WeWork Labs START Report Survey

Idea stage (concept or brainstorming phase, no product yet)

Research and development (prototyping or early validation of the idea)

Pre-revenue (product developed but no significant sales yet)

Early revenue (some paying customers, revenue starting to come in)

Growth stage (scaling operations, expanding markets or customers)

Profitability stage (sustainable revenue exceeding costs)

Exit stage (preparing for acquisition, merger, or IPO)

Identifying and validating a business idea

Scaling operations or entering new markets 

Talent (for product development and execution)

Customers (for feedback and product validation)

Partners (for market entry or distribution support)

Mentors/Advisors (for leadership and strategy advice)

Industry experts (for technical knowledge and innovation insights)

Investors (for funding and strategic guidance)

Government (for grants or regulatory support)

Team's ability to execute and achieve milestones

Sustainability of the business model and unit economics

Competitive landscape and market dominance

Intellectual property protection and competitive advantage

Exit strategy and potential return on investment

Dependence on key personnel and their retention

Customer acquisition cost and retention strategy