Thinking about investing in a startup? Ask these questions first.

At ORNA, we’ve been busy with a startup valuation this week—reminding us how important it is to ask the right questions before putting money into a new venture.

Here’s a quick checklist we often refer to when evaluating a startup:

✅ What real problem are they solving—and for whom?
✅ Do they have paying customers or strong early traction?
✅ What’s their plan to scale—and is it realistic?
✅ How will they make money (and when)?
✅ How long can they survive with current funding?
✅ Are the founders capable—and committed long-term?
✅ What’s the competitive edge? Can others easily copy them?
✅ Are there regulatory or technical obstacles ahead?
✅ Is the valuation based on hope or grounded assumptions?

Startups are exciting, but they can also be tricky. A little due diligence goes a long way.

Need an independent view before investing? Let’s talk.