Target Market Selection

Complete a focused intervention that advances Target Market Selection. The objective is to remove ambiguity around target market selection, give the founder a decision-ready output, and make it clear whether the venture should progress, repeat the task with stronger evidence, escalate to expert support, or move into a linked stage.

Bertie or a programme manager assigns Target Market Selection when the venture needs a decision-ready output for this group. Typical triggers include group-gate reviews, evidence gaps identified by the co-pilot or founder request.

current traction; target geography; customer segment; regulatory assumptions; partner or market access needs; specific context for target market selection.

1. 1Define Scope and Strategic Intent for Expansionexpand_more

   The founder establishes the strategic rationale for entering a new geographic market and defines what success looks like for this expansion phase. They map out how internationalisation aligns with current core business stability, risk appetite, and capital availability.

   Objective

   Clarifying the task purpose establishes explicit strategic boundaries and success criteria for international expansion. This prevents premature geographic diversification and ensures the venture targets markets that directly advance its primary business goals.

   What's expected

   The founder must produce a documented intent statement detailing the strategic objective, risk tolerance, and available resources for expansion. This must include clear non-negotiable criteria for market entry and explicit strategic trade-offs.

   Consultant stress-test · 5 questions

   1. 1.What core strategic milestone in your domestic market justifies diverting bandwidth to international expansion right now?
   2. 2.How will you prevent this market entry attempt from cannibalising cash and operational focus from your primary revenue drivers?
   3. 3.Why is geographic expansion the optimal growth strategy compared to deepening penetration in your existing market?
   4. 4.What specific threshold of financial or operational stability defines whether your core business can sustain this expansion?
   5. 5.How does the strategic rationale for internationalisation directly support your upcoming cross-border fundraising plans?

   Open action arrow_forward
2. 2Frame the Target Market Selection Matrixexpand_more
3. 3Audit Internal Capabilities and Market Dataexpand_more
4. 4Build the Target Market Selection Decision Matrixexpand_more
5. 5Stress-Test Market Entry Assumptions and Evidenceexpand_more
6. 6Formalise Data Room Assets and Next Actionsexpand_more

• A data-room asset titled Target Market Selection
• A clear task output, updated venture DNA and recommended next action
• It should update the venture DNA with specific evidence or decisions about target market selection, create a visible milestone in the founder journey, and generate one or more recommended next tasks

A mentor or evaluator can review the output at the group gate. Programme managers can require an advisor checkpoint before Bertie moves the venture forward.

Draft your output and let Bertie review it