How can you best document and present due diligence findings?

2 Organize the data

Once you have defined the scope, you need to collect and organize the data that supports your due diligence. You can use various sources, such as interviews, surveys, documents, databases, online platforms, and third-party reports, to gather quantitative and qualitative information about the startup and its environment. You should also verify the accuracy and validity of the data, and cross-check it with multiple sources. To organize the data, you can use tools such as spreadsheets, databases, folders, cloud storage, and software applications, to store, sort, filter, and label the data according to the scope and structure of your due diligence.

3 Analyze the data

The next step is to analyze the data and extract meaningful insights that answer your key questions and support your investment decision. You can use various methods, such as benchmarking, SWOT analysis, financial modeling, scenario analysis, and risk assessment, to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the startup, and compare it with its competitors and market standards. You should also identify any gaps, assumptions, or uncertainties in the data, and how they affect your analysis. To analyze the data, you can use tools such as charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and dashboards, to visualize, summarize, and highlight the key findings and metrics.

4 Synthesize the insights

After analyzing the data, you need to synthesize the insights and formulate your conclusions and recommendations. You should focus on the most critical and relevant insights that support or challenge your investment thesis, criteria, and goals. You should also explain the rationale and evidence behind your conclusions and recommendations, and how they align with the startup's vision, mission, and values. To synthesize the insights, you can use tools such as frameworks, models, matrices, and scorecards, to organize, rank, and communicate the key factors and drivers that influence your investment decision.

5 Format the report

The final step is to format the report and present your due diligence findings in a clear, concise, and compelling way. You should follow the best practices and standards of your industry, sector, and organization, and use a consistent and professional style, tone, and language. You should also structure the report according to the scope and audience of your due diligence, and use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbers, to make it easy to read and navigate. To format the report, you can use tools such as templates, guidelines, checklists, and examples, to ensure that you cover all the essential elements and details of your due diligence.

6 Share the report

The last step is to share the report and present your due diligence findings to your team, your partners, and your stakeholders. You should tailor the report and the presentation to the needs and expectations of each audience, and highlight the most important and relevant points for each group. You should also be prepared to answer any questions, address any concerns, and provide any feedback or follow-up actions that may arise from the report and the presentation. To share the report, you can use tools such as emails, meetings, calls, webinars, and slides, to deliver, discuss, and document your due diligence findings.