A data room is a space that allows sensitive information to be shared during due diligence and other business transactions. Data rooms are utilized in many industries, such as IT, healthcare, and finance for sharing sensitive information with potential investors. Previously due diligence was usually performed in physical rooms, but nowadays, it is conducted digitally and usually involves large numbers of documents.
Investors are often faced with a myriad of questions when they read the startup’s documentation, and it is the job of the founders to answer these questions in a manner that impresses investors and speeds up the process. Begin by creating a folder structure that is organized and clear with clearly defined documentation grouped into categories (e.g. legal, financial, contracts). A clear labelling of these folders and documents allows stakeholders to locate the data they need. It can also be helpful to add metadata to the data room to provide additional context to each document.
Other useful sections that founders can include in their data room include a competitive analysis, a https://gooddataroom.com 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 and business certificates, tax information, and an audited financial statement. This will demonstrate that the startup is a credible and legitimate business.