Use this checklist to make sure you’re ready for an Investment Panel review to advance from Walk to Run. The acceptance criteria for Run is problem/solution fit.

• [ ] Well-articulated problem/opportunity - I can clearly explain the stakeholder, an action or goal the stakeholder is trying to achieve, a pain point or hinderance to accomplishing it, the cause, and the ramifications. I have my own innovative insight to illustrate how I’m personally connected to the opportunity and why I’m excited to explore it.
• [ ] Solution Proposal - I have gone through multiple iterations of potential solutions and conducted experiments to find the best way to help customers overcome the problem or achieve their goal. I have produced a prototype, proof-of-concept, or other high-fidelity demonstration that you’ve used to get feedback from stakeholders on the solution’s efficacy. I have made revisions to my initial solution idea to refine it based on feedback from real stakeholders.
• [ ] Evidence of Solution Efficacy - I have received direct feedback from stakeholders confirming that the proposed solution has a high likelihood of delivering the desired outcome. Stakeholders have expressed a willingness to pay for it (though you may not yet have set pricing). For social impact teams, I have validated how the components or steps in the workflow (e.g. the process) lead to the impact or outcomes (e.g. improvements in X, Y, Z) that my beneficiaries (e.g. people you’re trying to serve) are looking for.
• [ ] Stakeholders - I have mapped my stakeholders and I can explain their interests and needs in the process of selecting and adopting my solution.
• [ ] Segmentation - I have defined at least one segment for my venture using a combination of attributes (demographic, behavioral, firmographic, etc.). I can describe a corner-piece market; a sub-segment that I intend to focus on initially when I first launch my venture.
• [ ] Market Size - I have a view of the market size that I’ve determined through research, the sources of which I can cite clearly. I understand the value of a potential solution, likely in the form of Initial TAM/SAM/SOM estimates.
• [ ] Differentiation, Competition, Landscape - I have in-depth knowledge of my potential direct and indirect competitors, what they offer, and how well they meet (or fail to meet) stakeholders’ needs. I have an initial sense of your unique value proposition compared to existing options. I know why I’ll be the preferred solution for my stakeholders.
• [ ] Team Skills Gap Analysis and Plan - I understand my own strengths and skills and those of my co-founders (if you have them). I know what skills are not present on the team and have a plan to add them through hiring or expanding the founding team.

Once you can check all of these items, create a presentation that you can deliver in ten minutes or less that clearly and thoroughly communicates all the information. You’ll need to upload the presentation with your application (though you’re free to keep refining it before the actual pitch).