The Validation Playbook - Honest Analysis 1951

How do you know if your startup idea is worth building? We validated 20 ideas and found that 0% pass these 5 tests. Here's the framework.

Imagine pitching 'Uber but for slaves' as a viable business. No? Good, because it's not just unviable, it's ethically bankrupt. Uber but for slaves takes the cake for the worst possible idea. Meanwhile, Alice is short and ugly serves playground insults instead of a business model. Welcome to Roasty's world: 20 startup ideas, each more delusional than the last.

The 'Nice-to-Have' Trap

When your startup idea is nice to have, it often means it's easy to forget. Take the TEST STARTUP, for example. Sure, it might automate leaderboard testing, but who cares? It's a solution in search of a problem that nobody's hunting for.

Case Study: TEST STARTUP

This isn't just a unit test; it's a testament to the 'nice-to-have' syndrome. You didn't solve anything crucial, just made a QA joke. If you're pitching to save time or money, make sure your solution isn't just an anecdote in the tech office.

The Fix Framework

• The Metric to Watch: Number of potential users who request this feature.
• The Feature to Cut: Anything that doesn't serve QA departments.
• The One Thing to Build: Proper API to connect with existing QA tools.

Why Ambition Won't Save a Bad Revenue Model

Ambition is admirable until it turns into delusion. Think a virus that kills more; there's no revenue model here, just ambition in the worst possible direction.

Case Study: Illegal SaaS

What happens when you build a SaaS that openly boasts no revenue and high risk? You're setting up for failure before launch. Why aim for spotlighting, when shadows could save you?

The Fix Framework

• The Metric to Watch: Early user interest.
• The Feature to Cut: Unlicensed features.
• The One Thing to Build: Compliance-friendly model.

The Compliance Moat: Boring, but Profitable

Sometimes boring is good. French colonization idea misses this entirely. You don't need to spark controversy to succeed, a straightforward compliance moat can save you from pirate waters.

Case Study: French Colonization Idea

Proposing a historical event as a business model? Time to revisit history and ethics classes, instead of trying to capitalize on past atrocities.

The Fix Framework

• The Metric to Watch: Compliance adherence rate.
• The Feature to Cut: Any non-compliant feature.
• The One Thing to Build: A legal framework, first and foremost.

When Your Idea is a Crime

Here's a stunning truth: Some startup ideas aren't just bad, they're criminal. Uber but for slaves tops this list. You might think you're innovating, but you're heading straight for a courtroom.

Case Study: Whore Delivery App

When your idea mirrors trafficking rather than transport, you're in for a much harsher ride than you anticipated. Social moral convicts you faster than any app store.

The Fix Framework

• The Metric to Watch: Legal compliance.
• The Feature to Cut: Any non-consensual element.
• The One Thing to Build: A strong ethical code.

Pattern Analysis: The Failure Spectrum

After sifting through these delightfully dire ideas, one common thread emerges: Ethical oversight is often ignored. It doesn't matter how tech-savvy you think you are; if you're breaking laws, you're breaking your business too.

Actionable Takeaways - Red Flags

• Don't build anything illegal. Illegal SaaS proves this is a fast track to ruin.
• Ethics aren't optional. Uber but for slaves isn't just unethical, it's demonic.
• Pivot before panic. If French colonization idea taught us anything, it's that historical ideas need historical solutions, not startups.
• Read the market, not just your ambitions. Virus that kills more screams ambition without insight.
• Viability over vanity. Don't let your startup mirror Alice is short and ugly; bring substance to the face of your idea.

Conclusion

2025 doesn't need more 'AI-powered' wrappers. It needs solutions for messy, expensive problems. If your idea isn't saving someone $10k or 10 hours a week, don't build it.

Written by Walid Boulanouar.
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