This is where your idea stops living only in words. At Concept, no one expects a factory line or a scaled cloud — but they do expect something tangible: a kitchen batch, an Excel‑stitched mockup, a cardboard model that actually moves.
Motion beats polish. Prove it can be built; then prove it can be built again.
Purpose
- Show real, hands‑on progress beyond the idea.
- Demonstrate the product works once in a crude form.
- Establish that it could be manufactured, coded, or delivered at scale.
- Surface early risks (supply, technical, human) before spending big.
When to Complete
- After Concept & Vision is defined.
- Before pitching angels/accelerators/seed.
- Before committing meaningful capital to production or code.
Proof Sections
Prototype / Working Model
- What exists today: sketch, spreadsheet, mockup, garage build, or first recipe batch?
- B2B SaaS: Excel + Zapier replicates the core workflow end‑to‑end once.
- B2C CPG: Kitchen batch hits target taste and basic COGS on paper.
- Services: Manual delivery of the service in one location for one real customer.
Early Testing
- Has it been used, even once, by a human who isn’t you?
- B2B SaaS: One pilot user ran a live reconciliation; pain measurably reduced.
- B2C CPG: Dozen units sampled; feedback quotes capture like/dislike + willingness to buy.
- Services: One client engagement produced the promised outcome; repeat interest noted.
- Capture a short note, clip, or quote: “I’d use this again.” Even two sentences of raw customer voice at Concept tells advisors the problem is real.
Toward Manufacturability & Scale
- Could this be produced in quantity — even crudely — with a plausible path to 10×?
- B2B SaaS: Script → prototype → maintainable stack is feasible; data sources identified.
- B2C CPG: Small‑batch → co‑packer is feasible; packaging and shelf‑life look workable.
- Services: Documented steps suggest training and QA can replicate results.
Potential Constraints (Look-Ahead Check)
- B2B SaaS: developer access, off-shore dependence, scaling cost/latency, early data/privacy basics.
- B2C CPG: seasonal inputs, ingredient or packaging shortages, FDA labeling/regulatory hurdles.
- Services: recruiting/training capacity, consistency/QA, delivery/installation logistics, local licensing.
Execution Requirements
- 1–2 sentence Prototype Description (what exists today).
- 2–3 sentences on Early Testing Results (what happened when you tried it, incl. user voice).
- 1–2 sentences on Scalability Potential (how it could grow).
- 3–5 bullets on Known Constraints/Risks (manufacturing, technical, service, regulatory).
Domain Adaptability: Specialized
- Same questions; domain execution differs.
- SaaS: verify developer availability, stack repeatability, maintainability, data/privacy.
- CPG: verify co-manufacturer capacity, warehousing, shipping feasibility, labeling compliance.
- Services: verify delivery playbook, training approach, quality control, licensing requirements.
Expected Output
- 1–2 paragraphs (Prototype → Early Test → Scalability Potential).
- Optional bullets for risks/constraints.
- Link to prototype, sketch, or supporting doc.
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Optional Enhancements (Pro-Level Execution)
- Simple BOM/ingredients with cost drivers.
- 10× stress test: what breaks first, and how you’d shore it up.
- Short user reaction clips or quotes.
- Risk note (supply chain, IP, data/privacy) with first mitigation ideas.