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Startup Maturity Assessment
Company Name: Blank*
Blank
Company Registration Date: *
Number of White-collar employees (Full Time): *
Number of White-collar employees (Part Time): *
Number of Blue-collar employees (Full Time): *
Number of Blue-collar employees (Part Time): *
Projected Revenues 2024: *
Total Revenues 2023: *
Total Revenues 2024: *
Are you exporting? Blank*
Blank
Which of the following best describes your team's current structure and governance? *
1
Our team consists of one or two people working on a technology or issue they are passionate about, possibly backed by a grant. We are exploring how to commercialize our idea or technology.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
2
We have reflected on our goals for our technology and considered various paths to bring it to market.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
3
We are a small team with an interest in business or entrepreneurship as a means of bringing our technology to the world.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
4
We have agreed on a commercialization path and can clearly explain our reasons for moving forward. We have identified our roles and the skills we need, and we recognize the importance of team dynamics and development.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
5
We have a provisional team leader agreed upon by the team. All members are dedicated to working on the venture, and we have the necessary technical skills and business knowledge to meet our milestones. We are starting to identify key processes and structures.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
6
We have identified market and technology advisors to help us make early startup decisions
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
7
We have established a capitalization table that outlines ownership stakes, including equity shares and a system for compensation.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
8
Our team is well-balanced, with both technical and commercial roles. The commercial team can effectively sell in our target markets.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
9
Our venture has been incorporated (e.g., as an LLC or C-Corp). We have a full-time CEO and a team that includes both technical and business skills.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
10
We have outlined and/or hired our first employees. All team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and compensation. We are beginning to consider the formation of a Board of Directors.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
11
We have outlined and/or hired key employees, and all early team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and compensation. We are considering our ideal Board of Directors.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
12
Our founding team members are drawing a salary, and we have an active and functioning Board of Directors.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
13
All of these are putted under a certain column, but this column didn't have a name till now, and I want to set a name for the column, but to be a very short simple name
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
There are no rows in this table
Describe the current roles within your team and any plans for future hires? *
How do you manage decision-making within your team, and what team changes are you making as the company grows? *
Which of the following best describes your technology development and manufacturing progress? *
1
Our team has conducted very early or fundamental research. The technology is under development, and there are many potential use cases.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
2
We have presented a technology that is novel and technically feasible, supported by credible proof of principle, such as preliminary or bench-top testing.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
3
We have developed a research trajectory for our technology, informed by ideas about potential use cases.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
4
We have defined priorities for technical development based on our understanding of customer needs.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
5
We have developed a prototype that has been tested in a controlled or lab setting.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
6
We can articulate the next steps needed for testing the technology to meet customer needs. We have defined the parameters for field testing/piloting the technology and the metrics required to validate it. We have also identified the capabilities required to manufacture the technology.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
7
We can articulate our innovation, both as a technology with significant potential and as a product with a clear use case. We have identified a piloting partner that enables us to properly test our technology and have started exploring manufacturing or production capabilities.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
8
We can share product specifications and design, and we can demonstrate real-world functionality through a demonstration. We have examined manufacturing options and identified opportunities to produce the technology at consistent, high-quality volumes and at an acceptable cost.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
9
We have a technical development plan that aligns with our IP strategy and product performance specifications. We have a manufacturing plan in place for our first product.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
10
We have vetted and selected a manufacturer, and we have completed our first production run.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
11
We have grown the number of pilot customers and are consistently receiving feedback about the product’s value to customers.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
12
We have identified the necessary certifications, licenses, and permits required to launch the product in the market and have started securing them.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
13
We have started manufacturing the product in preparation for launch.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
14
We have obtained the necessary certifications for the product.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
15
We have started developing the next growth features beyond the early innovators.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
There are no rows in this table
What technical challenges are you facing as you scale your product? *
How are you preparing for large-scale production and continuous product iterations? *
Are there any other products that you wish to introduce to the market? why? *
Which of the following best describes your current progress in securing and managing intellectual property (IP)? *
1
We have conducted an initial assessment of the technology landscape, but it’s still too early for defensible IP. Some patents may have been filed on the core technology, but without clear utility claims.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
2
We have a basic understanding of similar technologies that exist in the market.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
3
We have compared our technology to alternatives, completed a prior art search, and identified what is novel about our technology. If relevant, we have filed an invention disclosure with our university.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
4
We have established a hypothesis for the defensibility of our technology and determined the type of IP application we will file. We understand the pathway to accessing IP, either through assignment to a company or licensing. If relevant, we understand our university’s policy on IP ownership and licensing.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
5
We have begun drafting a provisional patent, including claims. If relevant, we have an agreement with our tech transfer office on who owns the technology (team or university).
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
6
We have drafted a provisional patent and can articulate the timeline for the next steps, including any adjustments to the claims and the international strategy if applicable. If relevant, we have secured documentation from the tech transfer office or begun discussions on licensing or options.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
7
We have filed a provisional patent application and developed a plan on which IP to invest in and why it is important for our business. We have secured legal counsel and drafted an operating agreement assigning IP to the company, not to individuals. If relevant, we have started discussions on licensing the technology from the university.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
8
We have a vetted plan for converting provisional patents to non-provisional patents and have started developing our IP strategy. We have decided if and where to file international IP. If relevant, we are negotiating or have negotiated the terms for licensing the technology from the university.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
9
We have converted our provisional patent(s) to non-provisional patent(s) and are considering other forms of IP, such as trademarks and copyrights. We have developed our IP strategy, including processes for maintaining and creating new IP. If relevant, we have secured an exclusive license to the technology from the institution.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
10
We are executing our IP strategy: international filings are complete, processes and deadlines for additional filings are in place, legal fees are budgeted, budgets are managed, and internal invention disclosure procedures are established. If relevant, we are meeting the milestones and terms agreed upon in the licensing agreement.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
There are no rows in this table
What steps have you taken to protect your IP, and what is your strategy for expanding that protection internationally? *
How do you plan to enforce your IP rights as your company grows? *
Which of the following best describes your team's current progress in understanding and engaging your target market? *
1
We have identified a societal or technical problem/challenge (a “need”) that our technology may address.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
2
We have identified use cases for our technology (how it might be used to solve a problem) and have grouped potential customers into market segments. We are beginning to analyze the pros and cons of different market opportunities.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
3
We can describe the key partners and competitors in our market. We understand how our technology addresses a specific customer problem and can articulate why it is superior to alternative solutions.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
4
We can clearly identify our specific target market(s): who will use the technology and how. Based on customer interviews, we can articulate a clear business thesis and an initial value proposition that reflects the perceived value or importance of our product from the customer’s perspective.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
5
We have conducted a detailed and specific competitive analysis. We can articulate the size of the market segment we are targeting and the value chain in which we operate. We have engaged with additional customers/stakeholders to verify and refine our value proposition, and have received strong validation of our business case (e.g., letters of support).
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
6
We have completed market testing with multiple customer/stakeholder groups in our value chain to validate the basic market assumptions of our technology (e.g., end-user context, needs, constraints) and to further refine our value proposition.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
7
We have a deep understanding of our chosen market sector and are discussing potential sales opportunities with customers. We have proof of customer interest, such as letters of intent or resources committed by potential customers to validate the technology in their own context (e.g., serving as a pilot partner).
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
8
We have documented a compelling, clear, and accessible market opportunity.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
9
We have proof of customer interest, such as early sales, contracts, or commitments.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
10
We have an idea of how to attract 1-5% of the Service Obtainable Market and have validated our approach with early adopters through repeated sales and feedback cycles.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
11
We have established a repeatable, scalable, and/or recurring sales pipeline. We have validated our business model and growth strategy by earning revenue and demonstrating a path to profitability.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
12
We have found a repeatable go-to-market strategy, have a strong understanding of our customer personas, and have identified the right sales channels with an economic Cost of Customer Acquisition.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
There are no rows in this table
How are you currently scaling your customer base? *
What challenges do you anticipate as you expand into new markets? *
Which of the following best describes your team's current progress in developing a business model and strategy? *
1
We have a desire to bring our technology to market, but we have no or limited sense of how to do it or what our options are.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
2
We have considered various pathways to market, such as selling a product, offering a service associated with the product, licensing, partnering, or open sourcing. We have also considered the needs and perspectives of potential customers.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
3
We have identified a target market segment and a corresponding value proposition that meets customer needs.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
4
We can describe potential revenue streams, understand how our competitive position impacts our goals, and see how our technology aligns with a market opportunity.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
5
We have identified a pathway to market and understand the pros and cons of pursuing this route.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
6
We can describe the cost structure of our product and have a better understanding of the key partners and resources needed for a successful commercial launch.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
7
We can identify the customer base that is willing to pay to solve the problem we’ve identified, indicating a conceptual product-market fit.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
8
We have developed a draft business model that includes industry-specific marketing strategies, cost/pricing structures, distribution channels, and potential partners that need to be tested and validated.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
9
We have developed cost of goods sold and unit economic projections, as well as key financial assumptions for both spending and revenue projections.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
10
We have validated key components of our business model and built an initial financial model, including bottom-up sales projections and assumptions for customer acquisition and operations.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
11
We have tested and vetted all of our business model assumptions. Lessons learned are reflected in our financial model and sales strategy, providing a clear path to profitability.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
There are no rows in this table
How are you optimizing your cost of goods sold (COGS)? *
What strategies are you using to reduce customer acquisition cost (CAC)? *
Which of the following best describes your team's current progress in securing financing, relationships, and institutional support? *
1
We have a desire to bring our technology to market, but we have no or limited sense of how to do it or what our options are.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
2
We may have initial funding through academic research grants, pitch competition awards, or support from friends and family. If applicable, we have secured initial advisors and institutional support.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
3
We can identify the types of funding and resources needed for our desired pathway to market. We can articulate the types of experts and strategic partners we need and have begun to develop key relationships, such as with technical or medical experts.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
4
We know how to write grants, articulate proposals, and have applied for several grants.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
5
We are likely supported by grants. We can articulate how our profile and goals align (or don’t) with different types of external funders or partners. We understand the types of funders that can support our venture and have secured the necessary relationships for technology development, including institutional support and a technical/medical advisory board.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
6
We have strengthened our external relationships and understand key concepts such as potential suppliers, regulatory requirements for financing, milestones funders expect, and processes for engaging funders that can help us secure additional funding and resources.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
7
We intend to pursue equity funding within the next 6-12 months. If applicable, we have a clear plan for infrastructure needs and ideas for transitioning funding to investment and/or debt.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
8
We have developed a fundraising strategy with milestones and have completed key deliverables needed to raise funding, including a pitch deck, advisory board, and regulatory strategy. We have a financial plan that includes a cash flow forecast, high-level income statement, and balance sheet.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
9
We have secured an initial round of angel or seed funding and have launched into the early commercial phase. We have secured a workspace and the necessary technology, lab, or equipment resources to commercialize our innovation, independent from our research institution.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
10
We have secured the funding needed for a year’s worth of operations.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
11
We have a 15-25% MoM growth rate in revenue or customer base.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
12
Our SaaS product has a Gross Margin greater than 60%.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
13
Our hardware product has a Gross Margin greater than 30%.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
14
Our Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) is less than 1/3 of the Lifetime Value (LTV) of a customer.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
15
We have more than 18 months of financial runway based on our current burn rate.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
16
Our Profit Margin is greater than 10%.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
17
Our Debt to Equity ratio is less than 1.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
18
We have a Year-over-Year (YoY) growth rate greater than 50%.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
19
Our Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) exceeds $1 million.
Accomplished
Not Yet
Not Applicable
There are no rows in this table
What is your fundraising strategy for the next 6-12 months? *
What challenges have you faced in securing funding, and how do you plan to overcome them? *
What legal or regulatory challenges have you faced, and how are you addressing them? *
How do you ensure ongoing compliance as you expand? *
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