The Due Diligence Checklist Every Founder Should Start Right Now

Whether you're raising capital, applying for grants, landing a major client, or planning for long-term growth, nothing slows down opportunity like not having your paperwork in order.

That’s where a solid due diligence folder comes in.

You don’t have to wait until investors or partners ask for documents to start organizing them. In fact, the earlier you start, the easier it will be to scale confidently and respond quickly to opportunities. This guide breaks down the essential documents to gather, store, and keep updated so you’re not caught off guard when the right opportunity shows up.

Why Due Diligence Matters (Even Early On)

Due diligence isn’t just for huge companies or billion-dollar deals. It’s simply the process of helping others understand how your business is structured, how you operate, and where your key assets are.

Having your documents in place:

• Builds trust with potential investors, customers, and partners

• Helps you get clear on your business

• Makes growth opportunities smoother and faster to act on

• Saves time (and stress) later

Pro tip: Create a digital “Due Diligence” folder now, no matter what stage you are in your business. As new documents come in (contracts, financials, agreements, resumes), drop them in immediately. Don’t overthink it or wait for things to be “final.”

Your Due Diligence Checklist

Not sure what belongs in your due diligence folder? Start with this list. It covers the essentials most founders, funders, and partners will expect to see as your business grows.

Use folders and subfolders to stay organized, and keep things up to date as you grow. You don’t need to have it all figured out today, but building the habit now will save you time (and stress) later.

1. Pitch Materials

These are what you’ll share first when presenting your business to investors, partners, grant organizations or accelerators.

• Executive Summary (2 pages max)

• Pitch/Investment Deck (max. 12 slides)

• Product Demo or Walkthrough Videos

• Letters of Support

• Business Model Canvas

2. Formation & Legal Documents

Proof that your business is officially set up and in good standing.

• Articles of Incorporation

• Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Founders’ Operating Agreement

• Shareholder Agreements, Cap Table, or Subscription Documents (if applicable)

3. Team & Management

Information about who’s involved in running the business.

• List of Team Members

• Organizational Chart

• Bios or Resumes for Key Team Members

• List of Advisors or Board Members

• Employment & Contractor Agreements (NDAs, IP assignments, etc.)

4. Intellectual Property

If your business has IP, protect it and be ready to show it.

• Trademarks or Patents (filed or approved)

• Copyrights or Licenses

• Logos or Brand Assets

• Proof of Ownership or Registration

5. Strategic Plans

This shows how you think about growth and where you’re headed.

• Financial Plan or Forecast

• Sales Strategy or Pipeline Plan

• Marketing Plan

• Technology/Product Development Roadmap

  
  

6. Products/Services

Details around how your product is made, priced, and delivered.

• Product Cost Breakdown

• Manufacturing or Service Delivery Process

• Sketches, Wireframes, or Product Assets

• Supply Chain or Vendor Details (if applicable)

7. Marketing & Visibility

What traction do you have, and how are you reaching customers?

• Customer or Email Lists (with permissions!)

• Recent Press Coverage

• Sales Materials or Campaign Overviews

• Awards or Competitions Entered/Won

8. Contracts & Agreements

Formal documents that show your current business relationships.

• Sales Contracts

• Strategic Partnerships

• Loan or Debt Agreements

• Vendor or Service Agreements

• Contractor Agreements

9. Financials

This is one of the most requested areas during diligence. Keep it clean and consistent.

• Profit & Loss Statements, Balance Sheets

• Federal, State, and Local Tax Filings (if applicable)

• Capitalization Table (Cap Table)

• Business Insurance Policies

10. Technology & Tools

If tech is core to your product or service, include documentation.

• Internal Tools or Custom Software Descriptions

• Product Development Timeline or Stack

• System Architecture (if applicable)

11. Legal & Compliance

Any known risks or required licenses should be disclosed.

• Licenses or Permits

• Regulatory Approvals

• Pending or Potential Litigation

Build It Like Someone Will Ask Tomorrow

You don’t need to have all of this figured out today, but starting early puts you ahead of the game. Think of your due diligence folder like your business's resume. It should reflect your growth, tell your story, and make it easy for someone to say yes when the opportunity comes.Take it one folder at a time. Keep things updated. And remember: the more confident you are in your operations, the easier it is for others to trust what you’re building.