Product Assumption Dependency Map

Create a structured, reusable map or index for Product Assumption Dependency Map. The objective is to remove ambiguity around product assumption dependency, 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 Product Assumption Dependency Map 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.

validated problem evidence; target user; solution concept; technical constraints; current product artefacts; source information to structure; specific context for product assumption dependency.

1. 1Define Scope and Decision Framework for Assumption Mappingexpand_more

   Identify the specific product module, feature set, or technical architecture being evaluated alongside the critical commercial or build decision it informs. The founder defines clear boundaries around what is in scope to prevent speculative creep and establishes the exact threshold required to proceed.

   Objective

   Establishing a clear scope prevents wasted effort on irrelevant product features while pinning down the specific strategic go/no-go decision. This focus ensures the resulting dependency map directly drives a concrete build, pivot, or capital allocation choice rather than devolving into an academic exercise.

   What's expected

   The founder must deliver a defined scope statement specifying the product subsystem under review, alongside a clear decision gate statement (e.g., whether to commit £50k to full MVP build). This must be accompanied by explicit success criteria that define what level of validated certainty is required to unlock the next development phase.

   Consultant stress-test · 5 questions

   1. 1.What specific commercial or technical build decision will be blocked if this map remains incomplete?
   2. 2.Why have you drawn the boundary around this particular product feature set rather than the wider platform architecture?
   3. 3.How do you know that validating these specific scope boundaries will satisfy your technical team's immediate risk concerns?
   4. 4.What explicit threshold of certainty is required to move from this mapping phase to spending capital on code?
   5. 5.How does this scope align with the core value proposition promised to early adopters in your initial offer?

   Open action arrow_forward
2. 2Isolate Product Assumptions and Root Dependenciesexpand_more
3. 3Collect Empirical Inputs across Stakeholders and Systemsexpand_more
4. 4Construct the Visual Dependency Matrix and Registerexpand_more
5. 5Identify Critical Path Bottlenecks and Priority Gapsexpand_more
6. 6Standardise and Deposit Asset in Venture Data Roomexpand_more

• A data-room asset titled Product Assumption Dependency Map
• A structured map, register, dashboard or index that can be reused by founders, mentors, programme managers and investors
• It should update the venture DNA with specific evidence or decisions about product assumption dependency, 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