FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is narrative due diligence?
It is the practice of examining a person or organization's public record to identify the story an adversary, journalist, or critic would tell about them before they tell it.
Who needs narrative due diligence?
Anyone about to make a consequential decision: executives before a hire or partnership, investors before a deal closes, communications teams before a launch, and boards before a leadership change. If the wrong story at the wrong moment could cost you financially, reputationally, or politically, you need it.
Can't AI just do that?
Artificial intelligence can't access proprietary databases or file Freedom of Information requests. It can't notice errors and follow them. It finds the consensus from whatever is on the internet. But the consensus can be wrong or incomplete, and AI will confidently report it as comprehensive and accurate.
How is this different from a background check?
A background check reports what is in the system. We notice what is missing, what contradicts, and what nobody thought to question.
How is this different from a PR firm?
PR firms manage the story after it exists. We find it before it does.
What kinds of records do you examine?
Court records, property records, regulatory filings, FOIA and FOIL requests, corporate records, news archives, academic publications, social media, and specialized proprietary databases not accessible to standard research tools.
Do you work with individuals or organizations?
Both. We research the person, the entity, and the relationship between them.
How long does an engagement take?
It depends on the scope and the deadline. We work to your timeline.
What happens after you deliver the findings?
We deliver a full report with strategic recommendations. For clients who want ongoing protection, we offer a retainer that keeps an investigative eye on the public record as it evolves. This is not media monitoring. It is pattern recognition that turns a quiet filing into an early warning.
Is this confidential?
The nature of the work requires it. We don't discuss our clients or our engagements.
Who is Washborne?
Washborne was founded by Tina Dupuy, an award-winning investigative journalist, and Paul Guevara, a strategic advisor. There is no junior team. No handoffs. When you hire Washborne, you get Tina and Paul.