A few years ago, we realized that most investors were doing something they weren’t even aware of when they were evaluating companies. They have a mental framework that lets them judge a startup based on a core group of predictors for risk and success that we call the “Ladder of Proof.”
We thought a lot about this because we’ve founded and raised capital for ten companies, and helped hundreds more raise. We also read up on evidence hierarchies building on some ideas we discussed with the ever-brilliant Mike Maples of Floodgate. The Ladder of Proof is unique for each investor and each company, as you’ll see. But there are also commonalities.
The key is to be aware of your place on the Ladder so you can communicate successfully with each VC you speak with, employee you recruit, and journalist you pitch. The more aware you are of your place on the Ladder the more successful you’ll be at identifying the VC’s best suited for you.
Here’s how a Ladder of Proof works:
NFX partner, James Currier, shares some of the non-obvious lessons he has learned from many years of being a 5-time Founder/CEO and an investor in over 100 companies.
While NFX can't invest in every company we meet, we hope Founders everywhere can use these lessons to put themselves in the best position possible for a successful fundraise.
Your job as a Founder is to know where you are on the Ladder of Proof, where you need to get next, and how to clearly communicate that. How much have you de-risked your company so it’s more attractive to an investor? How much have you proven you’ve identified an exceptional opportunity? And can you grab that opportunity?
Don’t forget that you also have to prove to yourself that you’re capable of climbing these rungs. Blind faith in your vision is good, but proving your metrics is better. Your life’s energies should be focused on the best project you can find. Moving up the Ladder of Proof will help you — and the VC — know that you’re moving in the right direction.