The Startup Owner's Manual

Appendix AChecklists

Use these checklists at the completion of each step. They’ll help assure that you’ve completed each of the tasks outlined in each section. Adjust the “to do” lists and tasks as appropriate to your startup’s type, goals, and situation.

Board And Management Buy-In    All Channels

Goal: Agreement among investors, founders, and team on commitment to the Customer Development process.

Reference: Chapter 2, Manifesto Rule #14

• Commit to use of Business Model and Market Type.
• Understand the difference between “search” for a business model and “execute” a business plan
• Learn differences between Product Development and Customer Development
• Discuss number of “funded Pivots” available and how board and team will measure company progress

Customer Development process emphasizes learning and discovery

• Is there board and founding team buy-in for this process?
• Is there is enough funding for 2 to 3 Pivots in Discovery and Validation?

Discuss Market Type (initial decision)

• Existing, Resegmented, New or Clone?
• First pass with board on initial agreement of Market Type
• First pass with board on different funding needs by Market Type

Agree on Customer Development Time Frame

• Approximate time for Discovery and Validation
• Discovery exit criteria determined
• Validation exit criteria determined

Exit Criteria:

• Buy-in of the team and board for Customer Development process
• Market Type and exit criteria for each step

Checklist 1

The Customer Development Team    All Channels ...