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.
    Can Technology Outpace Wildfires?

    🔦 Spotlight

    Hello, LA!

    This week, tech headlines are buzzing with OpenAI's launch of Operator, a tool that promises to transform task automation, and TikTok’s major outage, which left millions disconnected. But closer to home, as wildfires blaze across Southern California, survival has become the focus—and technology is making it possible.

    When the plume of smoke reappeared on the horizon, residents across Southern California turned to tools like Watch Duty. Over the past week, as flames surged, the app gained 600,000 new users in just one night, delivering critical, real-time information to help residents stay ahead of danger. Watch Duty, designed to provide wildfire updates, has proven to be much more than an alert system. It’s a lifeline.

    The app integrates live data, satellite imagery, and community reports to send updates directly to users. Information includes fire locations, evacuation orders, and air quality indices, empowering quick, informed decisions. Its community-driven ethos—with contributions from locals, firefighters, and volunteers—ensures hyper-local and timely updates, filling gaps where traditional news outlets often fall short.

    Image Source: Watch Duty

    A New Era of Fire Alerts

    Watch Duty redefines wildfire preparedness through technology and collaboration:

    • Fire Detection: Monitors data from satellites, agencies, and ground sources to identify wildfires.
    • Data Verification: A team of experts ensures reported activity is accurate.
    • Real-Time Alerts: Notifications are sent within 60 seconds of detection.
    • Community Contributions: Local residents provide photos and updates.
    • User Notifications: Alerts include fire size, location, and evacuation details.

    These features make Watch Duty an indispensable tool during wildfire season. In 2024, the app processed over 2 million alerts and supported 50,000 evacuations, with plans to expand predictive modeling by 2025 to anticipate threats before they escalate.

    Innovations Reshaping Wildfire Management

    Early Detection Leaders:

    • AlertCalifornia: Operates over 1,000 cameras with machine learning to monitor high-risk areas.
    • Pano AI: Uses cameras and sensors to detect smoke and alert responders.
    • Torch Sensors: Deploys heat-detection sensors to identify anomalies early.

    Image Source: Torch Sensors

    Predictive and Analytical Pioneers:

    • Chooch AI: Employs drones and computer vision to monitor fire hazards.
    • Data Blanket: Uses analytics to forecast fire behavior and assist evacuations.
    • Rain: Leverages advanced atmospheric sensing and AI-driven technology to provide precise fire detection and tracking. Its real-time data on fire weather conditions and environmental factors helps agencies anticipate and respond to wildfires with greater efficiency.
    • SCEPTER: Tracks air quality and wildfire emissions using AI and satellite data.

    Image Source: Rain

    A Vision for the Future

    As Los Angeles continues to adapt to the realities of a changing climate, tools like Watch Duty, Pano AI, and AlertCalifornia are proving to be invaluable. These technologies are not just reactive measures; they represent a shift toward proactive disaster preparedness. The question now isn’t whether technology can help but how much more it can achieve in the years to come.

    With the integration of predictive modeling, AI, and real-time data, there’s hope for a future where wildfires are no longer unpredictable forces of destruction. Imagine every household equipped with predictive wildfire maps, heat-detecting drones, and AI-driven tools to guide safety decisions. The innovations are here—it's up to us to support and scale them to ensure they reach the communities that need them most. Which company, which app, or which breakthrough will emerge as the next lifeline? The possibilities for a safer, more prepared Los Angeles feel closer than ever.

    🤝 Venture Deals

    LA Companies

    • Favorited, a new livestream app positioning itself as an alternative to TikTok, has raised a $1.3M Pre-Seed from HF0, Soma Ventures, and several angel investors from the entertainment and social space. The platform, which participated in the a16z Speedrun accelerator program, offers features like streaks and leaderboards to boost user engagement. Favorited plans to use the funds to enhance its app's functionalities and expand its user base. - learn more
    LA Venture Funds
    • Overture VC participated in a $12M Series A funding round for Bedrock Energy, an Austin, Texas-based startup specializing in geothermal heating and cooling systems. Bedrock Energy plans to use the funds to advance its geothermal technologies and expand deployments in Colorado, Utah, and neighboring states. - learn more
    • Navigate Ventures LLC participated in a $7.2M Series A funding round for XILO, a San Diego-based insurance technology startup that provides a quoting and sales automation platform to help independent insurance agencies convert the next generation of insurance shoppers; the funds will be used to scale operations, manufacturing, and commercial efforts for its acne products. - learn more
    • Upfront Ventures participated in a $5.25M Seed funding round for 1up.ai, a New York-based company that automates knowledge for sales teams; the funds will be used to empower their growing customer base, including industry leaders like WalkMe, Gladly, and Deliveroo. - learn more
    • MTech Capital participated in a $2.2M Pre-Seed funding round for Qumis, a Chicago-based AI platform designed to transform insurance knowledge work; the funds will be used to scale its AI capabilities, accelerate product development, and expand its customer base. - learn more
    • Amboy Street Ventures participated in a SEK 304M Series B funding round for Gesynta Pharma, a Stockholm-based pharmaceutical company specializing in anti-inflammatory and pain-relief treatments, with the funds directed toward advancing a Phase II clinical trial of their lead candidate, vipoglanstat, for endometriosis. - learn more

    LA Exits

    • Bandy Manufacturing, a Los Angeles-based provider of aerospace fasteners and components, has been acquired by Novaria Group to enhance its portfolio and expand its capabilities in the aerospace and defense industries. - learn more
    • Pangea, a company specializing in eco-friendly and sustainable products with a focus on innovative technology solutions, is being acquired by Nature's Miracle Holding Inc. to accelerate growth and capitalize on synergies in sustainability and tech-driven product development. - learn more
    • Notisphere, a healthcare communication platform streamlining recall and alert management, has been acquired by Par Excellence Systems to enhance its capabilities in delivering efficient supply chain solutions for the healthcare industry. - learn more
    • Cryogenic Machinery Corp., a North Hollywood, California-based manufacturer specializing in cryogenic pumps for industrial gas and energy applications, has been acquired by PSG, a Dover company, to enhance PSG's portfolio of specialized fluid handling solutions. - learn more

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    The New Face of Live Shopping: Whatnot’s $5B Journey

    🔦 Spotlight

    Hello Los Angeles,

    This week has been a challenging one for many in our city as we continue to face the aftermath of the recent wildfires. Recovery efforts are in full swing, and as always, the strength and resilience of our community shine through.

    If you or someone you know has been impacted, there are resources available to help navigate this difficult time:

    • Pacific Palisades Fire Damage Maps: View here

    These tools can provide support, whether you’re looking for financial assistance, housing resources, or updates on affected areas.

    While our community focuses on recovery, we’re also reminded of what makes LA unique: its unrelenting drive to build, create, and innovate. A great example this week comes from Whatnot, the live shopping platform co-founded in 2019 by Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head, which has just achieved a major milestone.

    Whatnot announced it raised $265 million in Series E funding, valuing the company at an impressive $5 billion.

    For those unfamiliar, Whatnot combines shopping and entertainment through live-streamed auctions. Think of it as a vibrant, interactive marketplace where sellers showcase everything from trading cards and collectibles to fashion items, all in real time. Buyers can bid during the stream, creating a sense of excitement and connection that feels more personal than traditional online shopping.

    The company’s new funding—co-led by Greycroft, DST Global, and Avra Capital—will drive expansion into markets like Australia and bring improvements to seller tools, from inventory management to advanced analytics. But what stands out most is Whatnot’s focus on its people. CEO Grant LaFontaine announced plans to buy back $72 million in shares for long-term employees, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to sharing its success.

    As we move forward, let’s celebrate stories like these that show how innovation thrives in LA—even amid challenges. Whether it’s supporting wildfire recovery, building the next great startup, or simply connecting with others, we each play a role in shaping the spirit of our city.


    🤝 Venture Deals

    LA Companies

    • Phase Four, a leader in advanced in-space propulsion systems, announced the first close of its Series C funding round, securing nearly 60% of the target raise, led by Artemis Group Capital, to ramp up production of its Valkyrie Hall Effect Thrusters to at least 250 units annually and develop cutting-edge propulsion technologies for defense and national security needs. - learn more
    • Proper, a next-generation supplement brand launched by fitness entrepreneur Amanda Kloots, secured investment from Ben Bennett's Beauty Accelerator, The Center, to redefine the supplement industry with innovative, nutrient-focused wellness solutions tailored for modern lifestyles. - learn more
    LA Venture Funds
    • Sound Ventures participated in a $17M funding round for Reshop, a platform simplifying the returns process for consumers and merchants, with plans to use the funds to enhance their technology and expand their services. - learn more
    • LFX Venture Partners participated in a $30M strategic funding round for Shippeo, a Paris-based company specializing in real-time multimodal supply chain transportation visibility; the funds will support Shippeo's global expansion, particularly across North America and the Asia-Pacific region. - learn more
    • Amboy Street Ventures participated in a $15M Series A+ funding round for Granata Bio, a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced gene therapies; the proceeds will be used to accelerate the development of their pipeline and expand their research capabilities. - learn more
    • BAM Ventures participated in a $700,000 seed funding round for MX Locker, an online marketplace for buying and selling motocross gear and parts; the company plans to use the proceeds to enhance its platform and expand its user base. - learn more
    • Crosscut Ventures participated in a $7.15M seed funding round for SoloPulse, an Atlanta-based company developing advanced radar technology; the funds will be used to enhance their product development and expand market reach. - learn more
    • Starburst Ventures participated in Loft Orbital’s $170M Series C funding round, bringing the San Francisco-based satellite infrastructure provider’s total capital raised to $280 million, with the funds aimed at accelerating their "condosat" missions to simplify and expand access to space. - learn more
    • Overture VC participated in a $100M Series B funding round for Harbinger, a Southern California-based electric vehicle company specializing in medium-duty EVs; the funds will be used to accelerate the production of their electric vehicle platforms. - learn more
    • Muse Capital and Time BioVentures participated in an $18M Series A funding round for Conceivable Life Sciences, a New York-based biotech company developing the world's first AI-powered automated IVF lab; the funds will support their ongoing commercial pilot program in Mexico City and preparations for a U.S. launch targeted for early 2026. - learn more
    • B Capital Group participated in a $25M Series B funding round for Labviva, a Boston-based AI-driven procurement platform for life sciences; the funds will be used to accelerate product development, enhance marketing and customer support, and expand internationally. - learn more
    • Focalpoint Partners participated in a seed funding round for Kerna Labs, a San Francisco-based AI biotechnology company focused on advancing mRNA payload design for new therapies, with the funds supporting operational expansion and development efforts. - learn more

    LA Exits

    • Intracom Systems, a pioneer in software-based communication solutions, has been acquired by IPC, a global leader in trading communications technology, to enhance IPC's SaaS communications offerings for the financial services industry. - learn more
    • Adexa, a provider of advanced supply chain planning solutions, has been acquired by Eyelit Technologies to enhance its Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) offerings and expand its market presence. - learn more
    • Caramel, a platform specializing in simplifying online vehicle transactions, has been acquired by eBay to enhance its offerings for secure and streamlined automotive buying and selling experiences. - learn more
    • ImaginAb, a biotechnology company specializing in antibody-based imaging and therapeutic solutions, has been acquired by Telix Pharmaceuticals to expand its next-generation therapeutic assets and biologics technology platform. - learn more
    • Sleepypod, a global leader in crash-test-certified safety harnesses and carriers for pets, has been acquired by Paw Prosper to enhance its commitment to pet well-being and expand its portfolio of innovative pet safety solutions. - learn more

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    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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