> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.standardmetrics.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Welcome to the Standard Metrics API

> The Standard Metrics API allows you to programmatically access your portfolio company data, financial metrics, and investment data. Using our API, you can build custom integrations, integrate with analytics tools, or create automated reporting workflows.

## Getting Started

Follow these steps to start using the Standard Metrics API:

1. **Set up Authentication** - [Generate your OAuth2 credentials and API key](/guides/initialsetup) from your Standard Metrics account
2. **Make Your First Call** - Test your setup by [fetching your company list](/api-reference/companies/get-companies)
3. **Explore Endpoints** - Browse our comprehensive [API reference](/api-reference/setting-up) to discover available endpoints

## Quick Links

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Get Started" icon="play" href="guides/initialsetup">
    Generate your API key and make your first API call
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="code" href="api-reference/setting-up">
    Explore the documentation for available API endpoints and their usage
  </Card>

  <Card title="MCP Setup" icon="brain" href="guides/mcp-setup">
    Connect Claude Desktop to your Standard Metrics data
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Cookbook" icon="book-open" href="/guides/api-cookbook">
    Learn with practical examples and integration patterns
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Core API Endpoints

Access your most important data through these key endpoints:

### Companies & Portfolio Data

* **[Get Companies](api-reference/companies/get-companies)** - List all portfolio companies
* **[Company Metrics](api-reference/metrics/get-metrics)** - Access financial metrics for specific companies
* **[Custom Columns](api-reference/custom-columns/get-custom-column-values)** - Retrieve your firm's custom data fields

### Financial Information

* **[Budgets](api-reference/budgets/get-budgets)** - Access budget and forecast data
* **[Investment Details](api-reference/cap_table/get-financing-events)** - Cap table and financing information
* **[Documents](api-reference/documents/get-documents)** - Financial reports and uploaded documents

### Data Management

* **[Information Requests](api-reference/information-requests/get-information-requests)** - Data collection workflows
* **[Notes](api-reference/notes/get-notes)** - Internal notes and commentary
* **[Users](api-reference/users/get-users)** - Team member information

## Authentication

The Standard Metrics API uses OAuth2 for secure authentication. You'll need:

1. **Client ID** and **Client Secret** from your Standard Metrics Developer Settings
2. **Access Token** obtained through the OAuth2 flow
3. Proper **API permissions** configured for your application

[Learn more about authentication →](api-reference/setting-up)

## Need Help?

* **API Issues**: Check our [error documentation](api-reference/errors)
* **Questions**: Email us at [support@standardmetrics.io](mailto:support@standardmetrics.io)