Categories
Friction is one of the most common causes of negative outcomes during early-stage evaluation processes.
Much of this friction is avoidable.
What creates friction during evaluation
Friction often arises from:
- unclear explanations
- inconsistent materials
- misaligned expectations
- over-optimized narratives
Why friction matters
Evaluation processes operate under time and attention constraints.
Higher friction increases uncertainty and reduces the likelihood of deeper review.
How founders can reduce friction
Founders can reduce friction by focusing on:
- clarity over persuasion
- consistency across touchpoints
- explicit acknowledgment of uncertainty
The role of preparation
Preparation does not mean having all answers.
It means making the evaluation process easier for the reviewer.
Conclusion
Reducing friction improves how early-stage startups are perceived and evaluated.
Small improvements in clarity and alignment can significantly impact evaluation outcomes.