Emerging Manager Due Diligence Questionnaire
What matters most to LPs?
Ease of analysis.
Depending on the type of LP you’re speaking with, they may have met with hundreds of funds this year. The DDQ may be the best standardized tool for them to quickly cross-compare at a high level.
Completeness.
LPs may expect there to be gaps in the data you’re providing here but anticipate speaking to any holes in the data. Also consider continuing to update the data as you go.
Alignment with your other documents.
Consider ensuring the information included in your DDQ reflects the same information included elsewhere. In addition, consider checking that all the key information in your pitch deck and track record matches.
A note on private placement memorandums (PPMs): Consider working with your legal counsel to determine if you need to create a PPM as part of your fund documentation. They are no longer common for emerging managers, but they are still required for some firm structures.
Think of your DDQ as a living document. As you progress in your fundraise and get new questions from prospective LPs, continue to add common responses into it.
Resources
Review a Due Diligence Questionnaire Template by Institutional Limited Partnership Association (ILPA)
Read About the Next Component:
Limited Partnership Agreement
A document covering legal terms that may govern your relationship with limited partners.
Read Main Article
The nine key data room components LPs need from emerging managers
Read the other Emerging Managers data room components
Data Room Best Practices
Overarching principles to keep in mind as you develop your data room. Learn more
Fundraising Pitch Deck
One of the main qualitative documents LPs may use to vet your fund. A compelling fundraising pitch deck entices an LP to review the rest of your data room. Learn more
Investment Track Record
A quantitative spreadsheet detailing the key financial metrics for your previous investments. Learn more
Investment Memos & Market Map
Investment memos allow LPs to see your thought process as an investor at the time you made an investment. Market maps show overviews of the market you serve, categorized by theme or sector. Learn more
Limited Partnership Agreement
A document covering legal terms that may govern your relationship with limited partners. Learn more
Fund Model
A forward-looking financial spreadsheet that translates the investment strategy you’ve set forth in your pitch deck into a hypothetical portfolio demonstrating your fund’s performance potential. Learn more
Reference List
A list of founders, venture capitalists and limited partners excited to share their positive experiences partnering with you. Learn more
Fund Contact List
A comprehensive list of contacts for the partnership and the back-office support team. Learn more