Investment and exit readiness
Get investor-ready, whatever happens next
Investors, lenders and buyers all ask the same questions. Are the numbers reliable? Is there a credible plan? What are the risks? If the answers aren't readily available or take weeks to pull together, deals slow down or fail.
We help founders get ready before the conversation starts, so the business stands up to scrutiny whether you are raising money, taking on debt or preparing to sell.
How we help
Clean-up of historic records in Xero and the balance sheet, so the numbers hold up to due diligence
Investor and lender models with clear, tested assumptions
Monthly reporting that shows investors the business is well run
EIS and SEIS advance assurance applications
EMI and CSOP share option schemes to attract and keep key people
Support through due diligence, working alongside your lawyers and other advisers
When to start
The best time to prepare is 12 to 18 months before you raise or sell. Getting the processes and discipline in place well in advance gives investors and buyers confidence the business is well run.
01
Get the numbers clean. Historic records, balance sheet and Xero fully reconciled so all numbers are understood.
02
Build a reporting track record. Monthly management accounts and board reporting that show how the business performed, key areas of focus and decisions taken.
03
Model the plan. A forecast with clear, tested assumptions that tells the story behind the numbers.
04
Prepare for due diligence. Financial records, key contracts and answers ready before anyone asks.
What investors and buyers look at
Reliable numbers, fully reconciled and on time
A credible forecast, with stress tested assumptions and key sensitivities
Where the profit comes from: margin by client, product or service
Cash: how much you have, where it goes and how long it lasts
Clean records and no surprises in due diligence
What it looks like in practice
The Bookings Group, the business behind Bottomless Brunch, BookaParty and Bookable, came to us as it prepared to raise. We built a full financial model covering its three businesses, put monthly group reporting in place and prepared investor-ready accounts. It went on to raise both equity and debt finance, with the numbers and the plan behind it.
Worth doing even if the deal changes
Not every raise or sale goes ahead as planned. The preparation still pays off: cleaner numbers, better reporting and a plan the whole team understands.
Senior support when it matters
For a raise or sale, our Fractional CFO support gives you a senior finance partner through the process, with our team doing the detailed work underneath.
Common questions
How far ahead should we start?
Ideally 12 to 18 months before a raise or sale, so you have a track record to show. If your timeline is shorter, we focus on what investors and buyers will look at first.
Do you work alongside our lawyers and corporate finance advisers?
Yes. We look after the numbers, the model and the due diligence information, and work with your other advisers so nothing falls between the gaps.
Can you help with EIS and SEIS advance assurance?
Yes. We prepare and submit the application to HMRC. Timescales depend on HMRC, so we'd typically build this into your plan early.
What does it cost?
Every project is quoted separately, based on where your numbers are today and what's ahead. A 30-minute call is the quickest way to get an idea.
Related services
Fractional CFO
Senior finance thinking for the big decisions, without a full-time hire.
Forecasting & modelling
Plan ahead with numbers you can stand behind.
Tell us about your business
We'll come back to you within one working day. If it looks like a good fit, the next step is a 30-minute call.
