Resource
A checklist for testing an opportunity before outreach turns it into a live process.
Use it to pressure test the mandate thesis, qualification criteria, counterparties, transaction readiness, and execution sequence.
The checklist
- What precise opportunity or transaction are we trying to originate, finance, acquire, sell, or advance?
- Which commercial, strategic, ownership, and timing criteria define a genuinely qualified opportunity?
- Which investors, buyers, sellers, operators, or partners could materially change the outcome—and why?
- What valuation, structuring, governance, regulatory, or operational issues are most likely to change the decision?
- What is the true sequence of analysis, materials, diligence, counterparty, and internal approval decisions required to move credibly?
- Which conversations should happen now, and which should wait until the thesis, materials, or evidence base improves?
- What remains uncertain after the first pass, and how should those unknowns be tested next?
- If the answer is not proceed now, is the right conclusion wait, reframe the transaction, pursue a different route, or stop?
Take it into the working session
Use the list in one sitting. The point is not to answer everything perfectly, but to surface the one or two unknowns that actually change the next origination, transaction, or execution decision.
Read the full investor diligence frameworkWhen to bring in outside support
- Leadership teams testing whether an opportunity or transaction deserves immediate action
- Shareholders and operators clarifying sequence before investor, buyer, or partner outreach
- Investors pressure testing one acquisition, asset, capital, or market entry thesis before further commitment
Move from diagnosis to ownership
The worksheet adds status, evidence, owner, next action, and review date fields so the discussion can become a controlled readiness plan.
Discuss a live mandate