Source Triangulation
Validating a data point by confirming it across three or more independent sources with different collection methods.
Core OSINT discipline that reduces error risk and increases confidence for critical fields like roles, mandates, and AUM—especially when decisions depend on accuracy.
Expanded Definition
Triangulation requires confirming facts through multiple independent channels—not just multiple mentions from the same source type. For example: role confirmed via LinkedIn (self-reported) + SEC filing (regulatory) + news article (third-party) provides stronger confidence than three LinkedIn profiles.
The technique is most critical for high-stakes fields (decision authority, active mandates, AUM ranges, investment readiness) where errors are costly. It's less necessary for stable, low-decay fields (founding dates, legal structures). Triangulation doesn't eliminate uncertainty—it quantifies it through source diversity and agreement patterns.
Signals & Evidence
Strong triangulation combines:
- Primary sources: Regulatory filings (Form ADV, SEC), legal docs, direct confirmation
- Secondary sources: News, press releases, third-party databases
- Tertiary sources: Social media, company websites, event listings
- Independence test: Sources must use different collection methods and originators
- Conflict resolution: When sources disagree, weight by recency, authority, and verification method
Decision Framework
- Confidence tiers: High (3+ independent sources, recent), Medium (2 sources or single authoritative), Low (1 unverified source)
- Field prioritization: Always triangulate for roles, mandates, decision authority, active allocations; optional for stable identifiers
- Re-verification triggers: Role changes, mandate shifts, firm transitions require fresh triangulation
Common Misconceptions
"Three mentions = triangulation" → Only if sources are truly independent; three blog posts citing the same press release ≠ triangulation. "Triangulation proves certainty" → It quantifies confidence; even strong triangulation can be wrong if all sources rely on the same outdated root claim. "Always triangulate everything" → Prioritize high-stakes fields; over-triangulation wastes resources on stable data.
Key Takeaways
- Triangulation = confirming across independent source types (regulatory + news + direct), not just multiple mentions
- Use it for high-stakes fields (roles, mandates, decision authority) where errors are costly; skip for stable identifiers
- Conflicts between sources are signals—investigate rather than ignore; they often reveal change events or disambiguation needs