What Judges Are Looking For
- Clear Value Proposition – A well-defined solution addressing a specific need effectively.
- Strong Market Research – Comprehensive analysis of market demand, competition, and target audience.
- Feasible Financial Projections – Detailed and accurate forecasts with clear assumptions.
- Operational Feasibility – Practical and well-detailed plans for logistics, production, and distribution.
- Innovative and Scalable Approach – Unique ideas with a clear roadmap for growth and realistic milestones.
- Team Competence and Roles – A skilled team with defined responsibilities to execute the plan successfully.
- Marketing and Pricing Strategy – Effective promotion plans paired with competitive and well-researched pricing.
- Professional Presentation – Clear, polished visuals, storytelling, and verbal delivery that captivate judges.
- Social or Environmental Impact – A business model demonstrating measurable benefits to society or the environment.
- Customer Validation and Metrics – Evidence of demand through testimonials or data, along with clear KPIs to track success.
- Unclear Value Proposition – Failure to clearly explain how the business solves a specific problem or stands out.
- Incomplete Financial Projections – Missing, unrealistic, or overly optimistic financial data and assumptions.
- Lack of Market Research – Insufficient analysis of market size, target audience, or competition.
- Undefined Revenue Streams – Ambiguity about how the business will generate income.
- Operational Gaps – Overlooked logistics, staffing, or production planning.
- Weak Branding and Marketing – Inadequate strategies to differentiate and promote the business.
- Ignoring Risks and Scalability – Failure to address risks, mitigation strategies, or a clear growth plan.
- Poor Presentation Execution – Unprofessional, unclear, or difficult-to-follow slides or videos.
- Failure to Address Competition – Lack of competitor analysis or strategies to differentiate.
- Low Customer Feasibility – A product or service that does not clearly meet customer needs or preferences.
Sample Feedback
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Toggle ItemValue Proposition Needs Clarity
"Your idea is innovative and addresses an important problem. However, the value proposition needs to be clearer—what makes your product stand out from competitors? Consider emphasizing the unique benefits or features that differentiate it."
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Toggle ItemFinancial Projections Require More Detail
"The financial projections seem optimistic, but they lack sufficient detail. It would be helpful to see a breakdown of start-up costs, fixed versus variable expenses, and assumptions behind your revenue forecasts."
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Toggle ItemDefine Your Ideal Customer
"While your presentation was engaging, the target market feels too broad. Narrowing down and defining your ideal customer base would strengthen your pitch and demonstrate better market understanding."
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Toggle ItemLack of Operational Planning
"I appreciate the passion behind your idea, but I’m concerned about the logistics of executing your plan. For example, how will you manage inventory and distribution? Including an operational roadmap that addresses these concerns."
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Toggle ItemTeam Expertise is Missing
"Your plan is compelling, but I noticed gaps in your team’s expertise. Consider identifying specific roles or recruiting advisors with experience in areas like marketing or product development."
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Toggle ItemLack of Market Validation
"The concept is promising, but it would be stronger with validation from potential customers. Have you surveyed your target market, conducted interviews, or tested a prototype to gather feedback?"
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Toggle ItemSustainability and Social Impact Highlight
"I love the emphasis on environmental sustainability. Highlighting the measurable social and environmental impact of your business could be a significant selling point to attract investors and customers alike."
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Toggle ItemImpressive Presentation but Missing Details
"The presentation was polished and professional, with great visuals. However, some key details were missing, such as a plan for customer acquisition and strategies to overcome potential competition."
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Toggle ItemPricing Strategy Needs Work
"The pricing strategy is unclear. How did you arrive at your price point, and does it align with customer expectations and competitors’ offerings? More research here would strengthen your business model."
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Toggle ItemScalability Plan Needed
"Your idea has potential for growth, but the scalability plan is vague. How do you plan to expand, and what resources will be required? Adding a timeline and milestones would make your plan more robust."