What Investors Are Really Checking

When investors review your model, they’re testing control and credibility, not spreadsheets. They want to see that you:

• Know how long your runway is and what milestones it funds

• Can show traction, with pilots converting to customers

• Understand your margins and how they improve with scale

• Manage cash burn rate in line with progress

• Are planning your next round based on evidence, not optimism

They back founders who understand how their model connects milestones, capital, and value creation.

It’s normal for early models to show results that feel off, such as revenue rising too quickly, margins dipping, or runway running short. Refining the assumptions is part of the process. But remember, investors don’t expect forecasting accuracy; they expect you to understand why it looks that way.

Use the GPT to iterate your model by asking it questions such as the below, and uploading screenshots of parts of the model that you need help with:

• “My revenue growth looks too steep here. Could that be timing, conversion, or pricing?”

• “Runway feels short in the attached graphs. How can I extend it?”

• “Margins drop during scale-up. What might cause that from an investor’s perspective?”

Understanding what drives the pattern matters more than adjusting the figure. It shows you’re in control of the logic behind the model.

How to Use Prompts Effectively

Keep your model open beside the GPT and focus on patterns, not figures.

• Describe what you see. Summarise the trend rather than reading out numbers.

• Ask why key shifts occur, linking changes to milestones or timing.

• Frame your answers around evidence, control, and efficiency.

• Share context. Screenshots of your Summary KPIs, Financial Statements, or People Plan / Business Drivers help the GPT understand your position and guide you more precisely toward investor expectations.

If something looks wrong, describe what you see and let the GPT help you unpack it. The goal isn’t to produce perfect numbers; it’s to show you understand the relationships driving your business.

Example Prompts

Runway & Burn

• “Help me explain how my burn changes between Prototype and Pilot.”

• “If my burn looks high, how should I position that in investor terms?”

Revenue & Traction

• “Which parts of my model best show early traction?”

• “How can I present my pilot-to-production conversion credibly?”

Margins & Unit Economics

• “How should I discuss margin improvement across stages?”

• “What would investors expect to see in my CAC:LTV trend?”

Milestones & Risk Reduction

• “Which milestones most clearly reduce risk?”

• “How do I link these to valuation readiness for the next round?”

Scenarios & Sensitivities

• “If my sales cycle extends by three months, how should I explain the impact?”

• “If prototype costs rise but conversion improves, how would investors interpret that?”

When you’re happy with your financial model remember to ask the GPT to update your Commercialisation Assumptions Booklet to incorporate any changes and align your financial story.