SaaS Valuation Checklist Template (Copy/Paste)
Use this checklist to assemble metrics, documents, and narratives for a clean valuation process.
Trust & methodology
Author: Amanda White
Last updated: 2026-01-12
Last reviewed: 2026-01-12
Methodology: Benchmarks are cross-checked across market reports, transaction comps, and founder-level operating data.
Disclosure: This content is general information, not financial advice.
On this page
- What you'll learn
- Why it matters
- The metric or formula
- Benchmarks & ranges
- Common mistakes
- How to improve it
- Examples
- Checklist
- FAQs
- Summary
- Sources & further reading
- Internal links
- Next steps
- Related resources
- Run the calculator
Jump to the section you need, or keep scrolling for the full playbook.
What you'll learn
You will learn what buyers and investors expect in a valuation-ready package. This checklist consolidates metrics, documents, and narratives into a single reference.
We also explain why each item matters, so you can prioritize the most important tasks first.
Finally, we provide a copy/paste template you can reuse every quarter to keep your valuation story up to date.
Quick definition (TL;DR)
SaaS valuation deep diveA valuation checklist is a structured list of metrics, documents, and narratives required to support a SaaS valuation. It ensures consistency and reduces diligence surprises.
Using a checklist improves speed and credibility in fundraising or M&A.
Why it matters
Preparation reduces valuation discounts and accelerates diligence timelines.
A consistent checklist ensures metrics are clean and aligned across teams.
It highlights gaps early so you can fix them before going to market.
It provides a repeatable process for future fundraising or exit planning.
The metric or formula
The checklist includes ARR, churn, NRR, CAC, LTV, and margin metrics. It also includes narrative components like market positioning and buyer-specific value propositions.
Use it quarterly to ensure your data room stays current and trustworthy.
Benchmarks & ranges
Prepare at least four quarters of clean ARR and churn data.
Maintain a data room with contracts, security docs, and financial statements.
Document customer references and case studies for credibility.
Include a clear valuation range backed by comps and assumptions.
Common mistakes
Waiting until a deal process starts to compile documentation.
Maintaining inconsistent metric definitions across teams.
Skipping narrative materials that explain why metrics matter.
Failing to update the checklist quarterly, leading to stale data.
How to improve it
Assign ownership for each checklist item to a specific team member.
Create a quarterly review cadence for updates.
Use standardized templates for metrics and narrative documents.
Add a “risk log” section to document and mitigate issues early.
Keep buyer FAQs updated with current metrics.
Examples
Proof points you can reuse
Fundraising-ready checklist
A Series A SaaS compiled ARR, churn, cohort charts, and a clear use-of-proceeds narrative before outreach. The preparedness shortened diligence by four weeks and reduced investor follow-up questions.
M&A diligence checklist
A founder preparing for M&A used the checklist to gather contracts, security docs, and operational SOPs. Buyers praised the organization and avoided a potential retrade.
Checklist (copy/paste)
ARR, MRR, churn, and NRR definitions and trend charts.
Customer concentration analysis and mitigation plan.
Gross margin and unit economics metrics by segment.
Cohort retention and expansion analysis.
Security, compliance, and data privacy documentation.
Contracts, pricing plans, and renewal terms.
Data room index with ownership and update cadence.
FAQs
How often should I update the checklist?
Quarterly updates are best. Monthly updates for key metrics keep you ready for investor or buyer conversations.
Do I need all items for fundraising?
Early-stage fundraising may need fewer items, but having the checklist ready builds confidence and speeds diligence.
What if I cannot fill every item?
Identify gaps and create a plan. Transparency is better than leaving unanswered questions.
Should I share the checklist with investors?
You can share a summarized version. The detailed checklist is mostly for internal preparation.
How do I keep data consistent?
Use a single source of truth for metrics and align definitions across finance, sales, and ops.
Can this checklist be used for future rounds?
Yes. It is designed to be reusable and scalable as your company grows.
Summary
A valuation checklist keeps you prepared and credible. It consolidates the metrics and documents buyers expect, reducing friction and surprise.
Use it as a living document that evolves with your business and shortens diligence cycles.
Sources & further reading
Continue exploring
Next steps to act on this guide
RecommendedTranslate the insights into a valuation narrative by running the calculator, then use the tools and category playbooks to tighten your metrics before you talk to buyers or investors.
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