July and August are not “dead months” for startups. We can define them as the best time to prepare your investment round with a clear head, focus, and without interruptions.

While many funds take a break during the summer, serious entrepreneurs use this time to organize their metrics, rethink their narrative, and design a fundraising strategy that will stand up to September.

The work entrepreneurs do in the summer can make all the difference. Take advantage of these months to prepare your round while still enjoying the summer.

Here are 5 key steps to move forward strategically while taking advantage of the sun… without getting burned:

1.- Analyze your metrics: look at your startup through the eyes of an investor.

Before seeking investment, it is essential to review the numbers and understand your metrics:

• MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue): How much do you consistently generate each month?
  
• CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost): How much does it cost you to attract each new customer?
  
• Retention and margins: Are your customers staying? How much are you really earning after covering your costs?

At Bcombinator, we work with our founders to structure their metrics in a clear and practical way, ensuring that they are ready before approaching investors.

2. Update your pitch deck wisely (and without rushing)

An effective deck conveys vision, clarity, and control. Take advantage of the calm of summer to review each slide:

• Is your value proposition clear?
• Is your traction solid?
• Do you have a roadmap that makes sense?

Our teams at Bcombinator review pitch decks every week, even in July, and we know what VCs are looking for in initial meetings.

3. Create your strategic list of investors

Instead of sending your pitch to everyone, create a strategic list of investors who truly align with your startup. Consider these factors:

• Type of investor: VC, business angels, or corporate.
  
• Investment phase: Identify investors who work in your stage (Seed, Series A).
  
• Vertical: Look for funds that invest in your sector (HealthTech, FinTech, etc.).
  
• Ticket: Make sure the size of the investment fits your needs.
  
• Investor profile: Investigate their experience, network of contacts, and added value beyond capital.

A well-segmented list will allow you to be more efficient and focus on investors who can truly add value to your project.

4.- Review your value proposition

Your value proposition is the heart of your business, and if it is not clear, it will be difficult to attract customers and investors. Use this time to review and ensure that it truly resonates with your target audience.

Ask yourself: What makes your product or service unique? What problem are you solving differently from others?

At Bcombinator, we help you refine your proposal so that it aligns with investor expectations and market needs.

5.-Refine your customer acquisition strategy

Summer is a good time to review how you are attracting customers. Analyze your marketing and sales channels: are you using the most effective ones? Are you reaching the right audience? Now is the time to adjust your acquisition strategy, explore new channels, and optimize what is already working.

At Bcombinator, we work with our founders to develop scalable and profitable acquisition strategies, ensuring that every marketing effort is a step toward growth.

Fundraising is won before you go out looking for it.

If you are preparing your round for the fall, now is the time to refine your message, organize your data, and gain clarity.

Ready to take the next step? Join Bcombinator and accelerate your startup today.