Idea Filters: Lessons From Real SaaS Teams

Five lessons that recur across teams that actually filter.

Lesson 1: Most Founders Save Their Favorite

The exciting idea always survives the first round. An outside reviewer kills it on round two. Build the reviewer step in.

Lesson 2: Reachability Filter Catches the Most

Teams that put reachability first kill 60-70 percent of their list immediately. Teams that put it last keep ideas alive that should not be.

Lesson 3: Three Named Buyers Is the Sharpest Filter

You either can or you cannot. No middle ground. The sharpest filter on the list.

Lesson 4: The Filter Is Not the Decision

It is the prompt. Survivors get interviews. Interviews decide.

Lesson 5: Re-Filter Once, Not Repeatedly

Once at the start of a build cycle. Not weekly. Re-filtering becomes avoidance.