How To Write The Perfect One Pager Investment One-Pager

Encouraging people to invest in your startup often involves creating various documents and delivering presentations. You’ll need an impressive pitch deck along with a compelling verbal pitch. Key information about your company, such as your current user base, projected growth, and financial details, should be included. It’s also vital to emphasize your team and their strengths in addressing the challenges ahead. Additionally, you’ll require a concise one-page investment teaser, commonly known as a “one-pager” for startups.

As the name suggests, this document is brief, usually one to two pages long, and straight to the point. It offers a high-level overview of your startup. Despite its brevity, this succinct document can significantly enhance your chances of securing funding. This guide provides everything you need to know about crafting the perfect one-page investment teaser for your startup.

What Is a One-Page Investment Teaser?

A one-page investment teaser is a concise document that provides a high-level overview of the investment opportunity you’re presenting. Sometimes it’s prepared for your company, essentially acting as a resume for your business. In other cases, investment banks and related entities may create it on behalf of their clients without revealing the company’s name. This keeps the investor engaged with the bank rather than approaching the company directly.

First, it serves as the initial introduction to your company. Prospective investors rely on it to decide whether they are interested not only in your business but in the investment opportunity as a whole. Just like a resume, first impressions matter. A well-designed, coherent teaser instills confidence in investors regarding your company and the investment opportunity.

Second, this brief document sets the tone for your investment meetings. After reviewing the teaser, investors will be well-informed about your business’s essential facts. Subsequent discussions are likely to revolve around the information contained in this document. Rather than relying on their memory of a verbal pitch, prospective investors can refer to the teaser during discussions. Therefore, you must be prepared to address any questions or comments arising from the information provided.

It may be tempting to skip the one-page teaser and opt for free-flowing discussions with prospective investors, addressing questions as they arise. However, having an investment teaser is generally advantageous. Creating this document demonstrates your commitment to securing investment. Investors, both individuals and companies, receive countless pitches, many of which are in the early idea stages. By presenting a well-structured teaser, you convey your seriousness and thorough consideration of your startup, prompting investors to take your request more seriously.

Moreover, as previously mentioned, first impressions are vital. A well-designed, easily readable teaser piques curiosity and encourages further dialogue. Instead of relying on a verbal pitch that may not be fully remembered, investors can refer to the one-pager, facilitating more in-depth discussions and note-taking.

Additionally, by summarizing the key points an investor needs to know in one place, you make it convenient for them to understand your company quickly. Rather than piecing together information from various sources, they have everything they need at their fingertips. The convenience factor should not be underestimated, as it significantly streamlines the investment process.

Once you’ve decided to create a one-page investment teaser for your business, you’ll need to determine its essential components. Given the document’s brevity, it typically consists of five main sections:

Company Overview or Executive Summary: This section provides a concise overview of your company’s core activities, key personnel, and what sets it apart from competitors. Ensure you include high-level information about your solutions, products, target market, competitors, and the type of funding you are seeking.

The Team: Highlight your management team, even if briefly. Mention key team members’ roles and relevant experience. This section reassures investors about the expertise your team brings to the startup.

Intellectual Property: If your company has developed any intellectual property, such as patents or proprietary technology, be sure to emphasize it in this section. Intellectual property demonstrates uniqueness and can attract investors.

Financial Profile: Investors will always be interested in your company’s financial health. While you don’t need to provide intricate details, include critical financial information, such as 2-3 years of historical revenue and EBITDA (if available). Projected revenue for the next few years can also be included, along with an explanation of how you plan to achieve these projections.

Deal Information: In this section, you can outline specifics related to the investment deal, such as market capitalization or your funding requirements. It allows investors to assess whether they are aligned with your financial expectations.

Certain elements should be omitted from your one-page investment teaser to ensure it remains effective and professional:

Confidential Information: Avoid disclosing confidential or proprietary information that could jeopardize your company’s competitive edge. Provide a general overview without divulging sensitive details.

Exaggerated Claims: Steer clear of hyperbole and overstated language. Stick to concise and factual information. Outlandish claims can diminish your credibility.

Unprofessional Design Elements: Maintain a clean and professional look for your document. Use legible fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and ensure the text is easy to read. A polished appearance enhances your company’s image.

Typically, you should share the one-page investment teaser with prospective investors before your initial meeting. Attach it to an introductory email sent after networking events or elevator pitches. If you anticipate needing hard copies, consider printing a few for distribution at relevant events. To ensure compatibility and consistent formatting, use PDF as the distribution format, as it works well across various platforms and devices.

Yes, angel investors do pay attention to your one-pager investment teaser. Some argue that it should be a prerequisite for pitch acceptance. Creating this document demonstrates your ability to articulate a cohesive vision and well-thought-out strategy. It allows investors to delve deeper into your startup’s potential and sets you apart from those relying solely on slide decks.

In fact, influential figures like Jeff Bezos have favored written narratives over presentations, emphasizing the value of clear, concise communication.

It’s important to be aware of legal restrictions on soliciting funds, especially if you are not a licensed broker. Many startups adhere to Rule 506, which targets accredited investors. Your one-page investment teaser should primarily serve as a marketing document, not a sales pitch. Consulting with a legal professional ensures compliance with securities regulations, which can be critical as your startup attracts significant investment in the future.

Creating the perfect one-page investment teaser is not as tough as it may seem. Focus on highlighting essential aspects of your business within one or two pages. Emphasize your team, company background, solutions, intellectual property, and more. This document sets you apart and provides investors with a clear vision of your startup. It serves as a powerful tool for attracting investment and making a lasting impression in a competitive landscape.