Helix undertakes its own rigorous due diligence before each fund-raising. It employs the same due diligence criteria as do sophisticated investors. However, given the time constraints facing investors and their need to evaluate a large number of funds, Helix can often take this research to a more detailed level.

Referencing

For each fund-raising, Helix secures dozens of references from nominated referees and independent contacts. Helix's referencing focuses on the General Partner (GP)’s track record; the personal and professional qualities of its team members; and the conditions in the GP’s chosen market. Investors are then given access to Helix’s unedited files of confidential references, which are never seen by the GP in question, adding to their credibility in LPs’ minds. Helix is scrupulous in presenting not only positive but also any negative responses, so that investors can make informed judgements on the basis of a range of views.

Analysis

Helix also conducts a thorough analysis of:

• the history and evolution of the firm seeking to raise new funds
• its track record
• the firm’s portfolio of investments
• any recent departures or new hires
• the contribution of the GP to value creation and development of portfolio companies
• attribution of returns
• the firm's investment decision-making process
• differentiation of the firm from its competitors
• the macro-economic and market environments
  

Marketing Material

Helix uses the information gathered during the due diligence process to produce the offering memorandum and marketing materials for the fund - including a "pitch book" for the GP's use in presentations; and the due diligence package distributed to potential investors as a supplement to the offering memorandum.

Key Advantages

Helix’s approach offers advantages to both GPs and investors.

GPs benefit from Helix’s discriminating and thorough approach, which enables the client to address potential problems prior to marketing. GPs’ time is also freed-up during the marketing process, as Helix can deal with most investor queries directly.

Investors benefit from access to the extensive due diligence materials provided by Helix. This conserves their resources and enables them to come to more rapid decisions concerning a fund.

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