Creating a well-structured business plan is one of the most crucial steps in establishing and growing a business, especially when seeking investment. A comprehensive and compelling business plan not only communicates your goals and strategies but also highlights the unique strengths of your business. For investors, a business plan is more than just a document — it’s a roadmap to profitability and return on investment.
In this guide, we’ll break down each key section of a business plan, explain what investors are really looking for, and show how modern tools — such as electronic signature solutions like Yousign — can streamline document management and speed up decision-making.
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Executive Summary: Your First and Best Chance to Impress
The executive summary is the first section investors read, so it must be clear, concise, and convincing. This part should introduce your business idea, product or service, target market, and competitive advantages. Investors also expect a high-level view of your company’s financials, including revenue projections and ROI potential.
Include the following:
- Business overview: What you do and your unique value proposition.
- Market opportunity: Key data about the market size, demand, and trends.
- Financial highlights: Projected revenue, profit margins, and ROI.
Important:
Keep your executive summary under two pages. Use simple, impactful language and focus on the problem you solve for your target audience.
Company Description: Define Your Identity and Vision
This section provides investors with a clear understanding of your mission, values, and long-term goals. Include a brief history of the company, major milestones, and the principles guiding your business decisions.
What to include:
- Business background: Why and how the company started.
- Core values: Sustainability, innovation, customer-centricity, etc.
- Key achievements: Revenue growth, product launches, partnerships.
Market Analysis: Proving You Know Your Industry
Investors want to see that you deeply understand your market. A thorough market analysis includes:
- Industry trends: Growth rates, innovation, regulation, etc.
- Target audience: Demographics, pain points, and buying behaviour.
- Competitor landscape: Who else is out there and how you stand out.
Example: If you’re launching a tutoring platform, highlight the growth in e-learning and show how your product offers more personalised, niche support (e.g., STEM, language tutoring).
Products or Services: Showcase Innovation and Value
Clearly describe what you’re offering and why it’s better than the competition.
Key elements to cover:
- Development roadmap: From concept to launch.
- Unique features or IP: Patents, proprietary tech, exclusive designs.
- Customer testimonials: If available, include feedback that proves market demand.
Good to know
Investors love differentiation. Explain why customers would choose your product over alternatives.
Marketing Plan: Reaching and Retaining Your Audience
A business without a marketing strategy is a risk. Outline how you’ll attract and convert customers.
Include strategies for:
Marketing:
- Content marketing (blogs, videos, SEO)
- Paid advertising
- Influencer partnerships
Sales:
- Channels (e-commerce, retail, wholesale)
- Retention (loyalty programs, subscriptions, CRM)
Example: A D2C skincare brand could focus on SEO-optimised blog content, Instagram influencer campaigns, and a subscription box model.
Management Team: Inspire Investor Confidence
Investors back people, not just ideas. Introduce your key team members, their experience, and their roles. Show that your team has relevant industry expertise and a track record of execution.
Also include:
- An organisational chart (if relevant)
- Advisory board members or consultants
- Notable achievements (previous exits, awards, leadership experience)
Financial Projections: Show Them the Money
This section outlines how your business will make — and sustain — money.
Include:
- Revenue streams: Product sales, services, subscriptions, etc.
- Operating expenses: Salaries, rent, software, logistics.
- Profit margins & ROI: How you plan to stay profitable.
- Cash flow forecast: When and how you expect to break even.
Example: A SaaS company should present MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue), CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost), and LTV (Customer Lifetime Value) projections.
Business Plan Template: Standard Structure for Maximum Clarity
A solid business plan should follow a predictable, logical structure. Here’s a quick reference:
- Executive Summary
- Company Description
- Market Analysis
- Products or Services
- Marketing Plan
- Management Team
- Financial Projections
Using a template ensures your plan is clear, complete, and easy for investors to navigate.
Streamlining Signatures with Yousign: Make It Easy to Say Yes
Once your business plan is ready, the next step is sharing and validating it with stakeholders or potential investors. That’s where Yousign comes in.
Why use Yousign’s electronic signature solution?
- Fast and secure signing from anywhere, on any device
- Legally binding and compliant with European standards
- Encrypted and tamper-proof documents
- Track document status in real time
Example: Instead of waiting days for scanned PDFs, you can use Yousign to send your business plan to an investor and receive a secure, legally binding signature in minutes.
By integrating Yousign into your workflow, you present your business as professional, organised, and tech-forward — qualities investors value.
Secure Your Business Plan Signatures with Yousig
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FAQ – Business Plans & Electronic Signatures
What should be included in a business plan for investors?
Investors expect a business plan to include your executive summary, market analysis, product or service details, marketing strategy, financial forecasts, and team background.
How can electronic signatures help with securing investment?
They streamline the document signing process, reduce delays, ensure legal compliance, and help you close deals faster and more efficiently.
How long should a business plan be?
While there’s no strict rule, most business plans are 15–30 pages long, depending on the business’s complexity. Always prioritise clarity over length.
Can I use Yousign to sign investor contracts?
Yes. Yousign is ideal for signing business plans, investor agreements, NDAs, and other legal documents. It ensures all parties can sign securely and remotely.
