UH VENTURE COMPETITION

• What is the new and unique value of the proposed product/service?
• Is there a clear customer need being satisfied?
• How important is this product/service to the customer?
• Has the team developed a prototype or working description of the product/service?
• Has the team gone out to the market to test receptiveness of potential customers?

• How will the proposed product/service be positioned in relation to competitors?
• Can this product/service achieve a leadership position in its market?
• From your current stage of development, how long will it take you to get to market?
• Will the proposed venture be favorably positioned in the distribution channel?

• How will the proposed venture produce and distribute the product/service?
• How will operational obstacles (if any) be overcome?
• What technology and/or other intellectual property (if any), is essential to the success of this venture?
• How will rights to the property be secured?
• How much will the property cost to develop and/or secure?
• How long will it take to develop the property?

• Have team members demonstrated leadership and initiative in other aspects of their life?
• What specific management capability is required for the venture?
• What relevant skills do the team members possess?
• What roles will the current team members play?
• How will gaps in the management team be filled?

• What type and amount of capital investment is required?
• Is the investment required all at once or can it be “staged-in” over time?
• Where will the investment capital come from?
• What is the proposed ownership structure of the venture?
• What is the investment exit-strategy?
• How long will it take the venture to be financially self-supporting? (cash-flow positive)
• How will the venture be financed until then?
• What is the expected return on investment?
• When is the investment expected to become liquid?

• How does the venture minimize its environmental impact, such as reducing Scope 1-3 emissions*, waste, or resource consumption?
• Are sustainable practices, such as renewable energy use, responsible sourcing, or supply chain waste reduction, integrated into the business model?
• Does the venture address social challenges, such as promoting worker equity, transparency of sustainability goals, or improving community well-being?
• How does the business promote fair labor practices, diversity, inclusivity, and equitable treatment across its operations?
• Is the business model designed for long-term financial viability while balancing positive environmental and social impacts?
• Does the venture collaborate with partners, community organizations, or government stakeholders to enhance sustainability initiatives?

*Scope 1-3 Emissions: Essentially, scope 1 are those direct emissions that are owned or controlled by a company, whereas scope 2 and 3 indirect emissions are a consequence of the activities of the company but occur from sources not owned or controlled by it.