Assessment Criteria

We assess startups on three dimensions, each scored 1-10.

Technical Credibility (1-10)

• Is the core mechanism scientifically sound?
• Are key parameters (efficiency, current density, yield, etc.) specified or hand-waved?
• Does published precedent support the approach?
• What's the current TRL and what's required to advance?

Commercial Viability (1-10)

• Do unit economics close without policy support?
• Is there evidence of customer demand (LOIs, pilots, revenue)?
• What's the realistic timeline to meaningful revenue?
• Does the capital requirement match VC fund math?

Moat Strength (1-10)

• Is there defensible IP, or does prior art limit protection?
• How long would it take a well-funded competitor to replicate?
• Are there network effects, switching costs, or other structural advantages?
• Is execution speed the primary moat?

What DD Reports Don't Cover

To be clear about scope:

• We don't do background checks on founders
• We don't assess cap table structure or deal terms
• We don't provide legal opinions on IP ownership or freedom-to-operate
• We don't replace actually talking to the founders

We focus on: Does the technology work? Are the cost projections realistic? What are the technical and commercial risks that could kill this?

What's Next

• DD Report Sections — What you get in a report
• Creating a DD Report — Run your own analysis