Strategic Fundraising Playbook

Phase 1: Preparation

Goal: Lay a strong foundation for the fundraising campaign.

Define Strategic Objectives
- Identify how much capital is required and how it will be allocated.
- Determine the types of investors to target (geographic, industry expertise, etc.).
- Develop criteria for ideal investors (e.g., expertise in blockchain, enterprise adoption).
Develop Core Narrative and Pitch Decks
- Core Narrative: Distill key segments of the company narrative (Why Now? Why Us?)
- Teaser Deck: Create a high-level overview to spark interest before the meeting.
- Pitch Deck: Include in-depth details about the product, market, business model, milestones, team, and financial projections.
Craft a Shareable Introduction Blurb
- Write a concise, compelling summary of your fundraising story that can be easily shared with potential investors and subsequent introductions.
Solidify Public Persona for Executives and Company
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
- Search Results
Set Up Pitch Tools
- Record meetings with Granola (or other meeting recorder)
- Schedule with Calendly
- Managed document access with DocSend

Goal: Execute a disciplined and structured outreach campaign.

Compile a Target Investor List
- Research and list potential investors, including VCs, angel investors, and strategic partners.
  Segment them into tiers based on alignment with your objectives.
- Identify warm introductions through mutual connections.
- Use social proof to build credibility (e.g., endorsements from respected individuals in your industry).
Customize Communication for Each Message
- Personalize outreach messages for each target investor group.
  Use the shareable blurb and teaser deck to initiate conversations.
Schedule Sneak Preview
- Friendly Meetings
- Record and analyze
- Loom for further review
Schedule initial meetings with interested investors
- Use the teaser deck to pique interest, then follow up with the comprehensive deck during deeper discussions.
Track Investor Interest
- Maintain a CRM or spreadsheet to track investor engagement, meeting outcomes, and next steps.

Goal: Build momentum, secure commitments, and finalize terms.

Pitch, Pitch, Pitch (and then Pitch some more)
- Target a minimum of 5 NEW investors each week
- Capture Investor questions during meetings
- Tune pitch based on feedback and questions
Create Data Room
- Follow Data Room Guide
Identify Lead Investor
- Secure commitments from key investors.
- Work with your Lawyer to Negotiate the Term Sheet.
Socialize Term Sheet with Follow-On Investors
- Identify follow-on investors at Lead Investor Terms.
Define the Round Structure
- Make final allocations and close the Round

Goal: Finalize agreements and maintain relationships with investors.

Finalize Legal Documentation
- Make final allocations and close the Round
Collect Signed Agreements
- Maintain detailed records in Carta
Transfer Funds
- Partner with large bank like Chase
Send Personal Thank Yous to Everyone
- Build long-term relationships to pave the way for future funding rounds
Announce the Fundraising Round
- Time announcement for when you need the attention (launch, etc)
- Provide investors with regular updates on milestones and progress.

Goal: Maximize runway, team performance, and investor confidence for long-term success and future rounds.

Conduct a retrospective to identify strengths and weaknesses in the fundraising process
- Gather key team and record lessons for future rounds
Work off Written Plans
- Pick a common planning framework like OKRs and drive accountability with your team
Conservative Staffing Plan
- Read the 37signals Hire When It Hurts framework
- Follow Matt Mochary "Great CEO WIthin" team plans
Control Expenses
- Develop quarterly scorecard and implement project-based budgeting
Develop Investor Communication Cadence (Monthly)
- Provide investors with regular updates on milestones and progress.