How to write an executive summary
An executive summary is a one-page overview of your business plan that covers what you do, the problem you solve, your market, your business model, key financials, and what you are asking for. Write it last, keep it to one page, and make it strong enough to stand alone - it is often the only part investors read first.
What to include
A good executive summary answers, in order: what the business does and the problem it solves, who the customer is and how big the market is, how the business makes money, the traction or milestones so far, the headline financial projection, and the ask - how much funding and for what. Each in a sentence or two.
Write it last, read it first
Although it opens the plan, write the executive summary after everything else so it accurately distills your analysis. Investors and lenders often decide whether to keep reading based on this page alone, so it must be clear and compelling on its own.
Keep it to one page
Aim for a single page, or up to two for complex businesses. This forces you to lead with the essentials. If a reader cannot grasp the opportunity in a minute, the summary is too long or too vague.
A short example
"Northwind builds scheduling software for independent clinics, who lose an estimated 15 percent of appointments to no-shows. Our automated reminders have cut no-shows by a third across 40 pilot clinics, generating recurring revenue at a low acquisition cost. We project reaching 1,000 clinics in three years and are raising 750,000 dollars to expand sales." Note the problem, traction, model, and ask.