Regular updates build trust and turn investors into active supporters. Keep them short, send them on a schedule and be honest about what isn’t working.

Subject line

[Company] update, [Month Year]

1. Headline

One or two sentences on the most important thing that happened this month.

2. Key metrics

The same three to five numbers every month, compared with last month and with your plan.

3. Wins

Customer wins, launches, hires and milestones reached.

4. Challenges

What isn’t working and what you’re doing about it.

5. Asks

Specific requests, such as an introduction to a named company or role, candidates for an open position, or advice on a decision you’re facing.

6. Cash

Cash in the bank, monthly burn and months of runway.

Tip: keep a running document during the month so the update takes 30 minutes to write, not three hours.