Does the idea of managing fundraising conversations feel like juggling?
I used to dread keeping track of investor interactions and always thought a CRM (tried multiple) was needed. But a simple Excel tracker soon became my secret weapon.
If you are running small 2-3 person teams in the early days, don’t underestimate the power of a well-organised tracker!
I’m going to share screenshots of my own trackers and also trackers I made when helping other founders raising their early rounds.
These aren’t perfect, but I believe in Voltaire’s “Perfect is the ENEMY of good”. These simple trackers get me into action mode, instead of trying to over optimise.
Let me show you how to set up a simple fundraise tracking spreadsheet…
Some columns:
Type: Angel, Syndicate, Micro VC, VC
VC Name & Firm: Got to know who you’re talking to!
Contact Info: Mobile, Email – all the ways to connect. Also track who made the intro.
Status: Where in the funnel are they? Lead, 1st call done, Pitched, Pending-IC, Declined
Key Points: What did you chat about? Their questions? Concerns? Great to optimise your pitch and story.
How do these trackers help?
If you are like me, I tend to depend on my digital tools for reminders. Better to have it down on screen than partially forgetting because you thought you’ll “remember it all”.
Stay on top-of-mind: Follow-ups are crucial. Your tracker keeps you organised and ensures you nurture those connections.
Personalised Outreach: Remembering past conversations makes your communication genuine and impactful.
No more awkwardness: No more blanking on who you’ve talked to or what you discussed!
Dashboard: Most importantly, getting an overview at a spreadsheet-level calms me down.
Seriously, a simple Excel sheet can be a game-changer. It’s all about staying organised, showing you’re a pro, and rocking your fundraising journey.
