Due Diligence: The Key to Successful Fundraising

Due diligence is crucial in the fundraising process, as it allows investors to gather information and assess the potential investment. It’s like test driving a car before making a purchase - no one wants to put money into something they know nothing about, especially in today’s age of information where people have access to countless online resources to gather information. The internet has made background checks easier, but due diligence goes beyond a simple check and involves a more comprehensive investigation. Investors will want to review a lot of information, and companies should be transparent and provide the necessary data.

Below is a list of the main items that investors will want to see during the due diligence process:

1. Securities Issuances: Investors will want to know what securities have been issued, if any, and how the company plans to finance itself through securities issuances.
2. Financing Commitments and Financial Status: Investors will want to know about a company's business loans, debt holdings, and overall financial status. Accurate financial statements, balance sheets, budgets, and forecasts are necessary to understand the company’s financial position.
3. Material Contracts: Investors will want to review existing contracts and assess the potential fallout of any breaches. It is essential to be transparent about partnerships and contracts to avoid costly lawsuits.
4. Employment Matters: Investors will be interested in the company’s internal workings, including employment issues that may result in unnecessary costs. Companies should aim to operate efficiently with a lean budget to attract investors.

Gathering this information and presenting it in a coherent manner requires preparation and organization. Companies should document, capture, and organize their data from the start, which can be easily done with a virtual data room. Instead of viewing the due diligence process as a nuisance, companies should see it as an opportunity to get and stay organized.

In conclusion, due diligence is essential in the fundraising process as it allows investors to gather information and assess the potential investment. Companies should be transparent and provide the necessary data to ensure a successful outcome.