Idea Evaluation Matrix: 8-Dimension Radar for Vetting Startups
·
Raza Balbale
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.