Module 06 · The investor update~12s dwell · weight 8
Next month's top 3 priorities
State the 3 things that matter most next month, in a form specific enough to be graded later.
YC's investor update guide recommends exactly 3 priorities so next month's update has something concrete to grade against.
Include
- Exactly 3 priorities, ranked
- Each stated as a measurable outcome, not an activity
Cut
- More than 3 priorities, which signals no real prioritization happened
- Priorities phrased as ongoing activities ('keep improving product')
Red flags a reader notices
- The priorities list is identical to last month's word for word
Pitfalls behind them
- Listing priorities so broad that any outcome next month satisfies them
- Choosing priorities that don't map to the lowlights or metrics above
60-second self-test
- · Could I write next month's 'progress vs goals' section against this exact list?
- · Does this list address the miss I just described?
Template
Next month: (1) [measurable outcome], (2) [measurable outcome], (3) [measurable outcome].
Weak
"Next month we're focused on continuing to grow the business and improving the product for our customers."
Strong
"Next month: ship SSO by the 20th, close the 2 enterprise deals currently in legal, hire a support lead from the 6 candidates in final round."
Nimbus Payroll's three priorities are each checkable with a yes or no next month.
Quick quiz
1. Why exactly 3 priorities and not 6?
- ○ Investors can't count higher
- ✓ Forcing a short list signals real prioritization and makes next month's grading possible
- ○ It's a legal requirement
- ○ 3 fits in the subject line
A short, specific list can actually be graded as done, partial, or missed next month.
2. What's wrong with 'keep improving the product'?
- ○ It's too specific
- ✓ It's not measurable and can't be graded next month
- ○ It mentions the product
- ○ It's too short
A priority needs a clear yes/no outcome to be useful in next month's progress section.