Problem-Solution Fit
Evidence that a defined group repeatedly experiences an important problem and that a proposed solution produces a valued outcome.
Startup Validation Glossary
Clear definitions, evidence checks, worked examples, and decision rules for the concepts used in FounderSpace validation briefs. For practical application, visit the validation guides , the methodology, and the FAQ.
How the concepts connect
- Customer discovery reveals the user, workflow, consequence, and buying context.
- Proof signals organize observations by strength instead of treating every mention as demand.
- Competitive gaps connect underserved outcomes to a segment and a reason to switch.
- Problem-solution fit tests whether a realistic delivery changes behavior for that segment.
- The validation brief preserves evidence, counter-evidence, thresholds, and the next decision.
These pages describe FounderSpace's working definitions. Where a rubric is specific to FounderSpace, the page labels it clearly rather than presenting it as a universal standard.
Key Startup Validation Terms
Proof Signals
Observable evidence that changes confidence in a startup hypothesis, with behavior and economic commitment weighted above attention or opinion.
Customer Discovery
Structured learning with potential users and buyers that tests problem, workflow, consequence, alternatives, and purchasing assumptions.
Competitive Gap
An underserved customer outcome or segment supported by evidence strong enough to create a credible reason to switch.
Validation Brief
A compact decision record linking startup assumptions to evidence, counter-evidence, experiments, thresholds, and next actions.