This episode is all about validating your idea and the real reason why sophisticated investors won't sign your NDA. Want to go deeper? September 30th Sevetri and Sheena launch their first cohort with live coaching and support. For more information follow @startupstayupscaleup on instagram or visit joingrits.com

When you have a new idea, your first instinct may be to protect it. But the truth is, ideas are cheap—execution is everything. Before you even think about raising capital or hiring, you need to validate your concept:

• Talk to potential customers. Ask open-ended questions, don’t pitch. You’re looking for pain points, not polite encouragement.

• Look for behavior, not words. If people say “that’s interesting,” it doesn’t matter. If they pull out their wallet or sign up for a beta, that’s validation.

• Run small, scrappy tests. Landing pages, waitlists, surveys, or MVPs can show real traction without heavy investment.

• Map the problem, not just your solution. Make sure the problem is significant and urgent enough that people need it solved.

The goal is not to get everyone to love your idea. The goal is to find a handful of people who can’t live without it.