Startup Self-Assessment

Startup Self-Assessment Form

- Step 1 of 5

Your name *

Startup Name *

Your role *

Your Email Address *

Confirm Email

Contact Number (WhatsApp) *

Name of the Incubator/Accelerator *

Type "None" if not incubated

Resident City *

City where startup resides/head office

Resident Country *

Current Developmental Stage *

Incubate Entry

Do the founders have a clear problem statement with market validation, clearly identifying the customers that are willing and able to pay for a solution? *

Is there a sound strategy and plan for product/service development and delivery? *

Does the founding team have leadership potential and can build and maintain relationships with the customer? *

Does the team demonstrate a strong commitment to the venture? *

Do the team members have the abilities and expertise required for the product to be developed, including practical skills, like problem-solving, strategic, and organizational abilities? *

Is the company registered as an independent entity? *

Have founders agreed on a sound equity distribution plan for incubating stage? *

Do legal contracts between founders and the company exist? *

Are vesting Agreements in place for founders? *

Incubate Exit

Is there a demonstrable MVP that is developed in consultation with potential customers? *

Is there at least one customer that has used the MVP? *

Are the Product Pricing and Marketing strategy in place? *

Is there a clear value proposition for customers and relevant marketing material is available in a presentable format? *

Is there a list of potential customers or leads that can be reached within the founders network? *

Has the team developed a Lean canvas and discussed it at least four times? *

Is the Investment need for the launch stage identified clearly? *

Is there a funding plan in place for the launch? *

Is the company Registered as an independent entity? *

Are there bank and merchant accounts in place? *

Does the company have all income tax, sales tax, state tax, and other ids in place? *

If a patent could be filed, is filed, and if a paper could be published is published? *

Customer Readiness

Does the startup have a Customer Elevator Pitch? *

An Elevator pitch for customers is a simple statement about your business that will catch the attention of a potential customer. Can you tell in one or two sentences what value you can create for the customer?

What would you say to the customer if you had only 30 seconds? *

Does the startup have a customer short intro to seek time for a formal or informal presentation? *

Short intro is used in emails, text messages, on LinkedIn, or through intermediaries like friends/family, to introduce your startup to a potential client. It should be strong enough to convenience the customer to meet up.

Is there a landing page for potential customers to visit? *

A single page with Why your product is needed by the customer, the value you offer, competitor analysis, sign-up, or expression of interest form.

Is there a formal presentation ready to share with potential customers? *

A creative and impressive presentation of the value proposition and business model.

Are there Social Media Pages for the startup? *

As soon as a potential customer is interested in what you are offering, they will search you on the Internet. Your presence on all the important platforms will give them the confidence that you are reliable.

Does the startup have Service Contract, Licensing Agreement, Subscription Agreement, or Sales Deed ready for new customers? *

The actual contract startuo will use to do the transaction with the customer.

Can startup receive money from the customer using a debit/credit card or bank transfer? *

Ability to accept credit cards, deposit checks, issue invoices, etc.

Is there an Investor Pitch Deck ready for presentation? *

The Elevator pitch & pitch deck ought to be a synopsis of business plan, highlighting key points very well. It should also explain the genuine need for the product in the market, its unique selling point, what differentiates the product from its competitors and the business model.

Are all legal documents up to date and all reports with regulatory authorities are current? *

Is there a business model canvas? *

Is there an in-depth competitor analysis done by the team with clear competitive advantage? *

Is there enough traction with the customers that can validate a product/market fit? *

Is there a good Business Growth Plan in place? *

Are there financial statements both historical and projected, including profit & loss and balance sheet? *

Is Cap Table documented properly? *

Is there a good funding plan in place with details on how much money is needed, key milestones over the next 12/24 months, and key performance indicators? *

Startup Self-Assessment