Formula lock
1. Is your formula finalized?
Still experimenting
Mostly there, minor tweaks
Locked and documented
Spec sheet / brief
2. Do you have a written spec sheet / product brief for a co-man?
No
Rough notes
Complete spec sheet
Shelf-life / stability
3. Have you validated shelf life / stability?
No
Estimated, not tested
Tested / validated
Packaging
4. Is packaging sourced and production-ready (dielines / specs)?
No
Designed, not production-ready
Sourced + dielines ready
MOQ fundability
5. Can you fund a first production run at a typical MOQ?
No / unsure
Maybe, with financing
Yes, funded
Capital runway
6. How much cash runway do you have to reach your first PO / through launch?
Under 3 months
3-6 months
6+ months
Traction / demand
7. Do you have validated demand (pre-sales, DTC, LOIs, existing sales)?
Idea only
Some validation
Proven sales / LOIs
Regulatory
8. Are your label, claims, and nutrition panel handled (FDA basics)?
No
In progress
Reviewed / compliant
Channel / GTM
9. Do you have a clear go-to-market channel?
No
Rough idea
Defined plan + targets
Testing / COA
10. Do you understand the testing required (COA, micro, etc.)?
No
Somewhat
Yes, plan in place