Selecting a Virtual Data Room for Startup Fundraising
A virtual dataroom (VDR) allows investors to share secure documents and other information online. This tool helps startups streamline their due diligence process and increase confidence with investors during the funding process. By removing the requirement for email exchanges, and streamlining due diligence, startup founders are able to focus on generating leads.
Startups often struggle with deciding what details to include in their data rooms as part of their investor due diligence. Include too little and they risk not being able to answer any questions investors might ask; too many and they could be overwhelmed. Luckily, the ideal VDR provider will make it simple to prioritize and organize important documentation such as forecasts, financial projections, business plans, cap tables and much more for efficient due diligence.
Startup founders should include an in-depth analysis of their competitors, along with their most important financial documents. This section should prove that the startup is aware of its market and its immediate competitors by highlighting key differences such as price points, features, and customer satisfaction ratings. The startup should also disclose any first-hand market research it’s conducted, as well as public reports that back the assertions of the company.
The startup should also include its articles of incorporation and any modified or revised versions. This can help prove the startup’s legitimacy, as well as give a better understanding of its ownership structure. When choosing a virtual data space for startup fundraising, look for a provider that offers a free trial or demo to test the software and practice reenacting presenting to Investors. Additionally, select a service with flexible pricing plans that will grow as the business grows through subsequent rounds of financing and transactions.