Startups / Topic guide

The first decisions a startup needs to get right

Start with a narrow problem, a practical test and a clear view of what the next stage requires.

Define a specific customer and a specific problem before describing the product. Interviews should explore current behaviour, workarounds and purchase constraints. Avoid leading questions that invite encouragement without showing whether someone would use the offer.

Build the smallest useful test of the riskiest assumption. That might be a manual service, a prototype demonstration or a limited paid pilot. Record what happened, what it cost to deliver and which parts of the experience required more support than expected.

Set a runway review using actual cash commitments. Include supplier payments, essential tools, taxes and the founders’ realistic capacity. Funding is one possible resource; it does not replace a repeatable way to create value for customers.

Agree on responsibilities and decision rights early. Document ownership arrangements with appropriate professional help. Before the next stage, decide which evidence would justify hiring, changing the offer or pausing the experiment.