Bumble & BumbleCapital · Est. 2020
A considered workspace at dusk

Process & Timeline

From first conversation to partnership.

Our process is structured but never industrial. Most partnerships move from first conversation to completion in around eight weeks. Some take longer when the founder is not yet ready, and that is welcome.

Every step below is designed to respect the founder's time, the company's privacy, and the seriousness of the decision being made.

Six Considered Steps

What to expect at each stage.

  1. 01Week 1

    Initial conversation

    An informal, confidential conversation. No documentation requested, no NDA required at this stage. We listen first: what the business is, what the founder is considering, and whether there is a basis for further discussion.

  2. 02Weeks 1–2

    Mutual fit & confidentiality

    If both sides see a possible fit, we sign a mutual NDA and share a short summary of how we work. We ask only for the information we need to assess fit responsibly - not a data room.

  3. 03Weeks 2–4

    Light due diligence

    We review financials, customer concentration, and the founder's objectives. Most conversations happen with the founder directly. We never approach staff, customers, or suppliers without explicit permission.

  4. 04Weeks 3–5

    Indicative terms

    If we wish to proceed, we issue a written, non-binding indicative offer. Terms are designed to be clear, fair, and structured around the founder's situation - partial liquidity, full sale, succession, or growth.

  5. 05Weeks 5–7

    Confirmatory diligence

    Once terms are accepted, we conduct focused confirmatory work with the founder's chosen advisors. We keep the process narrow, respectful, and designed not to disrupt the running of the business.

  6. 06Weeks 7–8+

    Completion & partnership

    Documentation, completion, and the beginning of a long-term partnership. The founder and existing team continue to run the business; we provide capital, governance, and considered support as required.

Discretion

Conversations are confidential by default. Staff, customers, and suppliers are never contacted without consent.

No auctions

We do not participate in broad auctions. We engage seriously and only where there is a genuine fit.

Founder pace

Timelines flex around the founder. If now is not the right time, we are content to keep the conversation open.

A confidential first conversation is the only commitment.

Start a Confidential ConversationConfidential Fit Questionnaire