DiligenceSquared uses AI, voice agents to make M&A research affordable

2026-03-05 · Source: TechCrunch · Field: Business & Management — Entrepreneurship & Start-ups, Consulting & Professional Services, Corporate Strategy & Leadership · Depth: Novice, quick

Summary

DiligenceSquared, a startup from YC’s Fall 2025 cohort, offers AI-powered commercial research for private equity (PE) due diligence, aiming to significantly reduce the cost and time associated with traditional M&A processes. Co-founded by Frederik Hansen (ex-Blackstone) and Søren Biltoft (ex-BCG), the company leverages AI voice agents to conduct customer interviews, a method also seen in consumer research startups like Keplar and Listen Labs. DiligenceSquared claims to deliver top-tier consultancy-quality reports, comparable to those from McKinsey, Bain, or BCG, for approximately $50,000, a substantial reduction from the typical $500,000 to $1 million. This lower price point encourages PE firms to engage earlier in the deal process. The startup recently secured a $5 million seed round led by Damir Becirovic's Relentless, and has completed multiple projects for major PE firms since its October launch.

Key takeaway

For private equity firms evaluating potential acquisitions, DiligenceSquared's AI-driven approach allows you to conduct high-quality commercial due diligence earlier in the M&A process at a tenth of the traditional cost. This enables more thorough vetting of targets before committing to expensive external advisors, potentially reducing overall deal risk and improving investment outcomes. Consider integrating such AI solutions to enhance your preliminary diligence efforts.

Key insights

AI voice agents can significantly reduce the cost and accelerate commercial due diligence for private equity.

Principles

• Early diligence reduces deal risk.
• AI can democratize high-cost services.

Method

AI voice agents conduct customer interviews, with senior human consultants verifying accuracy and commercial insights in the final 200-page reports.

In practice

• Use AI for initial market research.
• Integrate human oversight for quality assurance.

Topics

• Private Equity Due Diligence
• AI Voice Agents
• Commercial Research
• M&A Process
• Startup Funding

Best for: Executive, Investor, Entrepreneur, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by TechCrunch.