Afraid of the Cloud? Ask the Right Questions
By Greg George, Managing Partner of GTI Advisors
What if your vendor is acquired, are there assurances in your service agreement allowing you to opt out if you choose to – if so, will all your data be deleted? What if you vendor is acquired by a company based in a foreign country? Maybe the acquiring company ceo, also a peoples republic of china communist party official, will assure you your data has been deleted. All in all – right now, using SaaS simply comes down to a judgment call, what is in the best interest of your firms operations: ease of access, work flow and cost benefits vs. associated risks…
Advice on Brokers and Up-Front Fee Fraud
By Greg George, Managing Partner of GTI Advisors
A few thoughts on brokers and other middlemen requiring fees up front – usually under the guise of due diligence work that needs to be done, to better position your business plan and pro-forma, along with all the assurances and window dressings of how they will get your deal funded – these are great sales people, and most are frauds…
On Performing Better Than Your Competitors
By Greg George, Managing Partner of GTI Advisors
Anatomy of an acquisition: I’m often asked, being a small firm, how do we accomplish such cost effective broad-based enhanced due diligence research given short notice, meeting required deadlines… The short answer is, by bringing in the best talent available ‘as needed’, and laser focused project management.
Inside the Due Diligence Value Proposition
By Greg George, Managing Partner of GTI Advisors
Due Diligence can be categorized as a fraud management tool, an information gathering exercise or just a shield that will provide some value in case something goes wrong. It is important to undertake a DD for all transaction irrespective of the value. You cannot evaluate it in terms of ROI. Consider it as a cost just like a premium paid for insurance.
A Guide for Full Field Background Checks
By Greg George, Managing Partner of GTI Advisors
Regarding background research on principals prior to investment, joint venture, merger, acquisition, a new partnership opportunity; a key management, scientific or fiscal candidate prior to hiring, my recommended research criteria varies depending on the specific industry. However, here is what I suggest as a common baseline that is comprehensive yet cost effective – a hedge that can save you much aggravation and money later…
Reverse Due Diligence: Know Thy Investor
By Greg George, Managing Partner of GTI Advisors
It’s no surprise that since the true realization of the money crash last September, sources of funding have dramatically tightened up. Most of us understand that desperate times require desperate measures, but be careful – if you’re seeking funding or working with someone who is; there be dragons out there… I’ve managed investor related due diligence issues over the years primarily by bringing transparency to decision makers before any deal is made – unfortunately, some call too late and we have to roll in to “how to fix it” mode.
You Know Who’s Tapping Your Cell Phone?
By Greg George, Managing Partner of GTI Advisors
The first recommendation I make to anyone about to discuss sensitive information, remove the battery from your cell phone at every meeting, or leave the damn phone in the car – The protections you think you have doesn’t matter, anything, ANYTHING wireless, can be hacked and monitored, and quite easily…
