To progress your application and for us to speak confidently on your behalf through the investment process, we need you to provide us with a financial model and pitch deck.
If you'd like to ask any questions about the financial model or pitch deck, or need some more detailed information, please do attend one of our Information Sessions.
You might want to check that the pitch deck and financial model answer the key questions below.
Pitch Deck
Your pitch deck should address the following questions:
- Product/Service: What does your business do?
- Problem/Solution: What problem does it solve? For whom?
- Revenue/Customers: How do you generate income? Who pays for your product/service?
- Market: What opportunities do you see in the market for your business to grow?
- Investment: What is your investment ask? How would this investment make a difference for your business? (Note: This should also be reflected in your financial model).
- Team: Who is on your team?
- Social Impact: How are you tackling inequityin the UK?
We see all different types of formats for a pitch deck. PowerPoint slides are the most common, but if you feel more comfortable writing in a Word Document or another format that is fine with us.
Financial Model
Your financial model should be built on calculations based on assumptions, e.g. for revenue we would want to see the number of customers multiplied by the cost of the service. It should reflect the information in your management accounts.
Your financial model should address the following questions:
Please note that depending on the type and size of your investment ask, you may need to provide more detail. Reach out to your investment manager for any specific questions
- Revenue model: How does your business generate revenue and meet costs?
- Historical finance: How did your business generate revenue and meet costs in the previous financial year?
- Current finance: How have you been generating revenue and meeting costs in the current financial year?
- Meet costs in the next two to five years: How do you plan to generate revenue and meet costs in the next two years?
- Investment: What is your investment ask? How would this investment make a difference for your business? (Note: This same ask should be reflected in your pitch deck).
- Repaying the investment/ return on investment: How will your business repay the investment or generate a return on investment?
- Assumptions: Did you include notes on the assumptions you used in your financial projections? (For example: assumptions you used for costs, customers, or conversion rate)
Simple Financial Model Template
We have a simple template model that some of our entrepreneurs have found useful as a starting point for their financial modelling. We recommend seeking professional advice to ensure that the forms are completed accurately and that the approach is suitable for your organisation.
No warranty is given – and responsibility or liability can be accepted - by the Growth Impact Fund, Big Issue Invest, UnLtd or any other person for any issues that arise through the use of this model, it is only meant to be used as a reference point.
No responsibility or liability can be taken for any issues that arise through the use of this model, it is only meant to be used as a reference point.
If you are struggling to provide a financial model or pitch deck, please contact your Investment Manager who might be able to refer you to Technical Assistance.