A Framework for the Initial and Continuous Evaluation of Startups – Application on a Startup in Switzerland

The target of the Master thesis is to create a framework for the initial and continuous evaluation of startups and to apply it on a new Swiss venture. Hence different approaches to startups in its various life cycle states are analyzed -- from planning, to finding a working business model and growing the startup to its transformation into an established company. It is necessary to lead a startup based on discovery, testing and flexibility. The basis hence is to iterate through the business model quickly, to develop it along minimal viable products and the methodology of customer development. The lean business plan helps to achieve these goals. It consists of the following tools: empathy map, business model canvas, dashboard, minimum viable product, entrepreneur's grid and extended cash flow statement. This plan plays a vital role for the initial and continuous evaluation of startups, where initial assessments and continuous analyses serve as input. Eventually, the lean business plan and the inital evaluation are applied on Swiss environment and the startup Clever Services GmbH, which will be soon founded according to the steps described in the thesis.