| name | dd-verification |
| description | Verify claims in pitch decks and founder statements using multiple independent sources. Use when analyzing any claim about market size, traction, team background, or competitive positioning. |
Claim Verification Methodology
When analyzing claims from pitch decks, founder statements, or company materials, follow this rigorous verification process.
Verification Levels
Assign one of these confidence levels to every claim:
| Level | Definition | Requirements |
|---|
| VERIFIED | Confirmed via 2+ independent sources | Multiple credible sources agree |
| PARTIALLY VERIFIED | Some evidence supports, gaps remain | One credible source + logical consistency |
| UNVERIFIED | Cannot confirm with available data | No independent sources found |
| CONTRADICTED | Evidence conflicts with claim | Sources disagree with stated claim |
Verification Process
1. Identify the Claim
Extract the specific, testable assertion:
- ❌ "We're growing fast" (vague)
- ✅ "We grew 300% YoY in 2024" (specific, testable)
2. Find Independent Sources
Never rely solely on company-provided materials. Seek:
- Public filings (SEC, state records)
- Third-party data providers (Crunchbase, PitchBook, LinkedIn)
- Press coverage (with dates)
- Customer reviews and testimonials
- Industry reports from analysts
3. Cross-Reference
Compare across sources:
- Do numbers align within reasonable variance (±10%)?
- Are timelines consistent?
- Do different sources tell the same story?
4. Document Everything
For each verified claim, record:
{
"claim": "The specific claim text",
"confidence": "VERIFIED | PARTIALLY VERIFIED | UNVERIFIED | CONTRADICTED",
"sources": [
{"name": "Source name", "url": "URL if available", "date": "YYYY-MM-DD"}
],
"notes": "Any caveats or context"
}
Red Flags
Watch for these warning signs:
- Round numbers without context ("$10M ARR exactly")
- Claims that can't be independently verified
- Metrics that don't match industry standards
- Vague timeframes ("recently", "soon")
- Comparisons without clear methodology
Output Format
Include a verification summary in your analysis:
{
"verification_summary": {
"total_claims_analyzed": 15,
"verified": 8,
"partially_verified": 4,
"unverified": 2,
"contradicted": 1
},
"key_concerns": [
"Market size claim contradicted by industry reports",
"Founder employment dates don't match LinkedIn"
]
}
