FinTech Investor Due Diligence 2025: How a Missing Funding Round Shapes Risk Appetite

Executive Summary There is no public evidence that the AI‑finance startup Light secured capital from a Revolut backer during 2024 (previous year)–25. For venture capitalists and fintech founders, this illustrates how robust due diligence hinges on traceable data. Below we detail a pragmatic playbook to uncover missing information, identify critical metrics once found, and translate those findings into strategic decisions. Why the Data Gap Matters for 2025 FinTech Decision‑Makers In an era where GPT‑4o, Claude 3.5, and Gemini 1.5 can be deployed in seconds, investors need concrete evidence that a startup’s technology is production‑ready and market‑validated. A missing funding announcement signals one of three possibilities: Non‑existence : The company never existed or operated under a different name. Private Transaction : Funding was closed quietly, perhaps through a convertible note that never hit the press. Data Loss : Public records were omitted from our dataset due to indexing errors or geopolitical restrictions. Each scenario carries distinct implications for portfolio construction and risk assessment. Ignoring the gap can lead to overvaluation of unverified opportunities or missed chances to invest in high‑growth AI‑fintech firms. Step‑by‑Step Guide to Verify a Suspected Funding Round Targeted Search Engine Queries Use advanced operators: "Light AI finance" AND "Revolut backer" AND (Series A OR Series B) . Filter by date (2024‑25) and language (English). Include industry portals such as TechCrunch, VentureBeat, Finextra, and Crunchbase news feeds. Leverage Regulatory Filings Check the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s EDGAR database for Form D filings indicating a private placement. In the EU, review the UK Companies House or German Handelsregister for shareholder changes. Search Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) if Revolut’s investment arm is based there. Scan Venture Capital Databases Crunchbase, PitchBook, and CB Insigh