Whether you’re raising from a bank, an angel or a private equity fund, investors look for the same thing: confidence that your numbers are accurate, your business is well run and your plan is realistic. Being investor-ready is as much about discipline as it is about growth.
The core financial reports
Investors will expect to see:
- Annual financial statements, ideally prepared in line with IFRS for SMEs
- Management accounts, recent monthly numbers showing how the business is tracking
- Cash-flow statements, proof you understand and manage liquidity
- Debtors and creditors ageing, visibility of what you’re owed and what you owe
A credible forecast
A forecast tells investors how you think. Strong forecasts are:
- Built bottom-up from real drivers, not arbitrary growth percentages
- Backed by clear assumptions you can defend
- Presented with sensible best, base and downside scenarios
Governance and records
Beyond the numbers, investors assess how the business is run. Clean CIPC and SARS compliance, organised contracts, a tidy cap table and proper board records all signal a business that can absorb capital responsibly.
Closing the gap
Most businesses have some gaps: historical records that need tidying, forecasts that need building, or compliance items to resolve. Addressing these before you approach investors strengthens your position and your valuation.
M&J Consultants prepares investor-ready financials, builds defensible forecasts and gets your governance in order, so you walk into the room with confidence.
