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Startup Pilot Scorecard Instructions
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Welcome. To start, Save the File as a copy.

Read the extended How-To guide on substack
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Connect: Linkedin
eMail: andreas@kiniroo.com
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PURPOSE
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This scorecard forces internal business-unit stakeholders to quantify the Strategic Relevance and Internal Demand of a startup pilot before approval.

Pilots are recommended to proceed to an approved stage only if they pass kill gates, meet minimum section thresholds, and total >= 75 / 100 points. The solution is retained only if measurable KPI impact is achieved.
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HOW TO USE
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1. Kill GatesComplete the Kill Gates tab. Every gate must be 'Yes' before the scorecard is evaluated. Any 'No' blocks approval. These are the non-negotiables.
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2. Score the PilotOn the Weighted Scorecard tab, score each metric 0-5 using the rubric provided. Only the business-unit sponsor and process owner should score.
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3. Translation ModuleOn the Translation Module tab, map the startup's technical specs to specific corporate core-process steps. This section is scored and feeds the total.
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4. DecisionThe Dashboard tab shows the total weighted score, section breakdown, and the Go / Revise / Reject recommendation. Retention criteria appear post-pilot.
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SCORING SCALE (0-5)
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ScoreDefinition
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5Quantified, owned, budgeted, scalable -> Evidence-backed and ready to scale.
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4Strong, evidenced, owned -> Clear sponsor and supporting data.
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3Credible but incomplete -> Solution directionally sound, some gaps remain.
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2Partially defined, intent exists, lacks ownership or evidence.
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1Weak, mostly aspirational -> Llittle substance behind the claim.
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0Not evidenced / no fit -> criterion not met.
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DECISION RULES
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APPROVETotal >= 75 / 100, no kill-gate failures, Strategic Relevance avg >= 3.5, Internal Demand avg >= 3.5.
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REVISETotal 60-74, OR any section average below 3.0. Address gaps and resubmit.
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REJECT / PARKTotal < 60. Do not proceed. Revisit only if problem or startup changes materially.
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RETAINPost-pilot only: measurable KPI impact achieved, business owner confirms continued demand, scaling blockers acceptable.
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VENTURE CLIENTING PRINCIPLE
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This scorecard deliberately excludes investor-style criteria (TAM, fundraising stage, exit potential) unless they directly affect delivery risk. The central question is: Should the business unit buy, test, and potentially scale this solution because it solves a measurable internal problem?
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