2025-07-16

A Product? Or A Personality?

Business Model Check – What Are You Really Buying?

Title: A Product? Or a Personality?

Sometimes the business model is founder-led. Without them, it collapses.

We evaluate:

  • Scalability
  • Recurring revenue
  • Unit economics
  • Dependency on key people

Buy the business. Not just the story.

 

 

In many early-stage ventures, the founder is the engine - driving product, sales, even customer delight.
But as an investor or acquirer, the real question is:

 Is this just a solo act… or can it become a scalable business?

? What We Evaluate in Commercial Due Diligence:

1 Founder's Role vs. Business DNA
Is success completely founder-dependent, or is there a clear plan to institutionalize the model?

2 Scalability
Can the business expand beyond the founder’s personal network, bandwidth, and hustle?

3Transition Potential
Can repeatable processes, second-line leadership, and systems be built to make the business founder-independent?

4 Revenue Quality
Is there recurring revenue, diversified customer base, and operational continuity even without the founder?

5 Unit Economics
Does the business model support sustainable profitability, or is it reliant on personal relationships and negotiations?

 

 

Being founder-led today isn’t the issue.
 The risk is when there’s no vision or structure to grow beyond the founder.

We’ve seen strong businesses collapse after an exit not because the idea was flawed, but because the business was never allowed to breathe on its own.

 

Don’t just ask “Is this a great founder?”
Ask:
“Is this a business that can thrive without them?”

Commercial due diligence helps you look beyond the pitch and evaluate the real transferability and longevity of the model.

#StartupTips #DueDiligence #InvestorReadiness #StartupFounders #Fundraising #Valuation #Governance #FinancialClarity #DueDiligenceSeries #valuationexpert #dealadvisory #ValueEdge #investments #mergersandacquisitions #privateequity #aifinvestments #mutualfundhouse  #legalduediligence #compliancecheck #riskmanagement #dealmakers

When NAV Beats DCF  Valuing a Real Estate Holding Company
2025-08-13

When NAV Beats DCF  Valuing a Real Estate Holding Company

Read More..
 Valuing a SaaS Company with ?5 Cr ARR
2025-08-12

 Valuing a SaaS Company with ?5 Cr ARR

Read More..
Valuing a Bootstrapped Startup With No Revenues  But High Traction
2025-08-11

Valuing a Bootstrapped Startup With No Revenues  But High Traction

Read More..
Valuing a Bootstrapped Startup With No Revenues But High Traction
2025-08-11

Valuing a Bootstrapped Startup With No Revenues But High Traction

Read More..
Precedent Transaction Method
2025-08-07

Precedent Transaction Method

Read More..

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide professional valuation services across the following asset classes:
  • Land & Building (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural)
  • Plant & Machinery (Manufacturing units, industrial assets)
  • Securities or Financial Assets (Equity shares, debentures, startups, AIFs)
  • Specialized Valuations for M&A, financial reporting, IBC, income tax, and more

Yes, our reports are fully compliant with applicable laws including:
  • Companies Act, 2013
  • SEBI Regulations (SAST, ICDR, AIF)
  • IBC, 2016
  • Income Tax Act, 1961
  • Valuation Standards by ICAI, IBBI, and IVSC

Absolutely. We have IBBI-Registered Valuers under all three categories—Land & Building, Plant & Machinery, and Securities/Financial Assets. Our team also includes experienced chartered accountants and engineers.

We serve a wide range of clients including:
  • Companies & Startups
  • CA & Law Firms
  • Banks & NBFCs
  • Government Departments
  • Individuals & HUFs

Our process is simple and efficient:
  1. Initial consultation to understand the requirement
  2. Document collection and site visit (if needed)
  3. Data analysis and valuation calculation
  4. Final report delivery, certified by a Registered Valuer

Key documents generally include:
  • Ownership/title documents
  • Asset photos or plant list
  • Latest financials
  • Company PAN, GST, or registration
  • Cap tables or investment details (for startups)

Turnaround time:
  • Land/Building or Plant & Machinery: 3–7 working days
  • Financial Assets / Startups: 1–7 working days
  • Fast-track services available on request.

Valuation may be required for:
  • Startup fundraising & ESOPs
  • Business transfers or buyouts
  • Regulatory compliance (SEBI, IBC, Income Tax)
  • Bank loans or mortgages
  • Fair value financial reporting
  • Mergers & Acquisitions

Yes, we specialize in:
  • 409A compliant valuations
  • DCF, NAV, and Berkus method-based startup valuations
  • ESOP pricing & compliance support

Our fees are competitive and project-specific, based on:
  • Nature and size of asset
  • Complexity of engagement
  • Regulatory requirements
  • Contact us for a personalized quote.

Our detailed reports feature:
  • Valuation method and justification
  • Market research & data
  • Key assumptions and disclaimers
  • Final value conclusion
  • Certificate by the Registered Valuer

Yes. We offer remote/desk-based valuation for startups, financial assets, and select use-cases. For physical assets, we usually require on-site verification.

Yes. We offer:
  • Monthly/quarterly retainer packages
  • Bulk valuation pricing for CA firms, legal advisors, banks, and corporates

Yes. Client confidentiality is paramount. All data shared is stored securely and not disclosed to any third party without your consent.

You can get started by:
  • Filling out our Contact Form
  • Calling us directly
  • Scheduling a free consultation