FAQs
What types of matters are a good fit?
ShadowGrid is best suited for matters requiring structured open-source research or digital investigative support, especially where clients value clear documentation, defensible findings, and practical reporting. Typical matters may include counter-party vetting as part of pre-investment due diligence , vetting an individual prior to a board appointment, or digital investigation support for disputes and litigation.
Can you support a one-time matter, or only larger projects?
ShadowGrid supports both one-time matters and larger, more involved engagements. We work on projects of varying size and scope, from narrowly focused research requests to broader due diligence or investigative support matters.
Do you work with small firms and solo practitioners, or only larger organizations?
ShadowGrid works with clients of varying sizes, including solo practitioners, small firms, and larger organizations. What matters most is that the engagement has a legitimate professional purpose and a lawful, ethical basis. We are glad to support investors, attorneys, firms, and other professional clients on valid matters, but we do not accept work that is purely intrusive, speculative, or intended to invade someone’s privacy without a legitimate reason.
Do you support outside counsel, investigators, or in-house teams?
Yes. We regularly support outside counsel, investigators, and in-house teams with open-source research, due diligence, and investigative support. Engagements can be tailored to fit the client’s workflow, reporting needs, and timeline, whether the work is standalone or part of a broader matter.
Can services be tailored?
Yes. Engagements are scoped based on the client’s objectives, timeline, decision needs, and budget. While ShadowGrid operates within clear workflows and professional standards, each engagement is tailored to the client’s specific matter rather than delivered through a one-size-fits-all approach.
How does a project begin?
Projects typically begin with an initial discussion to define scope, objectives, timeline, and deliverables. Where appropriate, this may be followed by a confidentiality agreement and a written proposal or engagement document. Most importantly, we ensure every project is seamless, from scoping to delivery. Our client’s time is our most precious resource. We respect it, we protect it, and we never waste it.
Can you support urgent or time-sensitive matters?
Absolutely. We operate on the client's timeline, not ours.
What can open-source research realistically uncover?
Demonstrating our investigative capabilities is one of the most rewarding parts of the work. The publicly indexed surface web—the part most people access through standard search engines such as Google—represents less than 5% of the information available online. That means a significant amount of relevant information remains outside of routine search results, often hiding in the shadows. That is where we come in. Much of our expertise lies in knowing where to look, how to access it lawfully, and how to turn it into insight.
What are the limits of open-source due diligence?
ShadowGrid conducts open-source due diligence strictly within legal and ethical boundaries, including applicable privacy and consumer protection laws. It does not involve accessing restricted records, private accounts, or information that is not lawfully obtainable. That said, effective open-source research can uncover meaningful insights about a person’s or company’s activities, patterns, assets, relationships, and public-facing behavior. We are often able to develop a clear picture from lawfully available digital traces, public records, online activity, and other open-source indicators without violating privacy rights or breaking the law.
Will the subject of the research know they are being reviewed?
Typically, no. Most of our work can be conducted without alerting the subject. The level of discretion applied to an engagement will depend on the client’s objectives, timeline, and tolerance for visibility or engagement.
Do you document where findings came from?
Absolutely. While much of our value lies in investigative skill and the effective use of OSINT tradecraft, we consider it critically important to substantiate our findings through source credibility, verification, and clear documentation. We also recognize the importance of preserving supporting material for potential court use or future reference. That is why each client receives not only a concise summary report or briefing, but also access to a complete dossier of relevant source documents, records, and supporting files.