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How to Use E-Signatures for Investment Documents

Overview​

Electronic signatures (e-signatures) are a convenient and legally binding way to sign investment documents on the WhiteLabel Community Deals Platform. This guide will walk you through the process of electronically signing subscription agreements, term sheets, and other required legal documents when making investments. Understanding how to properly use e-signatures ensures your investment process proceeds smoothly and securely.

Prerequisites​

Before using e-signatures for investment documents, you should:

  • Have a registered and verified account on the platform
  • Have completed KYC verification
  • Have submitted an application for a specific deal
  • Have received documents that require your signature
  • Have a device with internet access (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
  • Be the authorized person to sign investment documents

Step-by-Step Instructions​

Step 1: Access Documents Requiring Signature​

  1. Log in to your account on the platform
  2. Navigate to the "My Investments" or "Portfolio" section
  3. Locate the pending investment that requires document signatures
  4. Click on the investment to view details
  5. Look for a notification or button indicating "Documents to Sign" or "Pending Signatures"
  6. Click on this button to access the documents requiring your signature

Step 2: Review Documents Before Signing​

  1. Before signing any document, thoroughly review its contents

  2. Common documents requiring signatures include:

    • Subscription Agreement
    • Investment Terms and Conditions
    • Risk Disclosure Statement
    • Investor Suitability Declaration
    • Accredited Investor Certification

  3. Click on each document to open it in the document viewer

  4. Read through the entire document carefully

  5. Pay special attention to:

    • Investment amount
    • Terms and conditions
    • Your rights and obligations
    • Risk disclosures
    • Any representations or warranties you're making

Step 3: Initiate the Signing Process​

  1. After reviewing a document, look for the "Sign" or "E-Sign" button
  2. Click this button to begin the electronic signature process
  3. The platform will guide you through the signing workflow
  4. You may be asked to confirm your identity before proceeding

Step 4: Verify Your Identity (If Required)​

  1. For security purposes, you may need to verify your identity before signing

  2. Common verification methods include:

    • Entering a verification code sent to your email or phone
    • Answering security questions
    • Using two-factor authentication
    • Confirming personal details

  3. Complete the verification process as prompted

  4. This step ensures that you are the authorized person signing the documents

Step 5: Navigate Through Signature Fields​

  1. The e-signature system will guide you through all required signature fields

  2. Required signature locations are typically highlighted or marked with tags

  3. Common signature fields include:

    • Full legal signature
    • Initials on specific pages
    • Date fields
    • Checkboxes for acknowledgments
    • Additional information fields

  4. Use the "Next" button or navigation arrows to move between signature fields

  5. The system will ensure you don't miss any required fields

Step 6: Create Your Electronic Signature​

  1. When you reach a signature field, you'll be prompted to create your e-signature

  2. You typically have several options:

    • Type your name and select a signature style
    • Draw your signature using your mouse, touchpad, or touchscreen
    • Upload an image of your physical signature
    • Use a previously saved signature (if available)

  3. Create your signature using your preferred method

  4. Preview how your signature will appear on the document

  5. Adjust if necessary until you're satisfied with the appearance

Step 7: Apply Your Signature​

  1. Once you've created your signature, apply it to the designated field
  2. Click "Apply," "Sign," or a similar button to place your signature
  3. Your signature will be inserted into the document at the specified location
  4. The system may automatically date the signature for you

Step 8: Initial Required Pages or Sections​

  1. In addition to full signatures, you may need to initial certain pages or sections

  2. The system will guide you to these locations

  3. For initials, you can typically:

    • Type your initials
    • Draw your initials
    • Select from preset initial styles

  4. Apply your initials to all required locations

Step 9: Complete Additional Required Fields​

  1. Besides signatures and initials, you may need to complete other fields:

    • Check boxes to acknowledge specific terms
    • Enter dates
    • Provide additional information
    • Confirm representations or certifications

  2. Fill in all required fields as prompted

  3. The system will not allow you to complete the signing process until all required fields are completed

Step 10: Review Your Signatures and Inputs​

  1. Before finalizing, you'll have an opportunity to review all your signatures and inputs

  2. The system will typically provide a summary or allow you to navigate through the document

  3. Check that:

    • All signatures are properly placed
    • All initials are included where required
    • All checkboxes and additional fields are completed
    • Everything appears as you intended

  4. If you notice any issues, you can usually go back and make corrections

Step 11: Finalize and Submit Signed Documents​

  1. After reviewing and confirming all signatures and inputs, click "Finish," "Submit," or "Complete Signing"
  2. The system will process your signatures and apply them to the final document
  3. You'll receive a confirmation message that your signing is complete
  4. The platform will automatically route the signed document to the appropriate parties

Step 12: Receive Confirmation and Signed Copies​

  1. After successfully signing all documents, you'll receive a confirmation

  2. This confirmation typically includes:

    • A success message on the platform
    • An email confirmation
    • Access to a copy of the signed documents
    • A transaction ID or reference number

  3. The platform will usually provide a way to download or access your signed documents

Step 13: Access Signed Documents Later​

  1. You can access your signed documents at any time by:

    • Going to your investment details page
    • Navigating to a "Documents" or "Signed Documents" section
    • Checking your "My Investments" or "Portfolio" area

  2. Click on the document name to view or download it

  3. It's recommended to save copies of all signed documents for your records

Step 14: Track Document Status​

  1. After signing, you can track the status of your documents

  2. Common status indicators include:

    • "Signed by You" - You've completed your signatures
    • "Awaiting Other Signatures" - Other parties still need to sign
    • "Fully Executed" - All required parties have signed
    • "Processing" - The system is finalizing the document

  3. Check the status to ensure the signing process completes successfully

Step 15: Address Any Signing Issues​

  1. If you encounter any issues during the signing process:

    • Look for error messages or notifications
    • Use the platform's help or support features
    • Contact platform support if you can't resolve the issue

  2. Common issues include:

    • Browser compatibility problems
    • Missed signature fields
    • Session timeouts
    • Verification failures

  3. Most issues can be resolved by refreshing the page or starting the signing process again

Best Practices​

  • Read Before Signing: Always thoroughly read documents before signing them
  • Use a Secure Device: Sign documents on a secure, private device, not on public computers
  • Check Your Information: Verify that all pre-filled information is correct
  • Save Copies: Download and save copies of all signed documents for your records
  • Sign Promptly: Complete the signing process promptly to avoid delays in your investment
  • Use a Consistent Signature: Try to use a consistent signature style across all documents
  • Keep Your Account Secure: Protect your account credentials to prevent unauthorized signatures
  • Check All Pages: Review all pages of documents, not just signature pages
  • Verify Document Completion: Ensure you've completed all required signature fields
  • Follow Up: If you don't receive confirmation after signing, follow up with platform support

Troubleshooting​

Common Issues​

  1. Browser Compatibility Problems

    • Solution: Try using a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge are typically supported)
    • Solution: Update your current browser to the latest version
    • Solution: Clear your browser cache and cookies
    • Solution: Disable browser extensions that might interfere with the signing process

  2. Signature Not Appearing Correctly

    • Solution: Try a different signature creation method (typing instead of drawing, or vice versa)
    • Solution: Ensure your device supports the signature method you're trying to use
    • Solution: Adjust the size or style of your signature
    • Solution: If using a touchscreen, try using a stylus for more precision

  3. Session Timeout During Signing

    • Solution: Complete the signing process in one session without long pauses
    • Solution: Save your progress if the platform offers this option
    • Solution: Log back in and resume the signing process
    • Solution: If the issue persists, contact platform support

  4. Identity Verification Failures

    • Solution: Double-check that you're entering verification codes correctly
    • Solution: Ensure your contact information is up-to-date in your profile
    • Solution: Try an alternative verification method if available
    • Solution: Contact support if verification consistently fails

  5. Document Not Marking as Complete

    • Solution: Check for any missed required fields (they're usually highlighted)
    • Solution: Ensure you've clicked the final "Complete" or "Finish" button
    • Solution: Try refreshing the page and checking the document status
    • Solution: Contact support if the document remains incomplete despite completing all fields

Getting Help​

If you encounter any issues while using e-signatures:

  1. Navigate to the /support Support center by clicking on the "Support" link in the main navigation
  2. Select the appropriate category for your issue
  3. Provide specific details about your problem, including any error messages
  4. Include the name of the document you're trying to sign
  5. Submit your support request
  6. Support staff will respond through the platform's notification system