CREA505 - Company Structure and Due Diligence

Course Description

Before closing an investment deal, an entrepreneur needs to protect their interests, and an investor needs to verify the stability of the opportunity. This series of steps is called the due diligence process. In this course, you will create a due diligence project plan for your investment or opportunity that maps out how to get from term sheet to closing. This process includes key milestones, timeframes, a detailed understanding of key players’ responsibilities, and consideration for the various types of due diligence. Then, you will compile a list of questions for the due diligence checklist, a key element of the process that outlines the questions that need to be answered and the documentation that is required to close the deal. Lastly, you will identify, review, and analyze the dozens of critical documents being exchanged that are needed to finalize the investment deal and retain for future use, protection, and reference. By completing these steps, you will be ready to determine if you should move forward or hold back on your deal.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Startup Viability and Funding Options
• Pitching Your Business Opportunity
• Protecting Your Interests
• Financial Planning, Valuation, and Dilution

Faculty Author

Benefits to the Learner

• Create a due diligence project plan for an investment or opportunity
• Compile a list of key questions for the due diligence checklist
• Identify the documents needed at closing and post-closing

Target Audience

• Entrepreneurs seeking funding for their startup
• People who have an original or disruptive idea
• Novice investors