What It Is

The Founder Readiness Level (FRL)™ is an AI-informed and powered scenario-based assessment tool that evaluates a founder’s capacity to lead and scale a startup through six key developmental constructs. It goes beyond traditional due diligence to surface founder-specific risks and growth potential, offering VCs a structured lens on aspects like leadership, coachability, and adaptability.

Why It Matters

VCs invest in teams, yet evaluating a founder's psychological readiness is still more art than science. Traditional methods miss critical factors like emotional regulation, stress response, and developmental maturity. FRL helps de-risk investments and guide support by providing a structured and research-backed profile of a founder's leadership potential—especially under pressure.

How It Works

Founders complete a scenario-based, adaptive assessment online (approx 60 min)

• AI evaluates responses using NLP and sentiment analysis, scoring each of six constructs:

1. Vertical Development

2. Executive Resilience & Stress Adaptation

3. Relational Intelligence (EQ/RQ)

4. Executive Composure & Trauma Awareness

5. Scalability Mindset & Coachability

6. Chaos Adaptability & Strategic Agility

• The system generates a developmental profile with scores, interpretation, and tailored growth recommendations

• Optional: Coaching or debrief session to support development