In a recent LinkedIn post, Bettina Briz offers a candid perspective on the critical process of due diligence from an investor’s viewpoint, emphasizing that this scrutiny is a reciprocal obligation. Briz, an investor, details her rigorous approach to evaluating potential investments while also urging founders to thoroughly vet their potential financial partners. This dual-sided diligence, she argues, is fundamental to building successful, long-term relationships in the venture capital ecosystem.
Briz outlines her five key questions for founders before she commits capital:
“Why now, what are you solving, how big is the market opportunity (my DD gets deep, look at your numbers, review your tech stack, your IP, problem narrative, your solution)”
She delves into the necessity of assessing the team’s credibility and execution capability, stating that founders must demonstrate not only a deep understanding of their market but also the trustworthiness to navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Briz’s evaluation extends to tangible proof of concept and market validation, looking for indicators such as Letters of Intent (LOI), bookings, Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), and customer commitments.
The Founder’s Role in Due Diligence
A significant portion of Briz’s post is dedicated to the often-overlooked aspect of founders conducting their own due diligence on investors. She stresses that just as investors scrutinize a startup’s viability, founders should meticulously examine the potential backer.
“While I’m doing my homework on you YOU should be doing your homework on ME,” Briz asserts, highlighting the importance of alignment beyond just capital infusion.
Briz suggests founders speak with other entrepreneurs and funds an investor has previously backed to gauge their post-investment behavior. She also advises checking an investor’s profile to ensure a fit in terms of stage, sector, and check size, cautioning against a “spray and pray” approach.
“Check my profile. Do I actually fit your stage, sector, check size? Is it a FIT for my investment interest?”
This reciprocal vetting process, according to Briz, helps ensure that both parties are entering into a partnership that is mutually beneficial and strategically sound.
Investor Commitment and Founder Trust
Briz underscores the significance of an investor’s commitment, particularly after a term sheet has been signed. She contrasts her own promise of reliability with instances where investors have allegedly disappeared after signing, leaving founders in a precarious position.
“My word is GOLD If I tell you I’m committed, and I sign the term sheet The money gets WIRED”
She advises founders to reserve their celebrations until the funds have actually hit their bank accounts, a pragmatic approach to managing expectations and validating commitments.
Choosing the Right Partner
Ultimately, Briz frames the investor-founder relationship as a long-term partnership. She encourages founders to view the selection of an investor as choosing a crucial ally who will be in their corner throughout the startup’s growth trajectory.
“You’re not just taking a check You’re picking who’s in your corner for a LONG LONG time. So CHOOSE WISELY my Friends.”
Briz concludes by offering a unique ‘two-for-one’ proposition through her partnership with her husband, Peter Himes, suggesting that founders who align with her also gain access to his support, reinforcing the idea of a comprehensive partnership for the ventures they back.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Bettina Briz on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on August 17, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →