A complete Seed financial model for Deep Tech startups. Revenue model, unit economics, hiring plan, cash flow projections, and funding scenarios — structured for investor review.
Projection Horizon
3 years (monthly for Year 1, quarterly for Years 2-3)
Model Tabs
7 core tabs
Format
Excel + Google Sheets
Path to Series A metrics and the unit economics that prove the business model. Seed investors model the path from current to Series A-level KPIs.
Deep tech models need a TRL-gated financial model. Revenue assumptions should only start after TRL 6 (system demonstrated in relevant environment). Investors are experienced at seeing commercial revenue modeled too early in the TRL progression.
Government grant and milestone funding model in early stages, transitioning to commercial revenue post-TRL 6. Include a funding bridge showing how grants cover capital expenses before commercial revenue.
Seed models should have a clearly documented assumption page. Every assumption should include a source (comparable company benchmark, customer interview data, or market research). Avoid top-down market share assumptions.
Show base case (on-plan), downside (50% of plan), and recovery timeline from downside. Include a Series A readiness milestone tracker showing the KPIs required to raise.
A Seed Deep Tech financial model should cover 3 years (monthly for Year 1, quarterly for Years 2-3) of projections with these tabs: Assumptions Dashboard, Revenue Cohort Model, Unit Economics, Headcount Plan, P&L Summary, Cash Flow Forecast, Series A Bridge. Path to Series A metrics and the unit economics that prove the business model. Seed investors model the path from current to Series A-level KPIs.
Government grant and milestone funding model in early stages, transitioning to commercial revenue post-TRL 6. Include a funding bridge showing how grants cover capital expenses before commercial revenue. The key revenue drivers are: SBIR Phase I, II, III grant awards; DoD or government contract revenue; Strategic partner development contracts; Early commercial customer revenue (post-TRL 6).
Deep Tech unit economics at the Seed stage should include: Cost per prototype unit vs. target production unit cost; COGS reduction curve from R&D to manufacturing scale; Gross margin at 1,000 unit scale vs. 100,000 unit scale; Break-even volume at target production cost. Deep tech models need a TRL-gated financial model. Revenue assumptions should only start after TRL 6 (system demonstrated in relevant environment). Investors are experienced at seeing commercial revenue modeled too early in the TRL progression.
Seed models should have a clearly documented assumption page. Every assumption should include a source (comparable company benchmark, customer interview data, or market research). Avoid top-down market share assumptions. Start with the smallest unit of your business (one customer, one transaction, one seat) and build up from there. Every assumption should have a source or benchmark you can defend in an investor meeting.
Show base case (on-plan), downside (50% of plan), and recovery timeline from downside. Include a Series A readiness milestone tracker showing the KPIs required to raise.
Get the Deep Tech Seed financial model as a pre-built Excel and Google Sheets template. Assumptions dashboard, revenue model, unit economics, and cash flow — ready to customize.
Includes Excel file, Google Sheets version, and model documentation guide