?
☐ Are key customer and supplier contracts organised?
☐ Are employment contracts in place for senior team members?
☐ Is intellectual property clearly owned by the company?
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6. Leadership & capacity
Capital accelerates growth but growth requires leadership capacity.
☐ Is your leadership team stable and aligned?
☐ Do you have clarity over roles and responsibilities?
☐ Are you prepared for increased reporting and board oversight?
☐ Do you have capacity to manage a fundraising process alongside operations?
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7. Investor alignment
Choosing the right partner matters.
☐ Are you targeting investors aligned with your stage and sector?
☐ Have you researched their investment approach?
☐ Do you understand their expectations post-investment?
☐ Are you optimising for long-term partnership and not just valuation?
Notes:
If most boxes are confidently ticked, you are likely approaching fundraising from a position of strength.
If several areas feel unclear, focusing on preparation now can improve both process efficiency and long-term outcomes.
This checklist has been developed from our experience supporting ambitious UK businesses through multiple stages of growth. Structured preparation often leads to smoother processes and stronger partnerships.