Idea Evaluation Matrix: 8-Dimension Radar for Vetting Startups

The Idea Evaluation Matrix

Not all ideas are created equal. Before committing months of your life (and possibly your savings) to a startup idea, it helps to score it objectively across the dimensions that matter most.

This tool lets you score ideas from 1 to 5 across 8 critical dimensions, then visually compare them on a radar chart. Add multiple ideas to see how they stack up.

The 8 Dimensions

Dimension	What it measures
Customer Pain	How acute and urgent is the problem you're solving?
Market Size	How large is the addressable market?
Founder Advantage	Do you have unique skills, knowledge, or connections?
Distribution Access	Can you reach customers through existing channels?
Revenue Potential	How strong is the monetization path?
Defensibility	Can you build a moat (network effects, IP, switching costs)?
Speed to MVP	How quickly can you ship a testable first version?
Capital Required	How little capital do you need to get started? (5 = very little)

Score Your Ideas

Click on the radar to set scores. Click near an axis to set that dimension's value (1–5 based on distance from center).

How to Use This

Click on the radar — Click near any axis to set that dimension's score. Distance from center determines the value (1–5).
Name your idea — Type a short name in the text field below the chart.
Add to Chart — Lock in the scores. The idea gets its own colored overlay.
Compare — Add multiple ideas to see how they stack up visually and in the table.
Reset — Click "Reset Scores" to bring all values back to 3.

Tips for Honest Scoring

Customer Pain: Talk to potential customers. If they're not actively looking for solutions, it's a 1-2.
Market Size: TAM > $1B = 5. Niche hobby market = 1-2.
Founder Advantage: Prior industry experience, domain expertise, or a relevant network = 4-5.
Distribution Access: Existing audience, partnerships, or viral mechanics = 4-5.
Revenue Potential: Clear willingness to pay + high LTV = 5. "Maybe ads someday" = 1.
Defensibility: Network effects or proprietary data = 5. Easily cloned = 1.
Speed to MVP: Can ship in a weekend = 5. Needs regulatory approval = 1.
Capital Required: Bootstrappable = 5. Needs $1M+ before revenue = 1.