Free template · Score & choose

Idea comparison scorecard

A weighted scorecard for comparing two to four startup ideas on the same criteria so the decision rests on evidence, not enthusiasm.

Use when: Use it when you have more than one idea and need to choose which to validate or build first.

IDEA COMPARISON SCORECARD
Date: [DATE]   Scored by: [NAME(S)]

Ideas being compared:
A: [IDEA A]
B: [IDEA B]
C: [IDEA C]

HOW TO SCORE
Score each criterion from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong). Set the weights before scoring so they add up to 100. Multiply score by weight and add up each column. Write the evidence behind each score, not just the number.

CRITERION | WEIGHT | A | B | C | EVIDENCE
Problem urgency (painkiller, not vitamin) | [W] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [NOTES]
Customer is easy to find and reach | [W] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [NOTES]
Evidence of willingness to pay | [W] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [NOTES]
Realistic obtainable market | [W] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [NOTES]
Competition and switching costs | [W] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [NOTES]
Why now (clear timing change) | [W] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [NOTES]
Founder fit (skills, access, motivation) | [W] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [NOTES]
Time and cost to a first paid test | [W] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [NOTES]
Plausible unit economics | [W] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [NOTES]

WEIGHTED TOTAL | 100 | [A TOTAL] | [B TOTAL] | [C TOTAL] |

DEAL-BREAKERS (any yes rules the idea out)
- Requires money, licences or skills I cannot get: A [Y/N] B [Y/N] C [Y/N]
- I would not want to work on this for several years: A [Y/N] B [Y/N] C [Y/N]
- Serious legal or regulatory blocker: A [Y/N] B [Y/N] C [Y/N]

LOWEST-CONFIDENCE SCORE FOR EACH IDEA
A: [CRITERION]   B: [CRITERION]   C: [CRITERION]

DECISION
Idea to test next: [IDEA]
First test and deadline: [TEST, DATE]
Re-score on: [DATE]

Replace every [BRACKETED] field. Delete any line that does not apply to you.