Founders Studio · Phase 0
Idea Validation Gate
15-minute gate before the sprint. Confirm problem, user, timing, and one testable assumption. No Figma until you pass.
In class format
15 min duration
Phase 0 track
Part of Founders Studio. In-person teaching today. Video recordings come later.
Why this runs before the sprint
Most startup courses jump to pitch decks or fundraising. Your prototype sprint fails if the idea is vague.
This gate borrows the useful parts of *Choose the Right Business Idea* and *The Lean Startup*: one user, one problem, one assumption to test in the next 48 hours.
Pre-sprint gate (fill in class)
| Field | Prompt |
|---|---|
| Problem | What frustration happens weekly for your user? |
| User | Who exactly? Role, city, context. |
| Why now | What changed (tech, regulation, habit) that makes this timely? |
| Why you | One edge: access, insight, or skill. |
| Assumption to test | One belief the prototype must prove or disprove. |
| Kill criterion | What result would make you pause or pivot? |
Pass rule
Every row is specific. No "everyone" or "make money easier."
Lean startup fit
- Build only what tests the assumption (not a full product).
- Measure with 5 to 7 user tasks on the prototype.
- Learn before you polish visuals or chase funding.
If the assumption is unclear, fix the gate. Do not start 01-idea-brief.md yet.
In-class run (15 min)
- Silent fill (7 min)
- Partner challenge: "Who is not your user?" (3 min)
- Instructor spot-check 2 rows (5 min)
Worksheet file: 00-pre-sprint-gate.md in the Sprint Kit.