To raise Series A ($5-15M typically), you need: proven product-market fit with strong metrics (usually $1M+ ARR, 15%+ month-over-month growth, <5% monthly churn, 100%+ net revenue retention), a clear path to $100M+ revenue, an exceptional team, and a compelling vision. Start building relationships with VCs 6-12 months before raising. Create a focused target list of 30-50 investors who've invested in similar companies. Perfect your pitch deck (10-15 slides), prepare for deep-dive due diligence, and expect the process to take 3-6 months. Leading with strong metrics and a clear growth narrative is essential.
Key Raise Series A Takeaways
- Target metrics: $1M+ ARR, 15%+ MoM growth, <5% churn
- Demonstrate clear product-market fit
- Show path to $100M+ revenue
- Build investor relationships 6-12 months before raising
- Create target list of 30-50 relevant investors
- Perfect 10-15 slide pitch deck
- Prepare for deep due diligence (financials, metrics, team)
- Expect 3-6 month fundraising process
- Lead with strongest metrics in your narrative
- Have 100%+ net revenue retention if possible
Raise Series A Statistics
$5-15M
typical Series A size
$1M+
ARR threshold
15%+
monthly growth expected
<5%
monthly churn target
Expert Tips
Lead with your strongest metric
If you have 20% MoM growth, that's your opener. VCs scan for outliers—make your best number impossible to miss
Build a data room before you need it
Due diligence requests come fast. Having financials, contracts, and cap table ready shows professionalism and speeds the process
Get warm intros from portfolio founders
A reference from a founder the VC already funded is worth 50 cold emails. It's the fastest path to a partner meeting
Create FOMO with parallel processes
Meeting multiple VCs simultaneously creates competitive tension. Don't do exclusive conversations until term sheet stage
Know your unit economics cold
LTV, CAC, payback period, gross margin—VCs will probe these. Uncertainty on unit economics kills deals
Recommended Tools & Resources
DocSend
Track pitch deck views and engagement
Carta
Cap table management for due diligence
PitchBook
Research VCs and their investment thesis