Texas A&M New Ventures Competition

Judging Rubric

TNVC Judging Rubric 

Below is a rubric that lists the different aspects of participating companies that should be considered when ranking them for the Texas A&M New Ventures Competition. This rubric does not mandate that a specific number of points be given to each team in each category. Instead, it should be used as a way to facilitate discussion about the companies and aid in putting the companies in a rank order. This document is for your use only, and will not be used in any official way. 

 

Aspects of Investability 

          Things to consider 

Team 

  • Management team 
  • Advisory board 
  • Number of employees relative to company status 
  • Do the skill sets and experience of the team match needs? 

Technology 

  • Team clearly explains what the product is/does 
  • Team clearly illustrates the pain and how their product/service solves the problem 
  • Technology is unique and innovative 
  • Team has an IP strategy; or a way to overcome competitor barriers to entry if IP is not applicable 

Market 

  • Team identifies direct customers, their needs, and requirements 
  • Team identifies sales and distribution channels and marketing strategy to reach customers 
  • Team considers market size, growth, and has an achievable share to support business and return on investment 
  • Window of opportunity 
  • Team has validated their market (verified with potential customers that the solution is needed and that they are willing to pay for it) 

Impact  

 

  • Will it have a positive impact on society (health, happiness, wellbeing, etc.)? 
  • Will it create economic benefit for Texas (jobs, local investments, taxes, etc.)? 
  • Is this a paradigm shifting technology? 

Financials and return on Investment 

  • Are the projected financials realistic? 
  • Assuming attractive investment terms, is the progress made with the past and current funding worthy of further investment? 
  • What is the most likely path and timing for an exit? What is the backup strategy? 

Overall potential for success 

  • Team has made good use of their time, relative to the industry 
  • Team is able to concisely communicate the key points of their business 
  • Team has identified a path/timeline to market (fundraising, product development, regulatory hurdles, etc.)