Honor Your NDAs

September 12, 2024

by a searcher from University of Tennessee - Knoxville in Nashville, TN, USA

SearchFunders,

I was contacted via LinkedIn from another member in this community to learn more about my broken deal from last year. This individual didn't much care to establish a positive relationship as much as they wanted the name of the target company. When I rebuffed and shared that I honor my NDAs, this individual replied, "I completely understand and respect your commitment to NDAs. We honor NDAs as well. That said, if you're comfortable sharing just the name of the company without breaching confidentiality, it would be very helpful. I assure you I won’t use your name or reference anything related to your deal - just looking to build a relationship with the owner to see where it might lead." I shared that their approach wasn't classy. They subsequently blocked me on LinkedIn.

What this individual was asking me to do was unethical and could have had legal ramifications for me had I complied. Your NDAs aren't just pieces of paper. A party with the bankroll and know-how can destroy you and your family if breached. I am fairly confident that I am not the only individual that this person has reached out to, so stay firm in your commitments.

BEWARE THE VULTURES, FOR THEY ARE EVERYWHERE!!!

Reply by a searcher
from University of Greenwich in Toronto, ON, Canada

Thank you for sharing this experience. You handled the situation with the utmost integrity, and your stance on upholding NDAs is both commendable and essential in today’s business environment. Your experience highlights an important lesson: trust and professionalism are foundational to building lasting business relationships. When someone prioritizes personal gain over ethics, it’s a red flag. Asking for confidential information—however minor it may seem—is a breach of both legal and ethical boundaries. Your response was appropriate, and it's important to call out such behavior when it arises. It serves as a reminder that maintaining confidentiality is non-negotiable. NDAs exist for a reason, and the risks of breaching them are far-reaching, both legally and reputationally. To anyone facing similar situations, remember: no deal or relationship is worth compromising your principles. Stay firm, and always choose the path of integrity. It’s not just about avoiding legal consequences; it’s about upholding your own professional standards and protecting the trust others have placed in you. Beware those who attempt to manipulate trust and ethics for their own gain. They may present themselves as opportunities, but in reality, they can be destructive to your career and reputation. Stay vigilant.

Reply by a searcher
from Texas A&M University in Cedar Park, TX, USA

I missed out on a deal last year. I had formed a pretty good relationship with the seller but the buyer who won out was coming from a better position financially which I completely understand/understood. I kept in touch with him and asked him who the buyer was but he declined to disclose which I completely respect. Personally, I was just curious and not looking to do anything with the information but there's nothing wrong with him wanting to keep that discreet which I'm sure was part of an NDA.

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