Startups that show the following will stand out:

  • Strong team: While we will consider solo founders, it is extremely difficult to do everything it takes to start a business by yourself. A strong CEO is also an important element.
  • Technical talent: In the early days of a startup, having the necessary capabilities to build prototypes yourself without hiring or contracting out significant portions of the development is crucial to rapidly iterating and staying within budget.
  • Diversity: Diversity of thought, backgrounds, and experience are a plus.