What to Include in Your First Board Pack (and Why It Matters)
If you’re preparing for your first board meeting as a founder, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There’s pressure to look buttoned up, anticipate every question, and share just enough, but not too much.
The truth is, your first board pack doesn’t need to be perfect. But it does need to be thoughtful.
A well-structured board deck sets the tone for how your board sees you as a leader. It’s not just an update. It’s a chance to build trust, show alignment, and drive the conversation forward.
Here’s a breakdown of what to include, why it matters, and how to approach it strategically.
1. Executive Summary: Set the Narrative Early
Start with a one-page overview. Highlight what’s going well, where there are challenges, and what decisions or support you’re seeking from the board.
Think of it as the TL;DR for the rest of the pack. Many investors will skim this section first and form an early impression, so aim to be clear, calm, and balanced.
Framing your update this way reinforces transparency and sets the tone for a productive discussion.
2. Company Performance: Show the Numbers and the Story
This section typically includes:
Key metrics (e.g., MRR, churn, growth rate, runway)
Budget vs. actuals (with narrative context)
Sales pipeline health and GTM performance
Product updates aligned to roadmap milestones
Presenting metrics alone won’t build trust. Help your board understand why numbers moved the way they did. If you missed a target, explain what you’ve learned. If you’re ahead, outline how you’ll sustain it.
Clear explanations show maturity, and that you’re in control of the story behind the numbers.
3. Customer & Market Insights: Ground the Board in Reality
Your board isn’t in the day-to-day, but they still want to feel close to what’s happening:
Feedback from key customers
Changes in sales cycle or buying behavior
Competitive updates and positioning shifts
Fresh insights from user research or data
These insights build credibility. They demonstrate that you’re not just tracking metrics, you’re also listening, observing, and thinking strategically about the broader market.
4. Team & Org Update: People Matter
Founders sometimes overlook this part, but your board cares deeply about your team.
Include:
Headcount changes, new hires, and backfills
Org design updates or upcoming hiring plans
Any concerns about retention, morale, or execution
If you're facing bandwidth issues or need to grow leadership capacity, let the board know. These updates show foresight, and in many cases, board members can help fill key roles or offer advice on scaling.
5. Strategic Focus: Align on What’s Next
End your pack with a forward-looking section. Highlight the 2–3 strategic priorities for the coming quarter. Clarify where you’d value board feedback or support.
Framing this proactively moves the conversation from reporting to collaboration. It also gives your board members a clear role to play, beyond just reviewing numbers.
A Few Best Practices
Send in advance. Give the board time to digest, 48+ hours is ideal.
Be concise. Aim for 10–15 slides. Use appendix sections for backup.
No surprises. If something big happened, flag it ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
Your board pack isn’t just a compliance task. It’s a communication tool. Done right, it builds trust, reinforces your leadership, and strengthens alignment between you and your board. Keep it clear. Keep it honest. And remember: your board wants you to succeed.
If you’re unsure what to include or how to frame something, err on the side of transparency. That’s how great long-term partnerships begin. If any additional help is needed please reach out and let’s see how I can help.
