📣 It grows on its own: which proof counts in the FounderSeal

A customer returns what it cost to bring them in within twelve months. Below that, growing burns cash instead of making it.

Proof asked for: The calculation with acquisition spend and revenue per customer

A steady source of customers you do not pay for: content, word of mouth, community, referrals. Measured, not assumed.

Proof asked for: Analytics showing where sign-ups came from over the last three months

Every user brings somebody else, measurably: invitations, referrals or shares that end in a sign-up.

Proof asked for: Referral dashboard with the coefficient and the period

A thousand people a month find you by searching, without you paying for it. Traffic that keeps coming when you stop looking.

Proof asked for: Search Console or analytics screenshot, filtered to organic

A national outlet has written about you, and it is not a paid placement.

Proof asked for: Link to the article, with its date

An independent jury picked you over others. The value is in who decided, not in the trophy.

Proof asked for: Link or certificate of the award, with the year and the organiser

A programme with a competitive selection process has taken you in. Somebody filtered hundreds and let you through.

Proof asked for: Admission letter or a link to the published cohort

A company with customers takes you to theirs: resale, commercial integration or a channel agreement. Their reputation rides with you.

Proof asked for: The signed agreement, naming the partner

You were invited to tell your story at a leading conference or trade fair. Invited, not sponsoring.

Proof asked for: Event programme showing your name, or a link to the talk

A published case study with a name, numbers and the customer’s face. Somebody lending you their brand is worth more than any ad.

Proof asked for: Link to the published case, with the customer identified