Aug 17, 20222 min read

Why Founders Should Update Shareholders Regularly

Lady putting her hand up at a shareholder meeting of a start-up — Keeping shareholders up to date is crucial for ongoing support.

As the founder and CEO of a startup, it is essential to keep shareholders informed about the progress and financial health of the company. Here is a list of critical things to report to shareholders:

Financial performance: Shareholders will be interested in the company's revenue, profit, and cash flow.
Operational performance: Shareholders will want to know about key metrics such as customer acquisition, retention, and churn rates.
Market share and industry trends: Shareholders will want to know how the company is performing relative to competitors and what industry trends are affecting the company.
Product development and pipeline: Shareholders will want to know about the company's current and planned products and any partnerships or collaborations that may impact the company's future success.
Business strategy and execution: Shareholders will want to know about the company's overall strategy and how it is being executed, including any significant initiatives or changes in direction.
Risk and opportunities: Shareholders will want to know about any risks or opportunities that may affect the company's future performance, including regulatory changes or new competitors in the market.
Management team: Shareholders will want to know about any changes in the management team and the qualifications and experience of the current leaders.
Capital raising and use of funds: Shareholders will want to know about the company's current and future funding needs and how the funds will be used to drive growth and profitability.
Governance: Shareholders will want to know about the company's governance practices and policies, including any changes to the board of directors or the company's bylaws.
Future outlook: Shareholders will want to know about the company's future outlook, including any plans for expansion or diversification and the expected impact on revenue and profitability.

About the Author

Adam Ryan is a Professor of Practice (Adjunct Professor) at Monash University and is a principal at Watkins Bay. Adam has over twenty years of start-up experience in Australia and the USA. An expert in Company Structuring for Innovation, Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Capital for early and growth-stage businesses.