Startup Updates to Investors

John Bradley "JJ" Jackson

08 Nov 2025 • 2 min read

If you have just raised early stage funding, congratulations. You now have people who believe in your vision. But now comes an important part of your job as a founder, keeping your investors informed and engaged. Regular, honest updates build trust, show discipline, and make it easier to get help when you need it.

Quarterly updates are ideal. This gives you enough time to make measurable progress and still keep your investors in the loop. In addition, plan a live update twice a year, either in person or on Zoom. Schedule one if something major happens such as a new round of funding, a big customer win, or a change in leadership. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Your update can be short and simple. A clear one page email works well if it covers these basics.

Opening Snapshots

Begin with three to five highlights that summarize the quarter. Think of this as your headline reel. Example:

MRR up 18 percent to $42K
Closed two enterprise customers
Extended runway to ten months

Key Metrics
Investors like numbers. Use a small table with your key metrics such as revenue, cash, burn, runway, users, churn, and team size. Always compare the current quarter to the previous one so trends are easy to see.
Highlights and Wins
Share milestones like new partnerships, major hires, press mentions, or product launches. Keep it factual and brief.
Challenges and Risks
Be candid about what is not working. Investors respect honesty. Share the obstacles you are facing and what you are doing to address them. Candor earns trust.
Priorities and Road Ahead
List three to five goals for the next quarter. Make them measurable so investors can track your focus and execution.
Asks from Investors
Tell them how they can help. Ask for introductions, recruiting leads, or fundraising advice. Be specific. Your investors want to support you but they cannot guess what you need.
Optional Attachments
You can attach your P and L, a demo link, or a performance dashboard. Keep it clean and easy to read.
Closing Note
End with a short and sincere message. Something like, “We are learning quickly, making progress, and grateful for your continued support.”

The best updates are open, concise, and consistent. Do not spin. Investors would rather hear about a missed goal early than be surprised later. Your goal is to build long term trust, not short term applause.

Quarterly email updates paired with live sessions twice a year are a simple and powerful way to keep investors close. They help maintain alignment, confidence, and access to help when you need it most.

A thoughtful update takes only an hour to write but can save months of explaining later.