New Approach to Evaluating Startups: Technology-Focused Framework

This study proposes the development of a specialized framework for evaluating technology startups, focusing on the technological and technical aspects that are often overlooked in traditional evaluation methods. Using both theoretical and empirical approaches, the study identifies 13 critical components for assessing technological viability, including scalability, validation, technical team, compliance with legal requirements, maturity, sustainability, etc. These components were validated through expert consensus using the Delphi method, involving 11 experts from the fields of investment, entrepreneurship, mentoring and academia, each with experience in different technological areas. The study underscores the need for an adaptable evaluation framework, as the relevance of each component varies depending on the specific technology being assessed. To address this, the House of Quality (HoQ) matrix was adapted to incorporate the priorities and perspectives of investors, enabling a flexible yet structured process to quantify and compare these components across different technological contexts. This framework provides a valuable tool for investors and entrepreneurs, facilitating more informed decisions and reducing uncertainty associated with disruptive technologies. It also contributes to the innovation ecosystem by offering a structured approach that complements existing evaluation methods, particularly within the rapidly growing deep tech sector, where precise technology assessment is increasingly critical.