The Complete Guide to Creating an Effective Executive Summary Pt 1

I am frequently asked by entrepreneurs intending to pitch Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists ‘how important is an Executive Summary’ and ‘how do I create an Executive Summary’.  So in this post and the next one, I am going to cover just about everything you need to know about an Executive Summary. I’ll give detailed guidance on how to create one, including advice on form and content. The Executive Summary approach outlined in this post is one favored by most investors and is the very same one I have used to raise millions of dollars.

The Purpose of an Executive Summary

An Executive Summary is, in many respects, the most important document you will create before embarking on the fund raising journey. Even if you have a great elevator pitch, most investors will ask to see your Executive Summary before meeting you. It is your door opener.

A concise, two page Executive Summary should provide investors with the bare minimum of information they need to understand the nature of the investment opportunity you are presenting them with. It is the first impression an investor will get of you and your business. Get it wrong and it will be the last impression.

This is a good reference to creating a short form business plan. The second part has already been posted: http://martinsoorjoo.typepad.com/lifes_a_pitch/2010/05/the-complete-guide-to-…