The service-specific risk to address first
A growth story unsupported by collections or contracts can lose credibility during due diligence.
A startup seeking working capital should distinguish collection delays from structural operating losses.
Mistake 1: assuming the same rule applies to everyone
Fundraising readiness begins with reliable numbers and a realistic capital-use plan.
Entity type, business activities, transaction facts and the relevant period can change the answer. Before using a checklist or a headline rule, ask which facts make it applicable to you. Verify current official requirements rather than copying an old article.
Mistake 2: sending records that do not reconcile
Prepare financials, forecasts, cap table, customer evidence and a clear use-of-funds schedule.
Flag mismatches and missing items before the adviser starts. Never overwrite an original record simply to make totals match. Preserve an explanation of corrections so the final position can be traced back to its evidence.
Mistake 3: confusing one task with full compliance
Specify model, deck, data-room and transaction support; no engagement can guarantee investment.
An incorporation, registration, return or report is a particular deliverable. Other permissions, recurring obligations and implementation work may remain. Ask for a written list of what the engagement does not cover.
What to do if work is already wrong
Preserve the original submission or report and ask for an assessment of the available correction route. Do not submit a duplicate application or ignore a communication without checking the consequences. Identify the issue, relevant period and supporting evidence.
Which assumptions are supported by evidence and what gaps will investors question?
Maintain the approved model, source assumptions, data room and transaction action register.
How to use this resource
