How to write a monthly investor update.

Investors back tech founders they trust. A regular update, sent on time even when the news is bad, is the simplest way to build that trust. It also sends useful introductions your way.

The format

1. One-line summary. How the month went, honestly.
2. Key metrics. The same five or six every month, for example revenue or MRR, growth, churn, cash, burn and runway.
3. Highlights. Three wins: customers, product, team.
4. Lowlights. What went wrong and what you are doing about it.
5. Asks. Two or three specific requests: an introduction, advice, a hire.
6. Thank-yous. Credit people who helped last month.

Tips

• Send it in the first week of each month, at the same time.
• Keep it to one page. Link to detail rather than attaching it.
• Share bad news early. Surprises damage trust; problems shared early get help.
• Send it to advisers and warm prospective investors too.