Defining the Problem Your Startup Solves

A compelling problem definition is the foundation of every successful pitch. Learn how to identify, articulate, and validate the real problem your startup solves.

What Makes a Good Problem Statement

Specific and Relatable

Your problem should be concrete enough that anyone can understand it immediately.

Good: "Restaurant owners lose 15% of potential revenue due to no-shows and poor table management"

Bad: "The restaurant industry has inefficiencies"

Quantifiable Impact

Include numbers that demonstrate the scale and urgency of the problem.

  • • How many people/businesses are affected?
  • • How much time/money is lost?
  • • How often does this problem occur?

Problem Validation Framework

The 3 Validation Questions

  1. 1. Is it frequent? Does this problem happen regularly enough to matter?
  2. 2. Is it painful? Are people actively looking for solutions and willing to pay?
  3. 3. Is it pervasive? Does this affect enough people to build a business around?