Search

Home > The Tech M&A Podcast > Episode 98: 12 Steps to Survive Due Diligence
Podcast: The Tech M&A Podcast
Episode:

Episode 98: 12 Steps to Survive Due Diligence
Category: Business
Duration: 00:08:32
Publish Date: 2026-04-24 23:40:00
Description:

Due diligence has become tougher, deeper, and more demanding than ever before—especially in today's fast‑paced tech M&A and private equity environment. Buyers now apply higher standards, deploy specialized diligence teams, and scrutinize every aspect of your business.

In this special report, we walk through 12 critical steps every CEO must take to survive due diligence—and protect deal value. From preparing your data room and managing disclosures to controlling working capital and hiring the right advisors, this video outlines the real‑world land mines that derail deals and how experienced sellers avoid them.

Whether you're actively pursuing an exit or planning ahead, these best practices will help you meet buyer expectations, maintain leverage, and get through diligence with confidence.

Key Takeaways

-Due diligence today is not just document review—it's a full‑company stress test

-Private equity firms now set the gold standard for diligence expectations

-Preparation before LOI dramatically improves outcomes and leverage

-Poor timing of disclosures can erode trust and kill deals

-Working capital surprises are one of the most common last‑minute deal breakers

-Strong advisors and intermediaries can be the difference between closing—or collapsing—a deal

Chapters

00:00 Why Due Diligence Is Harder Than Ever

01:30 Step 1: Understand the Buyer's Due Diligence Checklist

01:58 Step 2: Prepare Your Data Room in Advance

02:43 Step 3: Fix Accounting Issues Before Due Diligence

03:03 Step 4: Control the Timing of Disclosures

03:37 Step 5: Run Parallel Due Diligence and Contract Processes

04:08 Step 6: Get a Draft Agreement Early

04:43 Step 7: Appoint a Due Diligence Coordinator

05:03 Step 8: Inform Only Key Employees

05:28 Step 9: Watch Working Capital Closely

06:02 Step 10: Use Your Accountants Effectively

06:22 Step 11: Hire Experienced Tech M&A Legal Advisors

06:52 Step 12: Choose the Right M&A Intermediary

07:16 Why Experience Matters Most in the Final Mile of Diligence
Total Play: 0

Some more Podcasts by Heidi Owen

100+ Episodes
The Tech M&A ..