Criteria

Successful plans generally offer substantial growth potential and high probability for scaling revenues. In light of the broad range of potentially successful plans that have different sets of challenges, and considering that investors seek high return rates but realize that they must balance risk, the competition will use an approach often used by investors - the “balanced portfolio” approach. This competition will value plans from a broad range of technologies with varying degrees of associated risk.  Plans will be judged based on potential for success, including the potential for being in business in five years and/or timeline to a liquidity event. 

Plans will be viewed individually for their potential. A balanced portfolio for this competition might include some investment opportunities that are a higher risk and some with relatively less risk.

All plans in a portfolio must have a return rate acceptable to an investor. For this competition, the factors that reviewers will be considering include: 
 

  • Strength of the value proposition
  • Clear competitive differentiation, preferably through unique, protected technology 
  • Target markets receptive to new entrants 
  • Market size providing opportunity for high growth
  • High potential for sustainable, scaling revenues and earnings
  • Committed team with appropriate skill sets
  • Time to market and pay-off opportunities for investors