Founding team with domain credibility

At least two founders with complementary skills — technical, commercial, and sector expertise in ag, food, water, energy, or natural capital.

Clear problem and thesis

A defined problem within the Essentials of Life, a target customer, and why now — not a technology in search of a market.

Working product or validated prototype

Evidence beyond slides: MVP, pilot deployment, field trials, or lab validation appropriate to your stage and sector.

Market sizing and ICP

Bottom-up TAM/SAM/SOM with a specific initial customer profile — grower segment, geography, or buyer type.

Early traction or validation

Revenue, paid pilots, LOIs, grant awards, regulatory progress, or measurable field outcomes — whatever fits your stage.

Weekly operating discipline

Commitment to daily check-ins and KPI reporting during the Sprint or Accelerator — revenue, leads, burn, runway.

Investor-ready pitch deck

10–12 slides covering problem, solution, market, traction, business model, team, financials, and ask.

Financial model and use of funds

18–24 month projections with unit economics, burn rate, runway, and a clear allocation for the current raise.

Founder video pitch

Two-minute introduction embedded in your deal room — YouTube, Vimeo, or Loom.

Impact and sustainability narrative

How your venture advances climate resilience, food security, water stewardship, or natural capital — with measurable outcomes where possible.

Data room readiness

Organized documents for diligence: cap table, IP summary, key contracts, regulatory status, and reference customers.