Vous envisagez d’investir dans une startup. Comment évaluer efficacement les risques technologiques ?

Ao analisar a viabilidade, pensem também na possibilidade de alguma disrupção que esteja se encaminhando, pois não percebe isso pode gerar uma desistência do investimento em um momento ideal do mercado. Como foi o caso de mercado, totalmente nossos criados a partir do uso de computadores pessoais ou do telefone celular. Nosso mercado é de risco e não de mercados maduros e já validados

To assess technological risks when considering a startup investment, start by evaluating the technology’s scalability, security, and innovation. Review the development team’s expertise and their ability to handle challenges. Test the technology for stability and identify any vulnerabilities. Ensure strong intellectual property protection and assess the market fit of the technology. Analyze the competitive landscape to understand potential threats. Finally, seek opinions from technical experts for an objective assessment. This comprehensive approach helps in understanding and mitigating technological risks effectively.

To assess technological risks in a startup, follow these steps: 1. Evaluate Technology Infrastructure: Ensure the tech systems are robust and scalable. 2. Review Intellectual Property: Check patents, copyrights, and trade secrets for competitive advantage. 3. Innovation Capability: Assess the startup’s ability to innovate and adapt to new trends. Cybersecurity Measures: Verify strong cybersecurity protocols to protect data and systems. 4. Team Expertise: Evaluate the technical team’s skills and experience. By examining these areas, you can better understand and manage the technological risks associated with your investment.

Look at the technology the startup has adopted is that scalable , sustainable and TAM in the near term. If the technology adopted doesnt scale then there is very high risk of failure even though the founder might be really competent. Typically the startup catch up with the investors every quarter and update on the progress and this way use the faculties of the investor group

Very often it so happens that technology develops first , its hyped up but no one know what problem it can actually solve in the market. Its like a solutions in search of a problem statement. Unfortunately successful startups are not built that way. As a VC its important to understand the following -Who is the potential customer? -What problem are you solving for the customer? -What's the scale of the problem and whether the customer is willing to pay for the solution. Technology is great, but as a VC its your job to understand that a successful startup can only be built if it solves a real problem in the real world.

Here’s how I’d approach it: Think of market fit like planting a seed in fertile soil. Even the most exotic plant won't thrive if the soil and conditions aren't right. Ensure the startup’s tech is something people actually want to grow in their garden. Look at the market's landscape to see if there's room for it to take root. If it’s just a flashy seed with no demand, it might never sprout into something profitable. Always check if others are already harvesting in this space - it’ll tell you if the ground is ready or too crowded.

The market fit is probably one of the most important factors to consider. When investors assess an investment opportunity, they will consider whether the technology or solution aligns with broader market trends, such as government regulations. Another example is if the startup targets a specific customer segment. Market fit involves determining if the target customers are ready for the solution with their current tech infrastructure, or if the pricing is appropriately set to encourage the adoption and payment.

When assessing a startup's scalability, focus on whether the company’s innovation is designed for exponential growth or merely incremental. Many startups falter by building solutions that only scale linearly, but a scalable solution is one where growth in output does not require a proportional increase in resources. Evaluate if the technology can easily adapt to increased user demand or new market segments without significant redevelopment. A robust infrastructure and a mindset geared toward scaling are critical, where disruptive approaches often outperform conventional methods.

La protección de la propiedad intelectual te va ayudar a entender si la empresa tiene bien resguardadas sus innovaciones y tecnologías. Verificá si tienen patentes, derechos de autor o marcas registradas que protejan sus productos o servicios. Además, asegurate de que tengan un plan claro para defender su propiedad intelectual frente a posibles infracciones. Este análisis te va a dar una mejor idea de los riesgos tecnológicos y te va a permitir tomar una decisión más informada y segura.

: A robust IP portfolio can deter other companies from initiating legal challenges, knowing that the startup has the legal backing to defend its technology or products. This can save time, money, and resources that would otherwise be spent on litigation.

High CapEx on technology infrastructure can signal ongoing development and upgrades, essential for staying competitive. If depreciation expenses are rising rapidly, it might indicate the company is investing heavily in technology that may become obsolete soon. If operating costs, especially those related to technology, are growing faster than revenue, it could signal inefficiencies in technology utilization or the need for unsustainable investments to keep up with competitors.