Merete Rønn Lasnier ~ Preventive health strategist’s Post

Market research is essential for early-stage startups to make informed decisions and reduce the high risk of failure. Here are some key statistics and insights highlighting its importance: 1. 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐭: 34% of startups fail due to a lack of market need for their product. 22% fail because of inadequate marketing strategies. Ensuring a good product-market fit through thorough research can significantly improve chances of success. 2. 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: 77% of startups rely on personal savings for initial funding. Only 0.05% of startups receive venture capital funding. Startups need to identify their most effective funding sources and strategies early on. 3. 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Startups that pivot 1-2 times have 3.6 times better user growth than those that do not pivot or pivot too many times. Market research can guide strategic pivots to better meet market demands and improve business viability. 4. 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: 18% of startups fail due to team issues. Startups with experienced founders or advisors have higher success rates. Founders who failed previously have a 20% chance of succeeding in their next venture, compared to 18% for first-time founders. 5. 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 82% of businesses fail due to cash flow problems. Understanding market conditions and customer payment behaviors can help in planning and managing cash flow more effectively. 6. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: Technology and healthcare startups are among the most profitable, with 52% of startups in these sectors being profitable. Market research helps identify lucrative sectors and niche markets for new startups. 7. 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Only 40% of startups become profitable, and a mere 9% survive for ten years. Continuous market research can help in adapting strategies over time to ensure long-term sustainability. So, investing in market research allows startups to make data-driven decisions, understand their competitive ground, and align their products with market needs. #MarketResearch #TechInsights #Startups

35% of health tech startups fail because they miss the mark! Building a successful healthcare startup takes more than just a great idea. Unlike other industries, rigorous research and testing are essential to avoid creating products that patients and providers don't need. The recent article on MedCity News (https://lnkd.in/gXTpZfZy) suggests that Lean Startup Methodology could be the key to success. At Softvery, we are eager to adopt the most efficient tech and ways to optimize our client results. Here are the key benefits we gathered from this methodology: ✅Reduces risk: Validate your ideas with customers early & often using a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). ✅Saves money: Don't waste time building features nobody needs. ✅Increases success rates: Build products that solve real problems for patients & providers. This approach flips the traditional script. Lean Startup emphasizes validating your ideas with customers early and often. Here's how it helps you win: 1️⃣ Build an MVP: for example, when launching a doctor's app focused on collecting detailed patient data, you might start with a simple data capture tool and see how doctors respond. 2️⃣ Gather customer feedback: you might discover doctors only need a fraction of the data you initially planned to collect. 3️⃣ Reduce risk & save money: By validating your idea early, you avoid wasting resources on features nobody wants. Thinking of launching a health tech startup? We can cover the development of your solution and enrich your team with experts. Contact us to discuss your business needs. Have you tried implementing the Lean Startup Method? Share in the comments! #healthtech #leanstartup #innovation #healthcare #futureofhealth #medicalinnovation #digitalhealth #startups

🦄 Unicorn Series #3: The Blueprint for Building a Billion-Dollar Startup When we started AI CERTs, we knew the foundation would define our success. From idea validation to building a high-performing team, every decision mattered. Here’s what aspiring unicorns should consider: 1. Idea Validation – Solve a Real Problem A great unicorn starts with solving a real problem. Validate your idea through feedback, research, and testing. At AI CERTs™, we spoke to professionals and customers to ensure our certifications addressed real needs. Many startups assume a market need without validation. Seek feedback early on and focus on solving real pain points to scale. 2. Market Research – Understand Your Industry Research is crucial. Analyze competitors, identify gaps, and spot trends. At AI CERTs, we mapped the certification ecosystem to find where offerings fell short. 42% of startups fail due to lack of market need. Position your startup for future market trends. 3. Build a High-Performing Team Success isn’t just about the idea—it’s about the people. Our growth at AI CERTs was driven by a team that shares our vision and adapts quickly. Hiring solely for technical skills while ignoring cultural fit is a common mistake. Align on values and hire those who challenge the status quo. 4. Develop an MVP – Minimum Viable Product An MVP lets you test assumptions and gather feedback. Our first certification program wasn’t perfect, but it provided valuable insights. Keep your MVP simple to learn quickly. Over-engineering leads to wasted resources. 5. Set Clear Milestones – Measure Progress Startups can feel chaotic, so set clear milestones to stay focused. At AI CERTs, milestones kept us on track toward certifying a billion people. Make milestones time-bound to adjust strategies. Vague goals like "grow revenue" don’t work—use specific metrics. 6. Secure Funding – Fuel for Growth Bootstrapping works initially, but funding scales growth. I invested $10 million of my resources into AI CERTs and used Sarder Inc. to cut costs. Startups with early funding are 30% more likely to succeed. Build investor relationships before you need capital. 7. Adapt and Pivot When Necessary Flexibility is key. Building a unicorn isn’t linear. At AI CERTs, agility and market feedback were crucial for success. Listen to the market. Sticking rigidly to the plan can lead to stagnation. Embrace pivots as growth opportunities. Your Unicorn Journey Starts Here Building a unicorn starts with a solid foundation. By validating your idea, understanding the market, building a strong team, and staying adaptable, you set the stage for growth. AI CERTs is on its path to becoming a unicorn in 2 to 5 years. What was your biggest learning in building your startup’s foundation? Share your experience! #Unicorn #Startup #Innovation #AICERTs #Entrepreneurship

📢 Startup Funding News Alert! 📢 I’m excited to share a comprehensive overview of the latest startup funding activities in the industry from 14 to 19 October. 🚀 I've put together a detailed PDF that highlights which startups have secured funding, the amounts raised, and the key investors involved. This resource is perfect for anyone looking to stay updated on the latest trends and opportunities in the startup ecosystem. 📄 Attached PDF: Startup Funding News Inside, you'll find: (a) Top funded startups and their innovative solutions. (b) Investment details including funding amounts and rounds. (c) Key investors and their investment patterns. 👏🏻 Congratulations to all the innovative startups on securing recent funding! Perceptyne, Elixia, Brown Living, Magnus Farm Fresh, DSW | Data Science Wizards, Yoho, Traqo™.io, Healspan, PetStrong, Tablesprint, Alchemyst AI, ANNY, Lifechart- Bharat's 1st Fullstack Gut Wellness Brand, Medprime Technologies, Febi.ai, Sports Skill —your achievements mark a significant milestone in your journeys. This support will undoubtedly propel your growth, enhance technological advancements, expand market reach, and elevate customer experiences. Wishing you all continued success as you drive innovation and create lasting impacts in your respective industries. Source of information: Company website, Yourstory. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just passionate about startups, this PDF is packed with valuable insights that can help you stay ahead of the curve. 👉 explore the full report to get all the latest funding news and understand the dynamics of the startup world. I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you think about the recent funding trends? Do any of the featured startups catch your eye? Share your opinions and let’s discuss how these developments might shape the future of our country. Follow Shivanshi Shrivastava for more such information. Thank you. #Startupfunding #VC #Entrepreneur #Finance #Education

The rapid evolution of technology and its integration into the business landscape significantly influences the trajectory of startups. For entrepreneurs aspiring to launch successful ventures in this dynamic environment, achieving product-market fit is paramount. This is particularly true for early-stage startups that often operate with limited resources and high uncertainty. Product-market fit refers to the stage where a startup’s product meets the needs of its target market effectively. It indicates that there is sufficient demand for the product, enabling the startup to grow sustainably. Understanding and refining this concept involves meticulous analysis of customer feedback, market trends, and data analytics. Achieving product-market fit entails several essential steps for startups: 1. **Understanding Customer Needs**: Startups must prioritize understanding their target audience. This involves conducting thorough market research to identify pain points and preferences. 2. **Iterative Testing**: After identifying customer needs, startups should focus on developing a minimum viable product (MVP). An MVP allows entrepreneurs to test their ideas with real users while minimizing resource expenditure. 3. **Analyzing Competition**: A comprehensive analysis of competitors is crucial in establishing product-market fit. Startups should assess what similar products offer and identify any gaps that they can fill or areas in which they can differentiate themselves distinctly from existing solutions. Understanding competition helps entrepreneurs position their products strategically within the market. 4. **Measuring Metrics**: Data-driven decision-making plays a vital role in determining whether a startup has achieved product-market fit. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as user acquisition costs, retention rates, and overall customer satisfaction provide valuable insights into how well a product meets market demands. 5. **Building Relationships**: Establishing relationships with investors, advisors, and mentors can significantly enhance a startup’s chances of success in achieving product-market fit. Engaging with experienced professionals provides access to invaluable industry knowledge and potential funding opportunities that are essential for growth. In conclusion, attaining product-market fit is not merely an objective but an ongoing process that requires continuous adaptation to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. Early-stage startups must remain agile, leveraging real traction data alongside qualitative feedback from users to navigate this challenging landscape effectively. Startups equipped with these strategies are positioned not only to survive but thrive within India's competitive ecosystem by nurturing innovation and fostering a resilient product culture essential for long-term success. #StartupAdvisory #ProductMarketFit #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #StartupSuccess

What does strong market potential look like for an Investor? When evaluating a startup, one of the most critical factors investors consider is 'market potential'. Why? Because even the most innovative idea can struggle if it’s in the wrong market. So, what defines *strong* market potential? 👉 A large and growing market A startup operating in a Total Addressable Market (TAM) worth billions of dollars is attractive. But even more compelling? A market that’s expanding. Growing industries, driven by innovation or shifts in consumer behavior, indicate opportunity. ***Pro tip: Check for trends like rising demand, technological advancements, or changing regulations that could fuel growth. 👉 A clear problem with high demand for solutions Does the market have a real, pressing pain point that the startup solves? Strong market potential is rooted in customer demand. The bigger and more painful the problem, the more willing customers are to pay for a solution. ***Pro tip: Look for startups with early signs of validation (customer interest, pre-orders, or partnerships). 👉 Room for scalability A great market isn’t just large. It has room for startups to scale. Startups in industries with few barriers to expansion (e.g., geography, demographics) are positioned for higher growth. ***Pro tip: Analyze whether the startup’s model can expand beyond its current region or audience without heavy investment. 👉 Limited competition or fragmented markets Startups entering fragmented markets or competing with outdated incumbents often have a strategic edge. They can gain traction quickly and carve out a competitive position. ***Pro tip: Evaluate if the startup has a unique value proposition to stand out in crowded or fragmented spaces. 👉 Favorable timing Timing is everything. A strong market potential often coincides with perfect timing. Whether it’s new tech adoption, regulation changes, or shifting consumer priorities. ***Pro tip: Ask: *Why now?* Does this startup have the right solution at the right time? 👉 Barriers to entry for future competitors Strong markets with high potential also attract competition. Look for startups building barriers like proprietary tech, network effects, or unique IP to maintain their edge. ***Pro tip: Assess whether the startup can protect its position as the market matures. ---- Strong market potential isn’t just about size; it’s about opportunity, timing, and scalability. Investors aim to find startups not only in big markets but in "the right markets at the right time". Found value? follow me Mercy Adewumi for more 😊 🤗 Anything else to contribute?

Do you know the top reasons why startups fail? CB Insights did a study on this across a bunch of startups to find out the root cause of failures. It wasn't competition (cited in 19% of the startups in the study). Not a poor product (cited in 17%). Not poor marketing (cited in 14%). Not legal challenges (only 8%). No, the most frequent problem was "no market need" (42% of startups in the study). The founder of a failed healthcare startup worded it this way: "“I realized, essentially, that we had no customers because no one was really interested in model we were pitching. Doctors want more patients, not an efficient office." As a founder, you should be afraid–even paranoid–of this. Your product might be powerful, modernized, efficient, effective, pretty, easy-to-use, award-winning. If it's not solving a current market need, you're dead in the water.

What if the next big name in innovation was yours?  Imagine this: Your startup’s bold ideas don’t just disrupt industries—they define them. Your innovation becomes the benchmark, the story everyone tells, the inspiration every founder admires.  This isn’t just a “what if.” It’s your invitation to Entrepreneur Challenge Why this is YOUR moment: This isn’t just a competition. It’s a platform to fast-track your growth with the right tools, unparalleled exposure, and the connections you need to transform your startup dream into reality. Are you ready to step into the spotlight? Here’s the starting checklist: Under 10 Years: If your startup was founded in the last decade and has an annual turnover under ₹100 crore, you’re eligible. MVP Ready: No more “just ideas”—you’ve built something, and it’s powered by robust tech foundations. Pre-Series B: Haven’t yet hit Series B funding? Perfect. We’re here to help you scale.   Apply Now What’s waiting for you? 🎯 Grand Prize Worth ₹16,00,000:  🎯 Runner-Up Prize Worth ₹8,00,000: Even second place gets a game-changing boost. 🎯 Spotlight : Your journey, amplified to a vast entrepreneurial audience. Investors and partners? They’ll come looking for you. 🎯 VC Access: Meaningful conversations with VCs who can turn your next growth stage into reality. 🎯 CapTable Subscription: Insights that keep you ahead of the competition. 🎯 Workshops & Networking: Meet industry leaders and like-minded disruptors—where ideas spark and partnerships ignite. The Road Ahead: Quarter Finals (Virtual): Feb 12-13, 2025 – Top 30 entries move forward. Semi-Finals (Physical): Feb 26-27, 2025 – Bangalore hosts the Top 10. Grand Finale: March 14, 2025 – The ultimate showdown in Bangalore.  This is more than a challenge; it’s your springboard to success. Out of 3,000+ startups, yours could rise to the top. So, here’s the question: Are you ready to take your place in history? If interested send the screenshot of this message with your ontact details to [email protected] facilitating charges apply

So many people think you’re only a startup if you have a tech product… But here’s the truth, that’s simply not the case. I used to think the same way. I used to assume every startup had to be tech-driven to be considered a real startup. But after talking to several founders in the last couple of weeks, I realized that's far from the truth! Startups can exist across many industries, not just tech. Here’s the breakdown: ---> Startups with Tech Products These businesses leverage technology as their core offering, like: > SaaS platforms - productivity tools, CRMs > Mobile apps - food delivery, fitness tracking > AI tools - chatbots, content generators ---> Startups without Tech Products These businesses focus on non-tech products or services, such as: > Consumer goods - eco-friendly products, health supplements > Service-oriented businesses - consulting, fitness coaching > Retail or D2C brands - fashion, handcrafted items > Social enterprises - education or healthcare But here’s the thing: Whether tech-focused or not, all startups share common traits: ---> Innovation - in processes, business models, or products ---> Rapid scaling intentions ---> Operating in uncertain and dynamic markets So no, you don’t need a tech product to be a startup. What matters is the entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to solve problems in innovative ways. Remember: It's not about the product, it's about the impact you want to make. #Startups #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth

Your groundbreaking healthtech solution may have the potential to save millions of lives, but it may still not get funding. Most startups fail to raise funds despite tackling critical healthcare issues. Here's why — and more importantly, how to fix it. - 90% of healthtech pitches focus on the problem - Only 30% can show clear revenue potential - Less than 20% have strong early adoption metrics I’ve consulted with over 55 healthtech founders in the last year. Here’s the key advice I gave them, to avoid that fate: ▶︎ 1. Traction before perfection Y Combinator's latest data shows startups with early user adoption are 3x more likely to secure funding. Show: - Evidence of the unmet need (customer interviews/data) - Proof that your ideal customer will pay for the solution - Early revenue or LOIs even without a finished product - Predictable pipeline of customers ready to buy ▶︎ 2. Clear revenue mapping Healthcare is complex, but your revenue model shouldn't be. Investors need to see: - Who's actually paying for your solution - How you'll navigate the healthcare ecosystem - Clear unit economics that scale ▶︎ 3. Growth strategy beyond features Investors aren't just buying your current solution — they're betting on your future. So ensure that you show them: - Partnership opportunities - Market expansion possibilities - Integration with existing infrastructure ▶︎ 4. Proof over promise The most successful healthtech funding raises in 2024 had these elements: - Working MVPs focused on one core problem - Partnerships with credible healthcare institutions - Clear demand validation through market testing ▶︎ 5. Scale-ready operations Remember: investors need a 10x return. So your pitch should demonstrate: - How you'll scale across regions - Tech infrastructure that can handle growth - A clear path to market leadership The healthcare ecosystem needs more than just good ideas. It needs execution-focused founders who can turn solutions into scalable businesses. Have you solved these roadblocks and are ready for healthtech investors? I have a great surprise for you: A list of 100 healthtech investors who invested over $1B in 2024. It’s free, at available at the link in my featured section. #entrepreneurship #startup #funding