The entrepreneur's objective is to use the capital and expertise of the PE firm to grow the company in the ways that benefit every involved person. So, for a successful PE partnership here is some etiquette that helps ensure maximum alignment. To do: i) make sure that one fits the firm's funding and investment strategy. ii) Target those firms that have interest and experience in the industry. iii) Understand the PE firm's decision-making process. For this, interview the CEOs of past and present portfolio companies. iv) Find out how the partner is responsible for one's investment gets paid. Not to Do Things are: i) don't go "exclusive" too soon. Always understand the paperwork before signing. ii) Don't be frightened of "thorough" money and beware fast money. iii) Don't Hire an Inexperienced transaction lawyer to avoid cost. iv) Don't be defensive when the PE firm offers operating Expertise. Because it's not interfering, it's a valuable advisory resource. Read more at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/295506