AltF IdeaLab
Startup idea validator
The startup idea validator scores an idea out of 100 from eleven multiple-choice questions about the evidence you already have, such as how many people you have spoken to and whether anyone has paid. It then names the one or two weakest dimensions and suggests experiments for them. It measures evidence, not the quality of the idea, so a low score on day one is normal.
- Free, no sign-up
- Runs in your browser
- No AI guesswork
- Export to Markdown
How to use the startup idea validator
- 1
Name the idea
Give the idea a name, a one-line pitch and the first audience you plan to sell to.
- 2
Answer the eleven questions
Pick the option that matches what has actually happened, not what you expect. Unanswered questions count as zero.
- 3
Read the score and band
Check the total out of 100, its band, and the points earned in each of the five dimensions.
- 4
Act on the weakest dimensions
Read the risks for your weakest dimensions and start one of the suggested experiments.
How it works
- Five dimensions with fixed maximum points: Problem 25, Customer 20, Willingness to pay 24, Market 17 and Founder fit 14, which add up to 100.
- Each answer option has a set point value, and the total is the plain sum with no weighting or normalising on top.
- Bands: 75 and above is Strong evidence, 55 to 74 Promising, 35 to 54 Needs evidence, and below 35 Early hypothesis.
- Dimensions are ranked by the percentage of their maximum earned; up to two below 70% are flagged as risks, each with matching experiments.
- Missing or unknown answers count as the lowest option, so a blank form scores 0 rather than a flattering midpoint.
Worked example: an invoice-reminder tool for freelancers
Problem: costs time every time (6), weekly (6), manual workaround (4) = 16 of 25.
Customer: 10 to 19 conversations (10), about half raised the problem unprompted (6) = 16 of 20.
Willingness to pay: waitlist sign-ups (7), some small spend today (3) = 10 of 24.
Market: thousands reachable (6), clearly better on what matters most (7) = 13 of 17. Founder fit: reachable through a community (6), can build it (6) = 12 of 14.
Total 67, which is in the Promising band. Willingness to pay (42%) and Problem (64%) are flagged, so the suggested experiments are a pre-sale or deposit, a fake door test, problem interviews and a competitor teardown.
How the evidence score is calculated
Eleven multiple-choice questions across five dimensions. Each answer is worth a fixed number of points and the dimension maximums add up to exactly 100, so there is no hidden weighting. A blank form scores 0.
| Dimension | What it asks | Max points |
|---|---|---|
| Problem |
| 25 |
| Customer |
| 20 |
| Willingness to pay |
| 24 |
| Market |
| 17 |
| Founder fit |
| 14 |
Strong evidence 75-100
Real people have shown the problem and committed money or time. Move to a paid pilot or a narrow first version.
Promising 55-74
The problem looks real, but at least one dimension is thin. Run the experiments listed for the weakest dimension before building.
Needs evidence 35-54
Most of the case rests on assumptions. Talk to more people and look for a payment signal before writing code.
Early hypothesis 0-34
A starting point, not yet tested. That is normal on day one: start with ten problem interviews.
What the startup idea validator does not do
- The score summarises the evidence you report. It does not predict whether the business will succeed.
- Answers are self-reported, so the score is only as honest as the options you pick.
- It does not research competitors, demand or regulation for you.
- Two ideas with the same score can have very different risks, so read the dimension breakdown, not only the total.
Startup idea validator FAQ
How is the startup idea score calculated?
Each of the eleven answers is worth a fixed number of points. The points add up per dimension (Problem 25, Customer 20, Willingness to pay 24, Market 17, Founder fit 14) and the total is out of 100.
What score is good?
75 or more is labelled Strong evidence, 55 to 74 Promising, 35 to 54 Needs evidence and below 35 Early hypothesis. The band describes how much has been tested so far, not how good the idea is.
Why does writing more text not raise my score?
The validator only reads the options you choose about real evidence, such as conversations held and payment signals. Long descriptions do not change the result.
Which answer moves the score most?
The payment signal question is worth up to 18 points: paying customers score 18, a deposit or pilot fee 14, a waitlist 7 and people saying they would pay 3.
More IdeaLab tools
- Lean canvas generatorFill the nine lean canvas blocks and see which ones are still empty.Open
- Assumption mapping toolRate each assumption by importance and evidence to find what to test first.Open
- MVP experiment plannerPick an MVP test, size the sample and judge the result against a target.Open
- Customer interview questionsGet a problem interview script and check your own questions for bias.Open
- LTV:CAC calculatorWork out lifetime value, LTV:CAC ratio and CAC payback in months.Open
- TAM SAM SOM calculatorSize the market bottom-up from buyer count, annual price and your share.Open
- Business idea comparisonCompare saved ideas side by side on the same evidence scorecard.Open
Guides for this step
Where to launch and get your first feedback and backlinks
Once a landing page or concierge test is live, launch directories and maker communities bring the first outside visitors, honest feedback and a profile link back to your site. Our backlinks directory lists them with estimated authority, link type, cost and the submit page.