What's up Corporate Finance podcast: Why preparation makes the difference

Jeroen Kruithof, CEO Virtual Vaults

The deal starts with preparation

A successful transaction begins long before due diligence. Companies that keep their legal and financial documentation structured and up to date can respond faster, manage risk more effectively, and prevent value loss.

Yet many entrepreneurs only start organizing their data once a buyer shows interest and by then, it’s often too late. Preparation isn’t a one-off project; it’s a continuous process that creates calm, clarity, and control.

Always exit ready

For private equity, preparation is ongoing, even after closing. Most funds sell their portfolio companies within three to seven years. By keeping their data room or Workspace active throughout that period, deal teams stay permanently exit ready.

This avoids duplication, speeds up reporting, and builds trust with investors and buyers. When your data is always in order, you never have to start from scratch.

Technology that thinks ahead

AI is reshaping how deal teams work. Automation makes processes faster and cleaner — from red flag reporting to the automatic redaction of sensitive information. Still, human interpretation remains essential.

At Virtual Vaults, AI is designed to strengthen, not replace, the user. Smart integrations with legal tech partners help teams work more efficiently without compromising control, security, or compliance.

Data as a new source of value

Beyond efficiency, data has become the next competitive advantage. Using anonymized information from over 3,700 deals, Virtual Vaults builds benchmarks that reveal deal duration, valuation trends, and buyer behavior.

By connecting deal data across transactions, valuable patterns emerge — helping advisors time exits, shape strategies, and position clients more effectively. This marks a shift toward truly data-driven M&A: from reactive decision-making to acting on facts and proven insights.

Listen to the full episode

Tune in to the conversation with Jeroen Kruithof on how preparation, technology, and data together are shaping the future of M&A: