Inside Due Diligence: What Investors Really Look For

In this live session from a recent SDAC Knowledge & Network Event hosted at Mintz Law’s office, investor Neal Bloom and corporate attorney Sebastian Lucier pull back the curtain on what due diligence really means for early-stage startup investing.Whether you’re a founder preparing to fundraise or an aspiring angel investor doing your first deal, this session is packed with sharp insights and war stories - from spotting red flags on cap tables to identifying green flags that signal breakout potential.Moderated by Cathy Pucher, this conversation offers a rare dual lens: from the investor side and the legal side.Key Topics Covered:* Why due diligence is different for early-stage companies* How to structure founder equity and employment terms the right way* Why investor scorecards work best as conversation tools, not decision tools* When to walk away - even after doing the work* How investors stay involved after the check clearsConnect on LinkedIn:* Sebastian Lucier – Mintz* Cathy Pucher – SDSU ZIP Launchpad* Neal Bloom – Rising Tide Partners This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit risingtidepartners.substack.com/subscribe