A virtual data room (VDR) is a secure online repository for sharing sensitive documents and information with investors. This tool helps startups streamline due diligence and build confidence with investors during the process of fundraising. By streamlining due diligence and removing the need for back-andforth email exchanges, startup founders can focus their time on cultivating leads.
Startups often struggle to decide what information they should include in their data room as part of investor due diligence. If they include too little information, they run the risk of not being able answer any questions investors might have. Include too much information and they could be overwhelmed. The best VDR provider makes it easy to prioritize, organize and store important documents like financial forecasts and projections such as business plans cap tables, etc. to ensure that due diligence is effective.
In addition to the financial documents, the founders of a startup should also submit a thorough competitor analysis. This section should demonstrate that the startup is well-versed in its industry, including its immediate competitors by highlighting key differences, such as price points, features and customer satisfaction ratings. The startup should also share any market research it’s conducted, as well as public reports that prove the assertions of the company.
In addition, the company should include its articles of incorporation, as well as any modified or revised versions. This can help establish credibility of the startup and provide a clearer view of its ownership structure. When selecting a virtual data room for startup fundraising, look for a provider that offers a free trial or demo to try the software and practice reenacting the presentation to investors. Choose a provider that offers flexible pricing plans that can scale with the company’s growth through subsequent rounds of financing and transactions.