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

DiligenceSquared, a YC Fall 2025 startup founded by ex-Blackstone and BCG veterans, uses AI voice agents to conduct customer interviews for M&A due diligence at roughly $50,000 per engagement — a 90%+ reduction from the $500K–$1M typically charged by top-tier consultancies. The startup has already completed projects for several large PE firms and mid-market funds, and just closed a $5 million seed round led by former Index Ventures partner Damir Becirovic. Senior human consultants verify the final outputs to maintain quality. Its main competitor, Bridgetown Research, raised a $19M Series A in early 2026.