Column: Your Business Has Lots of Ideas on What To Work On. Here’s How To Decide on What’s Next.

Irina Kukuyeva, PhD
Irina Kukuyeva is a fractional chief data officer, helping companies grow with product-market fit by leveraging data to make their customers happier. In her spare time, she mentors founders and data professionals and enjoys long-distance running.
Column: Your Business Has Lots of Ideas on What To Work On. Here’s How To Decide on What’s Next.
Photo by Ahmed Zayan on Unsplash

It's just a few months into a new year — and you're already overwhelmed with resolutions and ideas you should be working on; but how can your team effectively prioritize projects and test out new ideas?

Here's one best practice, derived from "The Lean Startup" and my 10 years of expertise helping companies scale with product market fit, to help you in your product development or personal growth.


Get on the Same Page about Priorities and Scope

First, make sure you're working toward the same goal. This is one of the biggest challenges companies of all sizes have: teams with seemingly different goals and priorities need to collaborate to deliver a product. Whether you're half of a company working on your product -- or half of a team doing so, here's one way to get alignment that also builds rapport.

Start by having everyone contribute ideas, from most immediate to those pie-in-the-sky outcomes, to the backlog of the company-wide product board. What does success look like for your product in the next 3-6 months? How about for the next 2-3 years? And keep coming back to this step, adding new ideas and evaluating existing ones based on what you'll learn later in this process.

To minimize risk, extend your runway, and identify better directions to take, simplify each brainstormed idea into the smallest first step you can take towards this goal. It should be relatively straightforward to implement (such as a waitlist sign-up page in a Google Form), which will allow you to judge if there's enough demand in the market before it's fully built. We'll call this simplified solution the minimum viable test (MVT).

When everything is high priority, nothing is. One way to select the most viable, simplified idea is to quantify: (1) how much easier other ideas on the list become once this one is complete, (2) the potential profit/mission impact of the change, (3) the effort it would take to test it, and (4) the data required to see if it worked. (Considering the impact of a project indirectly accounts for wide customer reach. Why? If you don't solve the actual customer pain point and create value for your customers, they'll stop using your product.)

One rule of thumb to prioritize ideas is: sorting by those with the largest impact, then by smallest time to deliverable and most data availability, breaking ties by picking ideas that will make other goals easier to accomplish. The first item in the sorted list is your MVT -- and now everyone's on the same page that this is the direction you're going in next.

Agree on What Success Looks Like

This is the second biggest challenge: teams with different ideas on what the outcomes look like.

You and your team are on the same page about your goal and you know what you're testing; now you need to know who'll lead development, and who the key stakeholders are — the ones using this idea to actually create the impact. Work with them on what the test will actually look like once it's built (including inputs, outputs and technical details), how the outputs will be used to make the impact, and how you'll measure it -- to help you decide whether the idea is actually worth pursuing.

The success criteria should be based on: (1) how long you want the test to run, (2) what metric(s) can best summarize what you're looking for and what happened, (3) what the baseline currently is, and (4) what the metric should look like at the end of the experiment.

Build a Test with Clearly Defined Goals

You decided what your MVT looks like and now you get to create it.

Once the MVT is built, share it with a small number of customers to see what is and isn't working by checking your metrics every day, for the duration of the experiment. This makes it more manageable to do damage control when things don't work exactly as expected and catch any customer frustrations early. If you skip this step and something's not working, you won't know about it, your stakeholders may be blindsighted, and customers will go elsewhere.

Let Your Test Decide Next Steps

Now that the experiment is over, take 5-15 minutes to do a post-mortem on the process and results, discussing: what worked, what didn't work and what you'd do differently next time.

Here's a quick flowchart to help you decide what to do next:

You designed the MVT with clearly defined goals. Did you meet or exceed them in the time frame projected? If yes, then go ahead and share the MVT with more customers, monitoring metrics and responding to customer requests, as before. Share the MVT with more and more of your customers, as it continues to meet expectations — until it reaches 100% of your customers. Continue monitoring and responding to requests, as before. Once your MVT reaches 100%, it's time to get on the same page about scope and priorities for the next MVT, whether that's the next iteration of this idea -- or the first iteration of a new one.

More often than not however, the MVT won't meet the metrics specified in the time frame expected. I've found that the most common reasons tend to be: ambitious metrics, ambiguous customer value, changes in customer preferences, or errors in implementation (of MVT, its dependencies, or metric computations). A post-mortem will help you do better next time, as you and your team go back to prioritize and scope down the next iteration of this cycle.

As you go through this cycle, you'll find that different steps take longer to complete than others; some may feel as if you're stuck there forever. It's all part of the process. Skipping steps can end up with the cycle taking longer, creating more customer frustration, and missing revenue projections.

Here are two examples that walk you through how to apply this framework to:

  • Make the most of your company's annual planning retreat here;
  • Kick-start your fitness journey here.

Now you have a framework to help prioritize your ideas, align your team, minimize business risk and (hopefully) feel less overwhelmed. What idea will you test out next?

Additional Resources

    • Consider an Opportunity Solution Tree for continuous product discovery
    • You can incorporate this cycle into your product market fit journey. Here's a slide deck and recording on my talk guiding you through how to think about, benchmark and improve your product market fit.
    Standing Together Through the Flames

    🔦 Spotlight

    To our Los Angeles family,

    This week’s wildfires have brought immense pain and hardship to our beloved city. Many of our friends, neighbors, and colleagues have faced evacuations, power outages, and the devastating loss of homes and livelihoods. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

    At dot.LA, we want to express our deepest sympathy to those suffering in this moment. We see your resilience and stand with you during this challenging time. This community has always been defined by its strength and compassion, and now is the time to come together in support.

    If You or Someone You Know Has Been Impacted, Resources Are Available:

    Evacuation Shelters:

    • Calvary Community Church: 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362
    • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
    • Pan Pacific Recreational Center: 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
    • Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
    • Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
    • Pomona Fairplex: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
    • Stoner Recreation Center: 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

    Animal Shelters:

    Small Animals:

    • Agoura Animal Care Center: 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
    • Baldwin Park Animal Care Center: 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
    • Carson Animal Care Center: 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
    • Downey Animal Care Center: 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
    • Lancaster Animal Care Center: 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
    • Palmdale Animal Care Center: 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550

    Large Animals:

    • Pomona Fairplex: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona
    • Industry Hills Expo: 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
    • Antelope Valley Fair: 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536
    • Los Angeles Equestrian Center: 480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506
    • Pierce College Equestrian Center: 7100 El Rancho Dr, Woodland Hills, CA 91371

    Disaster Relief Information:

    • LA County Assessor: Information for property owners and FAQs about disaster relief.

    Mental Health Support:

    • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: Crisis counseling and support for those affected. Access services through their website or call their hotline at (800) 854-7771.

    Temporary Housing Support:

    • Airbnb: In partnership with 211 LA, offering free temporary housing for displaced residents. Spaces are limited; complete the form to be notified of availability.

    Transportation Support:

    • Uber: Use promo code WILDFIRE25 for 2 free rides up to $40 each to/from active shelters.
    • Lyft: Code CAFIRERELIEF25 offers 2 rides up to $25 each for up to 500 riders, valid until 1/15.
    • Metro: Fare collection is suspended systemwide.

    Staying Informed:

    • Watch Duty App: Provides real-time wildfire tracking, evacuation warnings, and updates.
    • Los Angeles Fire Department Alerts: Visit their website for the latest information on fire status and safety guidelines.

    Safety Precautions:

    • Ready, Set, Go!: Personal Wildfire Action Plan by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

    To those in our community who are volunteering, donating, or offering aid in any form—thank you. Your efforts embody the spirit of LA: strong, compassionate, and unstoppable.

    At dot.LA, we’re committed to amplifying stories of resilience and support. If you’ve seen inspiring acts of kindness or have resources to share, please let us know. Together, we can shine a light on the incredible ways this community is stepping up during these trying times.

    In the days ahead, let’s hold tight to the bonds that unite us and remember that we are stronger together. The fires may scar the land, but they cannot dim the collective spirit of Los Angeles.

    We’re here for you, and we’re with you.

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      A Strong Finish to 2024 for LA Tech: Crosscut Ventures Leads the Way

      🔦 Spotlight

      Happy Friday LA!

      As we close the book on 2024, Los Angeles has had a remarkable year in tech and venture capital. From groundbreaking funding rounds to industry-defining innovations, the city’s tech ecosystem has showcased its ability to adapt and thrive. Among the year’s final highlights was the announcement that Crosscut Ventures, one of LA’s premier early-stage venture capital firms, has added Jon Ylvisaker as its newest Partner.

      Crosscut Ventures’ Bold New Direction

      Announced in late December, Jon Ylvisaker’s appointment reflects Crosscut Ventures’ commitment to advancing its focus on the energy transition. Ylvisaker brings decades of experience in driving investments in energy technologies and digital infrastructure. As the founding partner and managing director of Yield Capital Partners, he led investments in startups and established companies shaping the future of sustainability. At Wolfacre Global Management, a Tiger Management hedge fund, he further honed his expertise in supporting impactful climate-focused solutions.

      Brian Garrett, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Crosscut Ventures, said, “Jon's extensive experience in climate and digital infrastructure investments, coupled with his impressive track record of bringing groundbreaking technologies to market, makes him the ideal partner to help lead our focus.”

      Since its founding in 2008, Crosscut has played a key role in shaping LA’s tech landscape. Ylvisaker’s addition reinforces the firm’s commitment to addressing global challenges like energy transition and sustainability, further solidifying its leadership in venture capital innovation.

      What’s Next for LA Tech in 2025

      The momentum from 2024 has set the stage for an even bigger year ahead. Entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators in LA are poised to take on new challenges and create meaningful change across industries.

      As we step into 2025, we want to thank everyone who helped make 2024 such a standout year. Here’s to another year of progress, innovation, and success. From all of us at dot.LA, Happy New Year!

      🤝 Venture Deals

      LA Companies

      • First Resonance, a company specializing in digital manufacturing software through its ION Factory OS, has raised a $20M funding round led by Third Prime with participation from Blue Bear Capital and others. This brings its total funding to $36M and will be used to accelerate product development, grow its customer base, and enhance support for advanced manufacturing sectors like aerospace, robotics, and clean energy. - learn more
      LA Venture Funds
      • Finality Capital Partners led a $17M Seed funding round for ChainOpera AI, a California-based company developing blockchain networks for AI-powered agents and applications, to accelerate product development, expand its team and enhance its blockchain and AI integration capabilities. - learn more

      LA Exits

      • Thirteen Lune, an inclusive beauty e-commerce platform, has been acquired by SNR Capital, marking a significant milestone in the platform's mission to amplify underrepresented beauty brands while fueling its next stage of growth. - learn more
      • Ergobaby, a leading brand in juvenile products known for its high-quality baby carriers, has been acquired by Highlander Partners. The acquisition aims to bolster Ergobaby’s growth, expand its product offerings, and strengthen its position in the parenting solutions market. - learn more

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      Salt AI’s $3M Bet, Snapchat’s Creator Cash, Rivian’s EV Tech, and ŌURA’s $200M Win

      🔦 Spotlight

      Happy Friday, LA - let’s dive right in to this week’s highlights:

      Salt AI, a forward-thinking AI startup based in Los Angeles, has secured a $3 million seed funding round led by Morpheus Ventures with participation from Struck Capital, among others, to tackle the complexity of managing workflows.Salt AI's blog details how its platform centralizes tools like CRM systems, project management software, and data trackers into one interface, eliminating inefficiencies and freeing up teams to focus on meaningful work. With new funding in hand, Salt plans to scale its platform and expand its reach, a move that underscores how AI can solve everyday business challenges.

      Image Source: Salt AI - Aber Whitcomb

      While Salt AI focuses on the workplace, Snapchat is doubling down on creators, with its latest updates introducing revenue-sharing opportunities and direct monetization features. The company’snewsroom update outlines how enhanced analytics will help creators better understand their audiences and sustain their work. The platform's latest updates introduce revenue-sharing opportunities and direct monetization features, along with analytics that give creators deeper insights into their audience. By making it easier for creators to grow and sustain their work, Snapchat positions itself as a key player in the creator economy, offering features that rival platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

      Image Source: Snap

      On the roads, Rivian is redefining what it means to drive an electric vehicle. The company’s latest software update includes advanced route planning, energy management tools, and customization options that make every trip more intuitive and efficient. Additionally, Rivian has introduced new entertainment features, including Google Cast, YouTube, and SiriusXM, as featured in Rivian’ssoftware spotlight, enhancing the in-cabin experience for drivers and passengers alike. This isn’t just about convenience; Rivian is showing how thoughtful software design can elevate the entire EV experience, blending practicality with sophistication.

      Image Source: Rivian

      ŌURA is making headlines with a fresh $200 million Series D funding round, with participation from Fidelity Management & Research Company and Dexcom, which now values the company at $2.55 billion. This investment, as reported byBusiness Wire, highlights the growing demand for wearable health technology and positions ŌURA as a leader in the space. With its sleek design and emphasis on actionable health insights, the funding will enable ŌURA to expand its reach and further integrate wearables into daily health management, strengthening its position in the competitive health tech market. With this funding, ŌURA aims to reach more users and expand its capabilities, further embedding wearables into daily health management.

      Image Source: ŌURA

      Stay tuned as Salt AI, Snapchat, Rivian, and ŌURA continue to evolve, offering us new ways to work, connect, and live better.

      🤝 Venture Deals

        LA Venture Funds
          • Undeterred Capital participated in a $7M Seed funding round for Portal, a Watertown, Mass.-based biotech company specializing in advanced intracellular delivery technology to drive innovations in biological research and cellular therapeutics. - learn more
          • Vamos Ventures participated in a $7.9M Series A funding round for Culina Health, a Hoboken, NJ-based company that provides personalized, science-based virtual nutrition care by connecting patients with registered dietitians, with plans to use the funds to expand its offerings for dietitians and patients, implement AI-driven tools to enhance care efficiency, and strengthen its leadership team through key hires. - learn more
          • Humans Ventures participated in a $3.8M Seed funding round for Hamming.ai, a San Francisco-based company specializing in automated tools for testing and optimizing voice agents, with plans to expand its platform, enhance reliability and perform, and accelerate product development. - learn more
          • Fifth Wall led, with participation from Starshot Capital and others, in a $9.5M Series A funding round for Mojave, a Sunnyvale, CA-based company developing energy-efficient commercial air conditioning technology. The funds will be used to accelerate the adoption of its innovative systems and reduce energy consumption in the cooling industry. - learn more
          • ReMY Investors participated in a $17M Series B funding round for Scripta Insights, a company that leverages data analytics to help employers and healthy plans reduce prescription drug costs, with the funds aimed at expanding its platform and scaling operations. - learn more
          • Mantis VC participated in a $16.5M funding round for Nuon, a company specializing in Bring Your Own Cloud (BYOC) solutions that streamline AI, data, and infrastructure software deployment. The funds will support product development, readiness for general availability in 2025, and efforts to expand customer acquisition. - learn more
          • B Capital participated in a $102M Series C funding round for Precision, a company developing minimally invasive brain-computer interfaces to treat neurological disorders, with plans to use the funds to expand its team, advance clinical research, and refine its AI-powered brain implant for helping users with severe paralysis operate digital devices using their thoughts. - learn more
          • The Games Fund led a $3M Seed funding round for Dark Passenger, a Poland-based game studio founded by veterans of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, to create an unannounced, innovative, first-person multiplayer PvPvE stealth-action game set in a distinctive universe inspired by feudal Japan and martial arts cinema. - learn more

              LA Exits

              • Calliope Networks, a generative AI company providing licensed media content like movies, TV shows, and news, has been acquired by Protege to strengthen its platform’s capabilities in advancing AI development. - learn more

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