How we trained Claude to understand a fund, the PE team, and the deal process — using nothing but two text files.
Johnny Rodriguez
APR 09, 2026
When most people use Claude, they type a question and get an answer. It works, but every conversation starts from zero. Claude has no idea who you are, what your fund does, or how you like things done.
We solved that with two files. One tells Claude how to behave inside our workspace. The other tells Claude who we are as a firm. Together, they turn Claude from a general assistant into something that feels like a trained analyst on your deal team.
Here is exactly what is in each file and why it matters.
Think of it this way. CLAUDE.md is the employee handbook. SKILL.md is the firm brochure. Every new hire gets both on day one.
CLAUDE.md is the first file Claude reads before doing anything inside our workspace. It is the instruction manual. It covers three things: the rules Claude must follow, the team it is working with, and the folder structure it operates in.
Global Rules
These are the non-negotiables that apply to every single task. Things like always version control documents, never overwrite a file without asking, flag red flags instead of making decisions, use British English throughout, and always add a confidentiality footer to every document. Claude follows these automatically without being reminded.
Team and Communication Rules
CLAUDE.md has the full contact list — internal team and external advisers. But more importantly it tells Claude how to communicate with each person. Emails to our Managing Partner are direct and table-led. Emails to our external lawyer are formal British English with specific clause references and a clear deadline. Claude adjusts its tone depending on who it is writing to.
Folder Structure
Every output Claude produces goes into a specific subfolder. CIM scorecards go into /cim-screening/. IC memos go into /ic-memos/. Legal documents go into /legal-dd/. Claude never has to be told where to save things because it is all mapped out here.
PROMPTS IN CLAUDE.MD