Many founders ask whether their startup is “ready” to be evaluated, often assuming readiness requires traction, revenue, or a finished product. In reality, evaluation readiness is about clarity, not completeness. Evaluation readiness is not stage readiness Being early-stage does not imply being unprepared. Evaluation readiness refers to whether a startup can be clearly understood, assessed, […]

Early-stage evaluators rarely assess startups in isolation. Most decisions are made by comparing multiple startups operating at a similar stage and under similar constraints. Understanding how these comparisons work helps founders better contextualize feedback and outcomes. Why comparison is unavoidable Evaluators often review dozens or hundreds of startups within a short time frame. Comparison allows […]

Founders often interpret early-stage rejections as judgments on the quality of their idea. In reality, many rejections stem from lack of clarity rather than lack of potential. Why clarity is critical under uncertainty Evaluators operate with limited information and time. When a startup is difficult to understand, uncertainty increases and comparison becomes harder. Common sources […]