E-Signatures: What Are They?

Our goal with this article is to address any concerns our clients may have about eSignatures, especially for those who may be less familiar with the technology. We want to reassure our Clients that the eSignature platforms we use, such as DocuSign—an industry leader in secure digital signing–are both safe and reliable.

At Clear Skies Capital, we utilize a variety of eSignature platforms to best meet our clients’ needs. In addition to DocuSign, you may also encounter platforms like Conga Sign, Adobe, and PandaDoc. Below is a quick overview of eSignatures and how we implement them at Clear Skies Capital to ensure a secure and seamless experience.

What is an E-Signature?

An ‘eSignature,’ or electronic signature, is a digital version of a handwritten signature used to sign documents electronically. eSignatures first emerged in the early 2000s, and while interest in electronic signatures grew steadily, demand increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as stay at home orders underscored their necessity.

Are they Safe?

Yes. Companies offering this service must follow requirements/elements set by the regulating body. Below are some key elements that address questions we’ve received from our clients in the past:
Q: How do they know it’s really my signature?
A: Each signer’s identity is verified through secure methods such as email verification or multi-factor authentication.

Q: How is the document protected from tampering?
A: eSignature platforms use encryption to ensure the document remains tamper-proof, meaning it cannot be altered without detection after it has been signed.

Q: Is there a record of the signing process?
A: Yes, most eSignature platforms maintain an audit trail, as required by many legal frameworks. This audit trail includes timestamps, IP addresses, and other data to document who signed, when, and under what conditions.

How are eSignatures used at Clear Skies Capital?

Below are some of the times you will encounter e-signatures while working with Clear Skies Capital.

Application Submission

After our initial consultation, we will request a credit application package. This package includes your last 4 months of business bank statements and a CSC Credit Application completed with DocuSign.

Funding Documents

Once your business credit application is approved, we will prepare the necessary agreements for you to execute with an eSignature. These may include DocuSign, Conga Sign, Adobe Acrobat Sign, Panda Doc, etc. The ability to quickly and securely sign documents means you can move forward with your plans without unnecessary delays.

Conclusion

If you have any questions about eSignature usage at Clear Skies Capital, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your account executive or our management team. We’re here to support you, understanding that technology can sometimes be challenging.Our team is dedicated to making your funding journey as smooth as possible.