Startmate Spike Framework

Startmate Spike Framework

At Startmate, we’re not looking for smoothness. We’re looking for spikiness.

What does that mean? We care less about having no weaknesses and more about having at least one unmistakable strength.

Put simply:

👉 To get through to the second stage of the application process, you must show at least one spike.

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What is a Spike?

A spike is a clear, undeniable reason why your startup stands out. It’s the thing that makes you unforgettable, even if you have gaps elsewhere.

Below are the five spikes we look for, with real-world examples.

1. Team

“You would buy stock in this founder.”

Ways to demonstrate:

• Built/hacked something impressive before
• Unbridled ambition and determination
• Deep, unique connection to the problem
• Ability to attract exceptional talent

Example: Canva

• Connection to problem: Mel Perkins taught design at uni and saw firsthand how clunky Photoshop was.
• Previously built: At 19, Mel launched a yearbook software business that became Australia’s largest in the space.
• Attract exceptional talent: She brought on Lars Rasmussen, co-founder of Google Maps, as an advisor.

2. Progress

“Things are happening, fast.”

Ways to demonstrate:

• Customers interviewed
• Users signed up
• Revenue and engagement
• Technical progress
• Brand names onboarded

Example: Facebook

• Users: Within 10 days of launch, Facebook had 60% market share at Harvard.
• They only raised money because they needed more servers to handle the demand.
• Despite weaknesses, their spike was so strong it outweighed everything else.

3. Invention

“Invented a new technology or a significant leap in technology.”

Example: OpenAI

• AI existed before, but OpenAI made a leap.
• By combining Transformer architecture, massive computational power, and large-scale pretraining, OpenAI created AI models that generalised across tasks and data like never before.

4. Unique Vision

“The founders see the future differently from everyone else, and it’s compelling.”

Example: Airbnb

• In 2007, it seemed absurd that people would invite strangers into their homes.
• Investors rejected them, believing the market was too small.
• In reality, they weren’t tapping an existing market, they were creating an entirely new one.

5. 10x

“The product is not incrementally better. It’s 10x better.”

That could mean:

• 10x faster
• 10x cheaper
• 10x easier to use
• 10x better quality

Example: Amazon

• Volume: Bookstores had hundreds of books; Amazon had millions.
• Convenience: Shop from home, any time, with reviews to guide you.
• Cost: Lower prices thanks to fewer overheads.

Why Spikes Matter

The Spike Framework exists because startups rarely have it all at the beginning. Early-stage founders are resource-constrained, battling competing priorities, and learning as they go.

But if you have one extraordinary spike, something undeniable, that’s enough for us to back you.

Weaknesses can be fixed over time. But a spike? That’s your unfair advantage.

🔥 Your challenge: Find your spike. Lead with it. Build around it.

That’s what gets you into Startmate.

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