# Startup Value Proposition

> Build a startup value proposition through customer, problem, before-state, solution, after-state, and alternatives.

- Skill: `contextgo/startup-value-proposition` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add contextgo/startup-value-proposition`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/contextgo/startup-value-proposition/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: contextgo (https://skillmd.com/u/contextgo)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/contextgo/startup-value-proposition

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# Startup Value Proposition

Use this skill when the startup needs a sharp promise, not a feature inventory.

## Use when

- The user wants a value proposition or positioning statement.
- A startup has a segment in mind but the promise is still generic.
- Messaging needs to connect tightly to customer pain and alternatives.

## Do not use when

- The segment is still too unclear to anchor a value proposition.
- The task is purely financial or operational.
- The user only wants a slogan without strategic grounding.

## Value proposition failures to avoid

- describing the product before naming the customer
- saying "all-in-one" instead of explaining the actual progress unlocked
- skipping the current alternative
- confusing outcome claims with evidence
- writing a statement too broad to guide product or GTM choices

## Workflow

### 1. Who

- who the target customer is
- what context or constraint matters most

### 2. Why

- what core problem or JTBD matters
- why it is painful enough to justify switching

### 3. What before

- what the customer uses today
- what is frustrating, slow, risky, or expensive

### 4. How

- what the startup does that changes the situation
- which product capabilities matter most

### 5. What after

- what life or work looks like when the problem is solved
- what new outcome becomes possible

### 6. Alternatives

- what other products, workflows, or "do nothing" options exist
- why the startup's approach is better for this segment

### 7. Distill the statement

Finish with:

- a concise value proposition statement
- a positioning statement
- the proof points still missing

## Output format

Return:

### 1. Target segment

### 2. Core problem

### 3. Current state

### 4. Product mechanism

### 5. Improved outcome

### 6. Alternatives and why we win

### 7. Value proposition statement

### 8. Positioning statement

### 9. Weak points or missing proof

## Use together with

- `startup-founder-problem-framing`
- `startup-ideal-customer-profile`
- `startup-go-to-market-strategy`