Who This Helps
This is for junior analysts who have crunched the numbers but need to get everyone on the same page. It pulls directly from the Founder Finance Basics Mission Pack, especially the Runway Forecast and Fundraising Readiness Memo missions. If your founder needs a runway number they can explain and act on, this is your playbook.
Mini Case
Ben's SaaS company has 6 months of cash runway left. His analysis shows they need to either cut marketing spend by $15K/month or secure a $300K bridge round within 90 days to hit 12 months of safe runway. The numbers are solid, but the leadership team is stuck debating. Your job is to turn that forecast into a decision.
Do This Now (5 Steps)
- Start with the one big question. Frame your entire memo around it: "How do we secure 12 months of runway?"
- Lead with your single most important number. Put the 6-month runway front and center.
- Present only two clear options. For Ben, it's Option A: Cut spend now. Option B: Raise capital.
- Attach one key metric to each option. Show that Option A increases efficiency by 20%, but Option B protects growth.
- State your recommended next step. Make it a simple, time-boxed action: "Approve a 30-day path to secure a $300K bridge."
Avoid These Traps
- Don't show three or more options. It causes decision paralysis.
- Never bury the recommendation. Say it clearly at the start and the end.
- Avoid jargon like "burn multiple" or "CAC ratio" without a plain-English translation.
- Don't present data without a direct link to an action. Every chart needs a "so what."
- Resist the urge to include every data point. Stick to the three numbers that matter most.
- Don't let the meeting end without a clear owner and deadline for the next step.
- Avoid emailing a 10-page deck. Use a one-pager.
- Never assume everyone remembers the context. Recap the business goal in one sentence.
Your Win by Friday
By Friday, you can have a one-page fundraising readiness memo that does the hard work for your stakeholders. It turns your lonely analysis into a team commitment. You'll move from having a number to having a plan. That’s how you go from analyst to trusted advisor. Pretty cool, right?