Investor updates are a key part of maintaining transparency with investors and other stakeholders. They allow you to share key metrics, team and business development highlights, and major asks with the people who helped your startup raise funding. They also help you discover your communication style and brand.
Writing a great investor update takes practice and consistency. Start by setting aside a day each month to gather and draft your updates. This will give you the chance to get into a habit and become comfortable with your content before it’s time to send. It’s also important to pick a consistent schedule and stick to it. Investors know that founders are busy, but skipping an update can send the wrong signal and leave them wondering what is going on with your company.
The first section of your investor update should highlight the highlights from the previous month (or quarter). This can include anything from a new product feature or sales milestone to a new partnership or customer win. It’s often helpful to break these down by team or function and use bullet points for brevity. This section is also a good opportunity to share kudos and recognition with your team.
It’s important to balance the highlights with the lowlights in your investor update. No one wants to read an update that only talks about the good stuff. In addition, it’s a good idea to share any challenges your business is facing with your investors. This will not only help keep them informed but will also show that you value their support and want to build a healthy relationship.