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Checklist · Automation

Automation fundraising checklist — Step by Step 2026

Raising funds for your automation startup requires demonstrating a clear vision for solving complex workflows and scaling triggers. This checklist guides you through the key steps to impress investors and secure funding.

50 checklist items 7 min read
Reviewed by Roman Trotsko & Denis TrotskoLast reviewed May 2026

Phase 01

Preparation & Positioning

10 tasks
  • 1.1
    critical1 week

    Define your automation niche

    Specify if you focus on RPA, no-code automation, API automation, or a specific industry. Highlight how you differentiate from competitors like Zapier or Make.

  • 1.2
    critical3 days

    Identify your target audience

    Focus on Ops teams, growth teams, or solo founders. Understand their pain points related to complex workflows, error handling, and maintenance.

  • 1.3
    high2 days

    Craft your value proposition

    Clearly articulate how your automation platform solves visibility issues and scaling triggers better than existing solutions.

  • 1.4
    critical1 week

    Develop a compelling pitch deck

    Showcase your team, the problem you're solving, your solution, market size, business model (per-task, per-workflow, team seats), traction, and financial projections.

  • 1.5
    high3 days

    Research potential investors

    Identify VCs and angel investors who have invested in automation tools, integration platforms, or RPA startups.

  • 1.6
    medium5 days

    Prepare your data room

    Gather key documents such as financial statements, customer contracts, IP agreements, and team resumes.

  • 1.7
    critical2 weeks

    Build a demo of your platform

    Showcase key features like workflows, integrations, data sync, and notifications. Highlight API capabilities and no-code features.

  • 1.8
    medium1 week

    Establish a strong online presence

    Create a professional website, build a presence on relevant social media channels like Twitter, and engage in automation communities.

  • 1.9
    lowOngoing

    Network with industry experts

    Attend automation conferences, join relevant online communities, and connect with thought leaders in the space.

  • 1.10
    high2 days

    Define your monetization strategy

    Clarify your revenue model: per-task, per-workflow, team seats, enterprise licenses, or premium connectors.

Phase 02

Outreach & Engagement

10 tasks
  • 2.1
    high1 week

    Craft personalized outreach emails

    Tailor your email to each investor, highlighting their investment interests and how your automation startup aligns with their portfolio.

  • 2.2
    mediumOngoing

    Leverage your network for introductions

    Ask for introductions from mutual connections to increase your chances of getting a meeting.

  • 2.3
    lowOngoing

    Participate in pitch events

    Apply to pitch at startup events and conferences focused on automation and SaaS.

  • 2.4
    mediumOngoing

    Track your outreach efforts

    Use a CRM to track your interactions with investors and manage your pipeline.

  • 2.5
    highOngoing

    Follow up promptly

    Send follow-up emails after initial contact and after each meeting to keep the conversation going.

  • 2.6
    critical1 week

    Be prepared to answer tough questions

    Anticipate questions about your competition (Zapier, Make, n8n), your technology, and your business model.

  • 2.7
    highOngoing

    Showcase early traction

    Highlight key metrics such as user growth, workflow executions, and customer satisfaction.

  • 2.8
    mediumOngoing

    Provide regular updates

    Keep investors informed about your progress, new features, and customer wins.

  • 2.9
    highOngoing

    Tailor your pitch to each investor's focus

    Emphasize the aspects of your automation platform that are most relevant to each investor's interests.

  • 2.10
    mediumOngoing

    Be transparent about your challenges

    Address potential challenges such as scaling triggers, handling complex workflows, and ensuring data security.

Phase 03

Due Diligence

10 tasks
  • 3.1
    criticalOngoing

    Provide access to your data room

    Grant investors access to your data room and be responsive to their requests for information.

  • 3.2
    high1 week

    Prepare for technical due diligence

    Be prepared to answer questions about your platform's architecture, security, and scalability.

  • 3.3
    high1 week

    Prepare for legal due diligence

    Ensure your legal documents are in order and be prepared to answer questions about your IP, contracts, and compliance.

  • 3.4
    high1 week

    Prepare for financial due diligence

    Be prepared to answer questions about your financial statements, revenue projections, and burn rate.

  • 3.5
    criticalOngoing

    Address any concerns promptly

    Be responsive to any concerns raised by investors during the due diligence process.

  • 3.6
    highOngoing

    Highlight your competitive advantages

    Reinforce your unique selling points compared to competitors like Tray.io or Workato.

  • 3.7
    criticalOngoing

    Demonstrate a strong team

    Showcase the experience and expertise of your team in automation, integration, and software development.

  • 3.8
    mediumOngoing

    Provide customer references

    Offer customer references who can speak to the value of your automation platform.

  • 3.9
    mediumOngoing

    Be flexible and accommodating

    Be willing to work with investors to address their concerns and find mutually agreeable terms.

  • 3.10
    highOngoing

    Reiterate your vision

    Remind investors of your long-term vision for the automation platform and its potential impact.

Phase 04

Term Sheet Negotiation

10 tasks
  • 4.1
    critical1 week

    Understand the key terms

    Familiarize yourself with key term sheet provisions such as valuation, liquidation preference, and control.

  • 4.2
    criticalOngoing

    Seek legal counsel

    Engage an experienced startup lawyer to review the term sheet and advise you on your rights and obligations.

  • 4.3
    high1 week

    Negotiate favorable terms

    Negotiate terms that are fair and reasonable, and that align with your long-term goals.

  • 4.4
    mediumOngoing

    Consider the impact on future rounds

    Think about how the terms of the current round will affect your ability to raise future rounds of funding.

  • 4.5
    mediumOngoing

    Be willing to walk away

    Be prepared to walk away from the deal if the terms are not acceptable.

  • 4.6
    mediumOngoing

    Focus on building a relationship

    Maintain a positive and respectful relationship with the investors throughout the negotiation process.

  • 4.7
    high2 weeks

    Get multiple offers

    Try to get multiple term sheets to increase your leverage and negotiate better terms.

  • 4.8
    mediumOngoing

    Understand the investor's perspective

    Try to understand the investor's motivations and priorities to find common ground.

  • 4.9
    highOngoing

    Document all agreements

    Ensure that all agreements are documented in writing and signed by all parties.

  • 4.10
    highOngoing

    Seek a 'win-win' outcome

    Strive for an outcome that benefits both you and the investors.

Phase 05

Closing & Post-Investment

10 tasks
  • 5.1
    critical2 weeks

    Finalize legal documents

    Work with your lawyer to finalize all legal documents, including the investment agreement and shareholder agreement.

  • 5.2
    critical1 day

    Transfer funds

    Ensure that the funds are transferred to your company's bank account.

  • 5.3
    medium1 week

    Onboard investors

    Welcome the investors to your company and provide them with the information they need to stay informed.

  • 5.4
    high1 week

    Set clear expectations

    Establish clear expectations with the investors regarding reporting, communication, and governance.

  • 5.5
    criticalOngoing

    Use funds wisely

    Allocate the funds strategically to achieve your key milestones and grow your automation platform.

  • 5.6
    highOngoing

    Maintain regular communication

    Keep the investors informed about your progress, challenges, and opportunities.

  • 5.7
    mediumOngoing

    Seek their advice and support

    Leverage the investors' expertise and network to help you grow your business.

  • 5.8
    mediumOngoing

    Build a strong relationship

    Cultivate a strong and trusting relationship with the investors.

  • 5.9
    highOngoing

    Deliver on your promises

    Meet or exceed the expectations you set during the fundraising process.

  • 5.10
    mediumOngoing

    Prepare for the next round

    Start planning for your next round of funding well in advance.

Pro tips

  • Clearly articulate how your automation platform addresses the specific pain points of your target audience, such as complex workflows and scaling triggers.
  • Highlight your competitive advantages over alternatives like Zapier, Make, and n8n, focusing on unique features or integrations.
  • Showcase early traction with metrics like workflow executions, user growth, and customer satisfaction to demonstrate market validation.
  • Prepare a detailed financial model that demonstrates the potential for strong ROI, based on your chosen monetization strategy (per-task, per-workflow, etc.).
  • Build a strong team with expertise in automation, integration, and relevant industry experience to inspire investor confidence.

Frequently asked questions

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