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VC Deal Term Compliance Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for reviewing and validating venture capital deal terms, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, industry standards, and best practices in investment agreement structuring.

VC Deal Term Compliance Checklist

by: audit-now
4.6

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About This Checklist

The VC Deal Term Compliance Checklist is a vital tool for venture capital and private equity firms to ensure that investment agreements adhere to legal requirements, industry standards, and best practices. This comprehensive checklist guides professionals through the process of reviewing and validating key deal terms, from valuation and equity structure to governance rights and exit provisions. By systematically evaluating each aspect of the deal, VC firms can minimize legal risks, protect investor interests, and establish a solid foundation for successful investments. This meticulous approach to deal structuring not only safeguards the firm's interests but also promotes fairness and transparency in the startup ecosystem.

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Industry

Financial Services

Standard

NVCA Model Legal Documents

Workspaces

Investment Firm Offices

Occupations

Investment Partner
Legal Counsel
Deal Structuring Specialist
Compliance Officer
Associate
1
Does the term sheet comply with NVCA model documents?
2
Is the proposed equity structure appropriate for the investment stage?
3
Are the governance rights adequately defined and balanced?
4
Are anti-dilution provisions included and appropriate?
5
What is the liquidation preference multiple?
Min: 1
Target: 1
Max: 3
6
Have the company's financial statements been thoroughly reviewed?
7
Has an intellectual property audit been performed?
8
What is the estimated Total Addressable Market (TAM) size?
Min: 100000000
Target: 1000000000
Max: 10000000000
9
How strong is the company's competitive position?
10
Are there any significant regulatory risks or compliance issues?
11
How experienced is the founding team in this industry?
12
Are there adequate retention strategies for key personnel?
13
Is the board composition balanced and appropriate?
14
Is there a clear succession plan for key leadership positions?
15
Rate the overall cohesion and effectiveness of the management team

1

5

8

FAQs

The checklist covers equity structure, valuation terms, board composition, voting rights, anti-dilution provisions, liquidation preferences, information rights, and exit clauses.

The checklist should be used during the term sheet negotiation phase and again during the final review of the investment agreements before closing.

Yes, the checklist can be customized to reflect different term expectations and complexities associated with seed, early-stage, and late-stage investments, as well as varying deal sizes.

The checklist is primarily used by investment partners, legal counsel, and deal teams within VC firms to ensure comprehensive review of deal terms.

Proper deal structuring and compliance reduce legal and financial risks, align incentives between investors and founders, and create a solid foundation for value creation and successful exits.

Benefits of VC Deal Term Compliance Checklist

Ensures legal compliance and adherence to industry best practices in deal structuring

Minimizes potential disputes and misunderstandings with founders and co-investors

Protects investor rights and interests throughout the investment lifecycle

Facilitates smoother follow-on rounds and exit processes

Enhances the firm's reputation for fair and professional deal-making