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Sell-Side

Sell-Side Technology Report

An independently prepared technology assessment for inclusion in a vendor due diligence pack or information memorandum. Structured, evidenced, and written for a sophisticated investor audience.

What Is a Sell-Side Technology Report?

The Proof Edge Sell-Side Technology Report is a structured, evidence-based assessment of a company's technology platform, prepared independently for use in a sale process.

It gives potential buyers a credible, well-documented view of the technology estate, covering architecture, security posture, AI readiness, engineering practices, data maturity, and team capability. Findings are risk-rated and commercially framed. The report is written for investment committees, not internal IT teams. Typical turnaround is 3 weeks from kick-off to final report.

Typical Deliverables

  • Executive summary with overall technology assessment
  • Risk-rated findings across all four domains
  • Technical debt quantification and investment requirements
  • AI maturity and readiness assessment
  • Team and capability review
  • Near-term opportunity identification
  • Benchmark comparisons against comparable businesses

Who Commissions It

Typically commissioned by a PE fund preparing a portfolio company for exit, or by a management team running an owner-led or secondary transaction.

PE Fund - Exit Preparation

Commission an independent technology report ahead of a sale process to give buyers confidence in the asset and reduce friction during buyer DD.

Management Buy-Out

Provide incoming investors with an independently prepared view of the technology estate, supporting valuation and reducing negotiation risk.

Secondary Transaction

Prepare a well-documented technology narrative for secondary buyers, covering current state, risk profile, and near-term investment requirements.

What It Covers

Four domains, each assessed in depth by practitioners with hands-on experience building and running technology businesses.

01

Product, Strategy & AI

  • Product Vision & Roadmap
  • Planning Process
  • AI Differentiation
  • Deployment
  • Usability
02

Software & Data Architecture

  • Extensibility
  • Scalability
  • Data Architecture
  • Model Lifecycle Management
  • Reliability & Software Quality
03

Technology Team & Process

  • Organisational Design
  • SDLC Maturity
  • Core R&D Toolset
  • AI Efficiency
  • Cost Efficiency
04

Cybersecurity

  • Policies, Standards & Compliance
  • Certifications & Audits
  • Security Tooling
  • System Hardening
  • Response & Recovery

The Health Check Advantage

Where Proof Edge has previously conducted a Technology Health Check on the same business, the cost and timeline of the Sell-Side Report are reduced. Findings are already documented, risks are understood, and remediation progress can be validated and reflected in the report.

Engaging 6–12 months ahead of a process is the optimal path. Where a process is already live or imminent, we can deliver a standalone Sell-Side Report within 3 weeks of kick-off.

Optimal6–12 months before processHealth Check + Remediation + Sell-Side Report
Viable6–8 weeks before processHealth Check or standalone Sell-Side Report
Process live3 weeksStandalone Sell-Side Report

Sell-Side Technology Report: Common Questions

What is a sell-side technology report?

A sell-side technology report is an independently prepared, structured assessment of a company's technology platform, produced for use in a sale process. It gives potential buyers a credible, evidenced view of the technology estate, covering architecture, security, engineering practices, data maturity, and AI readiness, written for investment committees, not internal IT teams.

What is the difference between a sell-side and buy-side technology report?

A sell-side technology report is commissioned by the vendor (typically a PE fund or management team) to prepare for investor scrutiny. It is included in the vendor due diligence pack or information memorandum to give buyers confidence in the asset. A buy-side report is commissioned by the investor to independently assess a target before committing capital.

How long does a sell-side technology report take?

A standalone Proof Edge Sell-Side Technology Report takes 3 weeks from kick-off to final report. Where Proof Edge has previously conducted a Technology Health Check on the same business, cost and timeline are reduced.

When should I commission a sell-side technology report?

The optimal path is to engage 6–12 months before a sale process, beginning with a Technology Health Check to identify and address risks before the process starts. Where a process is live or imminent, a standalone Sell-Side Report can be delivered within 3 weeks.

See how the full engagement model fits together →

Preparing for a Process?

Tell us where you are in the deal cycle. We'll explain what the engagement looks like and whether a prior Health Check makes sense given your timeline.

Talk to Proof Edge