This document discusses the importance of validating a startup idea by defining the market and customer problem through early customer interactions. It emphasizes researching the market need and determining if there is a product that can satisfy that need. It also stresses the importance of identifying a competitive advantage and unique customer value proposition that solves customer problems in a way that competitors do not.

1. Research Tools
Competitive Advantage
Value Proposition

2. Online Research
Problem-Solution Fit
• There is evidence
• Product that can satisfy that
market.
• Lack of market is the #1 startup
killer
• Need to define the market with
customers, starting from early
adopters to validate your idea.

3. Solution
• Nice-to-have
• Good-to-have
• Must-have

12. Competitive Advantage
• How unique is the offering?
• What are the key differentiating
factors?
• What are the benefits?
• Putting value over features

15. Unique Customer Value Proposition
• Benefit or offering serving
customer need / solving a
problem
• Have clear differentiating
factors
• Unique and have advantages

16. Customer Value Proposition