Building a Comprehensive Data Room

9 Data Room Components LPs Need from Emerging Managers

When the time comes for emerging managers to raise funds, a comprehensive data room can be essential. Your data room can provide limited partners (LPs) with a one-stop shop to understand your team, your strategy, and your track record. The stronger your data room, the more likely prospective LPs may be able to entrust you with their capital.

It’s a great time to be an emerging manager. According to the Wall Street Journal, “more debut-fund managers are striking out on their own [in 2021 than ever before], emboldened by strong returns in the markets.” In Q2 2021, first-time funds made up 40% of all venture fund announcements, according to research from Different Funds cited by the Journal. At the same time, fund investors are “increasingly looking for ways to back emerging venture firms, which, research shows, tend to outperform the market and be more diverse.”

Given the increased LP appetite and the attractive potential returns associated with this growing asset class, the market continues to heat up. Nevertheless, raising a new fund remains extremely competitive. Whether you’re a seasoned VC spinning out on your own, an operator turned investor or an angel raising your first institutional fund, it’s more critical than ever to prove to LPs that your approach is differentiated. A great data room can separate you from the rest of the pack.

At SVB, we’ve worked with hundreds of the top LPs, from family offices to endowments. Recently, we asked some members of that network to share their perspectives on what they’re really looking for in a data room. We’ve also asked emerging managers who have found success for their wisdom from the trenches. Below you’ll find their insights, plus more than 10 data room templates you can download and use.

Elements to consider in your data room

Much like a founder’s investment data room, your data room may be the source of truth for prospective investors looking to understand your thesis, your track record and your fund strategy. Consider putting together the following components in a virtual data room before you begin fundraising.

Click on each topic below for best practices and component templates, including a breakdown of what each component is and why it matters to LPs: