The "graph moving in the right direction" doesn't have to be impressive in absolute terms. If I can prove that I have 100 paying, engaged customers this week, 50 last week, 25 the week before, etc. I've proved that the idea resonates with a market, and its growing. Note that this is still early stage. You have to be able to prove some indication of longterm value though.
If you have paying customers with consistent growth then you are well past idea stage.
I think DenisM's point is that founders often need to be somewhat wealthy on their own in order to create a product in the first place. This doesn't seem like an optimal division of responsibilities.
Comments
The "graph moving in the right direction" doesn't have to be impressive in absolute terms. If I can prove that I have 100 paying, engaged customers this week, 50 last week, 25 the week before, etc. I've proved that the idea resonates with a market, and its growing. Note that this is still early stage. You have to be able to prove some indication of longterm value though.
If you have paying customers with consistent growth then you are well past idea stage.
I think DenisM's point is that founders often need to be somewhat wealthy on their own in order to create a product in the first place. This doesn't seem like an optimal division of responsibilities.