Term Sheet . . .

refers to an outline of the terms of a proposed deal, typically set up to be a non-binding precursor to the actual financing agreements that will fully document a funding transaction. Term sheets serve the same purpose as letters of intent and are used frequently by venture capitalists to fix the terms of a deal before they complete their due diligence. While generally unenforceable, term sheets, like letters of intent, often contain binding agreements to prevent management from shopping the deal spelled out in the term sheet. See: Due Diligence, Financing Agreements, Letter Agreements, Letters of Intent.