The BLACK Protocol

Our flagship diagnostic — a fixed-protocol interview and evidence collection system that delivers pricing-grade risk signals in 72 hours.

1

Structured Interview

10 sector-calibrated binary questions administered to the target's principal. Audio-recorded. 30 minutes. The questions are designed to surface governance posture, not technical detail. Every answer is yes or no. Elaboration is noted but not scored.

The interview itself is a diagnostic instrument. How a principal responds to structured accountability questions reveals more than any deck or data room.

2

Evidence Request

Following the interview, the principal receives a targeted evidence request. 24-hour submission window. Timestamped artifacts only. No extensions.

You can't enforce a standard you never defined. The 24-hour window is the standard. What arrives, what doesn't, and the delta between claims and proof tells the story.

3

Posture Analysis

Interview responses and submitted evidence are scored against governance frameworks. Binary outcomes only. No subjective risk ratings. No color-coded matrices.

Aligned with ILPA due diligence guidelines, ISO 27001, and COSO. Every score traces to a specific artifact or its absence.

4

Decision Memo

A binary risk memo with one of four recommendations: proceed, reprice, restructure, or walk. Includes evidence gap analysis and structuring recommendations tied to specific findings.

The memo is designed to be read by an investment committee in under 10 minutes and defended under audit indefinitely.

What you receive

  • Binary risk memo with scored posture outcomes
  • Evidence gap analysis
  • Structuring recommendations tied to specific findings
  • Scope guidance for confirmatory diligence

What we don't do

  • No system access. No logins. No infrastructure scanning.
  • No replacement of your diligence providers.
  • No open-ended consulting engagements.
  • No AI scanning or automated analysis.

Traditional diligence vs. BLACK

Traditional BLACK
Timing Post-LOI Pre-LOI
Duration 4-6 weeks 72 hours
Access required Full data room Zero
Evidence standard Self-reported Timestamped artifacts
Output Narrative report Binary decision memo

See it in context

The BLACK protocol is best understood against an active deal.

Engagements are reserved for qualified sponsors with active deal flow.

Schedule a Call

Capacity is limited. Prior qualification required.