A data room is an electronic space that allows sensitive data to be shared during due diligence and other business transactions. It is utilized across a variety of industries that include finance, healthcare, IT and the capital markets, to allow companies to share their information in a secure manner with potential investors and other stakeholders. Due diligence was previously carried out in physical rooms but nowadays, it is conducted electronically. It involves a large number of documents.
Investors will have a lot of questions regarding the startup’s documentation. It is the founders’ job to respond in a way that makes them feel welcome and speeds up the process. A good place to start is to create a clear and organized folder structure with clearly defined documents grouped into categories (e.g. legal, financial, contracts). Labelling these documents or folders clearly makes it easier for users and other stakeholders to locate the data they require. Metadata can be added to the data room in order to give each file additional context.
Other useful sections that founders can include in their data room gooddataroom.com include a competitive analysis, a list of current customers and referrals, as well as a customer references/testimonials section. Lastly, a company organisation/formation section includes any documents that show how the startup is legally registered and operated. This could include articles of incorporation, business certificates, tax information, and an audited financial statement. This will demonstrate that the startup is a credible and legitimate entity.