Investor Summary for Startups

The one-page summary is a document for your startup business’ investors that includes everything from number of employees to information on your target market. If you’re raising money, a one-page business summary that describes aspects of your startup to potential investors is key. Within five minutes, an investor should be able understand what your business is and what you offer without asking the potential investor to look through large documents and pitch decks or other documents. The one-page summary is what helps you get the meeting to the pitch. Some experts say it should be just 10 percent of your full business plan, following the same flow, but pared down to highlight its main sections. Mike Colwell, the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Executive Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives, explains the components typically included in the one-page summary.

Key Parts of a One-Page Summary

The one-page summary will include an introduction that presents your startup to potential investors. Company information, including location and company name, as well as a section highlighting what problem your business/product is working to solve. It will also include, as the full business plan does, market financials and competitive overviews.

Why the One-Page Summary?

By sharing information about your startup in a concise document, investors can get an at-a-glance rundown of your startup to determine whether they want to help you expand through raising capital. The one-page summary can be emailed or uploaded to online platforms where it is easily accessible to potential investors. Programs like Gust and AngelList should have the most up-to-date versions of your one-page summary.

The Partnership offers a one-page summary template here.

The Raising Capital Seminar is an annual event in Greater Des Moines (DSM) that helps small businesses and startups grow and secure funding. Hear from founders and angel investors and learn how to take your business to the next level. To find more information on when the next annual Raising Capital Seminar takes place, as well as view past event videos visit the Raising Capital Seminar page.