Most datasheets are designed for sales, not investors. They’re either full of jargon, overloaded with features, or worse – styled like marketing collateral with no substance.
But when investors ask for a datasheet, they’re not asking for a prettier pitch deck. They want signal. Fast.
What does this product do? Who is it for? How is it different? Why now?
Here’s how to write one that doesn’t get filed in “read later” and forgotten.
Start with the One-Sentence Anchor
Investors skim. The opening sentence should be the clearest articulation of your product and market position.
Example:
“[Product] helps security teams detect insider threats faster by analysing endpoint behaviour in real time.”
Not:
“We provide a comprehensive platform leveraging AI to drive risk insights.”
You’re not trying to sound big. You’re trying to sound real.
Follow with a Tight Problem/Outcome Frame
Don’t list features. Show pain.
Problem:
Security teams miss subtle threats due to alert fatigue and limited context.
Outcome:
We reduce false positives by 80% and surface lateral movement indicators 6 hours sooner than SIEMs alone.
That gets attention. Fast.
Then: What the Product Actually Does
Use short, functional descriptions—not hype. Two to three bullets max.
- Real-time endpoint monitoring with behavioural baselines
- Detection engine tuned for insider activity, not just malware
- Lightweight agent with sub-1% CPU impact
If you’re in a noisy space (and you probably are), this is where differentiation lives.
Include the Architecture (Yes, Really)
A simple diagram showing:
- Where you sit (agent, API, cloud, browser)
- What you integrate with (M365, CrowdStrike, Okta)
- What data you consume or produce
Investors want to know how much friction you cause and what ecosystem you live in.
Add a Glanceable GTM Summary
No essays. Just quick bullets:
- ICP: 250–2,500 seat security teams in regulated verticals
- Entry point: Post-breach or compliance-triggered vendor eval
- Average deal: $60k ACV, direct + MSP channel
They’ll ask about motion. Don’t bury it in a pitch, make it visible here.
End with the Strategic Hooks
Two to three bullets on:
- Why now? (regulatory shift, attack trend, budget change)
- What you unlock? (MDR expansion, workflow consolidation)
- Where you fit in the buyer’s stack? (SIEM alternative, EDR complement)
Then include contact info and your logo, not six paragraphs of About Us.
Here is a sample, use it as a template.
Final Thoughts
An investor datasheet isn’t about design. It’s about clarity. Think briefing doc, not brochure.
Your goal? Make them want the deck. Then the demo. Then the term sheet.
And that starts with one well-written page. No fluff. Just signal.
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