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Checklist · Contract Management

Contract Management fundraising checklist — Step by Step 2026

Raising funds for a Contract Management startup requires a strategic approach, especially given the complexities of integration, compliance, and the need for robust analytics. This checklist provides a step-by-step guide to navigate the fundraising landscape, focusing on key aspects like demonstrating value, addressing scalability, and showcasing your platform's unique differentiators against competitors like Leader A and Incumbent.

50 checklist items Updated from migrated LaunchTry SEO content

Phase 01

Phase 1: Market Research and Validation

10 tasks
  • 1.1
    high1 week

    Identify your target investor profile

    Determine investors interested in SaaS, legal tech, and automation solutions relevant to contract management.

  • 1.2
    medium1 week

    Analyze competitor fundraising strategies

    Study how Leader B and Challenger secured funding, focusing on their pitch decks and investor relations.

  • 1.3
    critical2 weeks

    Validate your contract management solution's market fit

    Conduct user interviews and surveys to confirm the demand for your platform and address pain points like integration.

  • 1.4
    high1 week

    Refine your business model based on feedback

    Adjust your pricing model (Subscription, Usage-based) and feature set based on market validation.

  • 1.5
    critical2 weeks

    Assess the regulatory landscape

    Understand compliance requirements and data privacy regulations relevant to contract management in your target markets.

  • 1.6
    medium1 week

    Estimate Total Addressable Market (TAM)

    Calculate the potential market size for your contract management solution.

  • 1.7
    high1 week

    Define key performance indicators (KPIs)

    Establish metrics to track growth, adoption, and customer satisfaction with your contract management platform.

  • 1.8
    critical2 weeks

    Develop a comprehensive financial model

    Create a detailed forecast of revenue, expenses, and cash flow for the next 3-5 years.

  • 1.9
    critical4 weeks

    Build a minimum viable product (MVP)

    Develop a functional version of your contract management platform to showcase its core capabilities.

  • 1.10
    high2 weeks

    Secure early adopters and pilot customers

    Recruit users to test your MVP and provide feedback for further development.

Phase 02

Phase 2: Building Your Pitch Deck and Story

10 tasks
  • 2.1
    high1 week

    Craft a compelling narrative around your contract management solution

    Highlight the problem you're solving, your unique solution, and the market opportunity.

  • 2.2
    medium1 week

    Design a visually appealing pitch deck

    Use clear and concise language, compelling visuals, and data to support your claims.

  • 2.3
    high1 week

    Showcase your team's expertise

    Emphasize the relevant experience and skills of your team members in contract management and technology.

  • 2.4
    critical1 week

    Demonstrate traction and early results

    Present data on user growth, engagement, and revenue to show the potential of your platform.

  • 2.5
    high1 week

    Explain your monetization strategy

    Clearly outline how you plan to generate revenue (Subscription, Usage-based, Enterprise, API) and achieve profitability.

  • 2.6
    medium1 week

    Address the competitive landscape

    Explain how your contract management solution differentiates itself from competitors like Leader C and Incumbent.

  • 2.7
    high1 week

    Articulate your vision for the future

    Describe your long-term goals for the platform and how you plan to scale your business.

  • 2.8
    critical1 week

    Define your funding needs and use of funds

    Specify the amount of funding you're seeking and how you plan to allocate it to product development, marketing, and team expansion.

  • 2.9
    high1 week

    Prepare for investor questions

    Anticipate common questions and develop clear and concise answers.

  • 2.10
    medium1 week

    Practice your pitch

    Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.

Phase 03

Phase 3: Identifying and Approaching Investors

10 tasks
  • 3.1
    high2 weeks

    Research potential investors

    Identify venture capital firms, angel investors, and strategic investors who focus on SaaS, legal tech, and automation.

  • 3.2
    medium1 week

    Prioritize investors based on fit

    Evaluate investors based on their investment stage, industry focus, and investment thesis.

  • 3.3
    high1 week

    Craft personalized outreach emails

    Tailor your message to each investor, highlighting your contract management solution's relevance to their portfolio.

  • 3.4
    medium1 week

    Leverage your network for introductions

    Ask your advisors, mentors, and contacts for introductions to potential investors.

  • 3.5
    lowVaries

    Attend industry events and conferences

    Network with investors and other startups at events like industry-specific conferences.

  • 3.6
    mediumOngoing

    Track your investor outreach efforts

    Maintain a spreadsheet or CRM to track your communication with potential investors.

  • 3.7
    highOngoing

    Follow up with investors promptly

    Respond to investor inquiries and provide additional information as needed.

  • 3.8
    high1 week

    Be prepared to share your data room

    Organize key documents, such as financial statements, customer contracts, and legal agreements, in a secure data room.

  • 3.9
    medium1 week

    Practice your elevator pitch

    Develop a concise and compelling summary of your contract management solution that you can deliver in 30 seconds.

  • 3.10
    low1 day

    Use platforms like LaunchTry.com to increase visibility

    List your startup on LaunchTry.com to gain exposure to potential investors and customers.

Phase 04

Phase 4: Due Diligence and Negotiation

10 tasks
  • 4.1
    critical2 weeks

    Prepare for due diligence

    Gather all necessary documents and information to support your claims and financial projections.

  • 4.2
    highOngoing

    Engage with investors during due diligence

    Respond to investor inquiries promptly and provide clear and concise answers.

  • 4.3
    critical2 weeks

    Negotiate term sheet

    Work with your legal counsel to negotiate the terms of the investment, including valuation, equity, and control.

  • 4.4
    criticalOngoing

    Seek legal advice

    Consult with experienced legal counsel to ensure that the term sheet and investment agreement are fair and protect your interests.

  • 4.5
    high1 week

    Evaluate the investor's reputation and track record

    Research the investor's past investments and their experience working with startups.

  • 4.6
    medium1 week

    Assess the investor's strategic value

    Consider the investor's network, expertise, and resources that they can bring to your company.

  • 4.7
    high1 week

    Understand the investor's expectations

    Clarify the investor's goals and expectations for your company's growth and exit strategy.

  • 4.8
    mediumN/A

    Be prepared to walk away

    If the terms of the investment are not favorable, be willing to walk away and pursue other funding options.

  • 4.9
    lowOngoing

    Focus on building relationships

    Even if you don't secure funding from a particular investor, maintain a positive relationship for future opportunities.

  • 4.10
    high1 week

    Address concerns about integration and scaling

    Proactively address investor concerns about the technical challenges of integrating your contract management solution with existing systems and scaling your platform to handle increased demand.

Phase 05

Phase 5: Closing the Deal and Post-Funding

10 tasks
  • 5.1
    critical1 week

    Finalize legal documentation

    Work with your legal counsel to finalize the investment agreement and other legal documents.

  • 5.2
    critical1 day

    Close the funding round

    Execute the investment agreement and receive the funds.

  • 5.3
    high1 day

    Communicate with your team

    Inform your team about the funding round and your plans for the future.

  • 5.4
    medium1 week

    Onboard new board members

    Welcome new board members and provide them with the information they need to be effective.

  • 5.5
    criticalOngoing

    Execute your growth plan

    Implement your plans for product development, marketing, and team expansion.

  • 5.6
    highOngoing

    Track your progress

    Monitor your KPIs and track your progress towards your goals.

  • 5.7
    highOngoing

    Communicate with your investors

    Provide regular updates to your investors on your progress and financial performance.

  • 5.8
    mediumOngoing

    Build relationships with your investors

    Engage with your investors and seek their advice and guidance.

  • 5.9
    highOngoing

    Prepare for future funding rounds

    Continue to build your business and prepare for future funding rounds.

  • 5.10
    highOngoing

    Address adoption challenges

    Focus on strategies to drive user adoption of your contract management platform, such as targeted marketing campaigns and user-friendly onboarding processes.

Pro tips

  • Highlight your contract management platform's ability to integrate with existing systems, as this is a major pain point for startups.
  • Showcase your platform's analytics capabilities to demonstrate the value of data-driven decision-making in contract management.
  • Emphasize your commitment to compliance and data security to build trust with investors and customers.
  • Develop a freemium or trial version of your platform to attract early adopters and generate leads.
  • Actively participate in industry events and online communities to build relationships and generate buzz around your contract management solution.