STARTUP FUNDING READINESS CHECKLIST
Preparation for a seed or venture round so due diligence and closing move quickly.
Story & Financials
- ☐ Pitch deck with problem, solution, market and traction
- ☐ 3-year financial model with key assumptions
- ☐ Unit economics, burn rate and runway
- ☐ Fundraise amount, valuation ask and use of funds
Cap Table & Structure
- ☐ Current cap table with fully diluted ownership
- ☐ ESOP pool created and allocation policy
- ☐ Previous round documents (SHA, SSA) and SAFE/CCPS terms
- ☐ Founder vesting agreements in place
Legal & Compliance Hygiene
- ☐ Incorporation documents and MCA filings up to date
- ☐ Statutory registers and board minutes maintained
- ☐ IP assigned to the company from all founders/contractors
- ☐ GST, TDS and income-tax filings current
- ☐ Key contracts and licences in the company’s name
Data Room
- ☐ Organised virtual data room with indexed folders
- ☐ Bank statements and audited/reviewed financials
- ☐ Customer, revenue and cohort metrics
- ☐ Team org chart and key employment agreements
Note: For CCPS/priced rounds involving valuation, keep a Section 56(2)(viib)/Rule 11UA valuation report ready. DPIIT-recognised startups may claim an exemption from angel tax on eligible investments.