💥 The Hard Truth: It's Not Enough to Build It
In ClimateTech and DeepTech, proving your tech works isn't enough.
You have to prove:
- Your tech works at scale
- Customers will pay
- Your unit economics improve over time
- Your solution is defensible — not just first
Yet today, only 10% of ClimateTech startups reach commercial viability.
🛠️ The ClimateTech Ladder of Proof: 12 Steps to Scale
The Ladder of Proof is a structured roadmap founders can use to show technical, commercial, and financial readiness at every phase.
Here’s what it looks like:
1️⃣ Fresh Idea + Great Team
- Concept targeting a real climate problem.
- Founders have domain expertise.
- No revenue, early research, TRL ~2–3.
✅ Next: Secure early grants, build proof-of-concept.
2️⃣ Big Market & Climate Need
- Problem space is huge (e.g., gigaton CO₂ opportunity).
- Macro trends + policy tailwinds confirmed.
✅ Next: Validate early adopters and market demand.
3️⃣ Science Works in the Lab (TRL 3–4)
- Controlled lab results show feasibility.
- Patent search and early IP filings begin.
✅ Next: Start bench-scale planning.
4️⃣ Patentable/Protectable Tech
- IP differentiation clear.
- Filing patents or trade secrets.
✅ Next: Secure Seed funding.
5️⃣ Science Works at Scale (Bench Scale, TRL 4–5)
- Early pilot runs or real-environment data.
- Operational metrics start emerging.
✅ Next: Build first commercial partnerships.
6️⃣ LOIs or Pilot Commitments
- Corporate partners issue LOIs.
- Pre-commercial pilot demand validated.
✅ Next: Push for Series A readiness.
7️⃣ Minimal Product Deployment (TRL 5–6)
- Pilot version live in the field.
- First CAPEX/OPEX modeling.
✅ Next: Close first paying customers.
8️⃣ Paying Customers & Early Revenue
- First contracts signed.
- Real product performance tracked.
✅ Next: Strengthen supply chain, prepare Series B.
9️⃣ Customer Retention + Reliability
- Repeat customers or low churn.
- Strong climate impact data.
✅ Next: Expand deployments and revenue streams.
🔝 Commercial Traction + Moats
- Multi-country deals, strong cost curve improvements.
- IP or regulatory advantage emerges.
✅ Next: Set up Series C or infra expansion.
🌍 Global Scale / Market Leader
- Global presence, enterprise contracts, unstoppable brand momentum.
- Serious impact metrics (CO₂ savings, energy efficiency, circularity wins).
✅ Next: Plan Series D or IPO readiness.
🚀 How ClimeNow LaunchPad Fits In
LaunchPad maps your:
- Readiness Level (where you are on the Ladder)
- Capital Archetype (what funding fits your scaling path)
- Execution Blueprint (what milestones you need to hit next)
You don't guess where you are.
You prove where you are — and where you’re going next.
📣 What to Do Next
Run the free Funding-Impact Calculator—plug in your round and see the cash, equity, and runway you’d leave without ClimeNow.
Or watch our 8-minute product demo to see the engine in action.
Ready when you are—let’s close the Readiness Gap.