DueCap Score (DCS)
A data-driven investment readiness score for startups. Built to help investors evaluate faster — and help founders raise smarter.
What is the DueCap Score?
The DueCap Score is a standardized evaluation metric that rates a startup’s investment readiness on a scale from 0 to 100. Investors use it to assess potential and risk quickly, and startups to identify strengths, gaps, and action steps toward funding.
For Investors
Save time, reduce risk, and make smarter decisions.
For Startups
Get clear, objective feedback — and a roadmap to improve.
How It Works
The DueCap Score is calculated across 10–12 core categories. Each category is scored from 0 to 10, contributing to a total of 100 points. Evaluations are based on structured questionnaires, document review, and (optionally) founder interviews.
- Financial Health
- Product-Market Fit
- Market Potential
- Team & Leadership
- Risk Assessment
- Operational Efficiency
- Legal Compliance
- Traction & KPIs
- Investor-Ready Strategy
- Business Model Viability
- Innovation & Technology (optional)
- Customer Satisfaction & Retention (optional)
Why Investors Use It
- Fast filtering: Prioritize which deals deserve deeper diligence
- Risk mitigation: Uncover red flags early
- Benchmarking: Compare startups across a consistent standard
- Data-driven confidence: Move from gut feel to structured insight
Why Startups Use It
- Clarity: See where you stand and where to improve
- Validation: Show investors a credible readiness signal
- Action Plan: Get detailed recommendations based on your score
- Momentum: Use your progress to boost investor trust
Score Tiers
- 80–100: Investment-Ready
- 60–79: Promising but needs refinement
- 40–59: Needs Development
- 0–39: High Risk — not ready for funding
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of companies do you analyze?
We specialize in early to growth-stage technology companies (Seed through Series B). Our framework is most effective for businesses with significant growth potential and execution complexity.
How is your analysis different from traditional due diligence?
Traditional DD focuses on the verification of facts and numbers. Our 5 Signals approach focuses on prediction—identifying patterns and risks that indicate future performance issues or opportunities before they're obvious in the metrics.
What's included in a due diligence engagement?
A complete analysis across our 5 Signals framework, management interviews, reference calls, competitive analysis, and a comprehensive written report with investment recommendation and risk assessment.
How quickly can you complete an analysis?
Our typical turnaround is 3-4 weeks for a comprehensive analysis. This allows time for thorough stakeholder interviews, reference calls, and proper validation of our findings.
Do you work with individual angel investors?
Yes, we work with individual angels, angel groups, family offices, and VC funds of all sizes. Our services are particularly valuable for investors who want institutional-quality analysis without building internal teams.
What's included in portfolio monitoring?
Quarterly reviews of portfolio companies across all signals and KPIs, early warning identification of potential issues, board-ready reports, and strategic recommendations for intervention when needed.
Can you help with existing portfolio companies that are struggling?
Absolutely. Our 5 Signals framework is excellent for diagnosing issues in underperforming companies and developing turnaround strategies. Many problems we identify can be addressed before they become critical.
Do you provide ongoing advisory services?
Yes, we offer custom advisory engagements, including investment process consulting, portfolio strategy development, and training your team on our analysis framework.
Get Your DueCap Score
Startups can request a DueCap Score assessment to benchmark their investment readiness and improve their funding strategy.
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