After the Check Clears: Six Essentials for Working with Your Investors
Securing funding is a huge milestone for any startup, but what comes next is just as important. Once the check clears, your relationship with your investor begins in earnest. Whether you’re working with a pre-seed angel or a Series A investor, your post-funding strategy should prioritize clarity, communication and collaboration.
Your legal documents may set out board rights or reporting obligations, but they don’t cover how to build trust, avoid misunderstandings or unlock your investor’s full value. Here are six essentials to guide your approach:
1. Agree on Expectations
After the funding closes, clarify what kind of involvement your investor expects. Are they a passive LP-style backer who just wants quarterly updates? Or do they hope to make introductions, help with hiring and offer strategic input?
Even if this was discussed during diligence, expectations can shift once the paperwork is signed. Revisit the conversation. Don’t assume silence means disengagement or that interest means interference. A short alignment call after funding goes a long way.
2. Communicate Authentically and Consistently
Strong communication builds strong investor relationships. Startups that maintain trust with investors are open about both wins and setbacks. A polished update with only cherry-picked KPIs won’t build credibility.
A quarterly update is a good baseline: highlight key metrics, share what’s working, name what isn’t and ask for help where needed. You should also ask for feedback on the format.
Always flag key events such as new campaigns, product launches, accelerator milestones or big hires. Don’t save investor communications for the next fundraising cycle.
3. Make It Easy to Brag About Your Company
Your investors are excited about your company; help them share your story. If you're a consumer brand, provide samples, photos, discount codes or ready-to-share social media content. If you’re B2B, give them a one-pager they can use when making intros.
Keeping a shared folder with updated decks, press mentions and metrics gives your investors the tools they need to be effective ambassadors. You want them to think of your company when they're asked, “What startups are you excited about?”
4. Ask for Help—And Be Direct
Engaged investors want to be helpful, but they need guidance. Instead of vague asks like “Let me know if you can help,” be clear and specific. Need an intro to someone at a target company? Say so. Want eyes on a pitch deck? Send the link and a deadline.
Many investors, especially those with large portfolios, are used to triaging requests. Don’t be shy. Most will appreciate your thoughtfulness and may surprise you with what they can unlock.
5. Know What You’ve Agreed To and Build Accordingly
Most funding rounds come with formal rights: board seats, observer roles or information rights that require financial updates and notice of key events. Be aware of the operational implications of these covenants.
Before the term sheet is signed, understand what you’re committing to. Will you need to prepare monthly reporting packages? Are you required to provide access to financials or cap table updates? Is board meeting prep going to take a day or a week?
Once the deal is done, put systems in place to honor those obligations: tighten up accounting, schedule regular updates and document key decisions. If a board has been formed, take meetings seriously. Prepare materials that spark real discussion.
6. Invest Time to Develop Your Relationship
“Investor relations” is often seen as a chore, but it’s a high-leverage opportunity. Your investors chose you for a reason. If you treat them as long-term partners, and not just sources of capital, you may gain advocates who back your future ventures, connect you with collaborators and help you level up as a leader. Make space for real conversations. Remember that a shared mission brought you together. Your investors chose to take a risk on your company, mostly because they believe in YOU. Take time to get to know your investors, plan your communications and build the future together.
