🧠 How to convince investors the problem is real

🧠 How to convince investors the problem is realA common founder line:
The problem is obvious — we’ve lived it ourselves.

Okay. But as an investor, I might not even know this problem exists. Saying “parents hate carrying car seats” sounds like "trust me, bro". I need proof this is a pain worth paying for.

Here are the strongest ways to validate a problem early:1️⃣ Money
Show a screenshot:
In one week, we got X payments from Y customers.
Even if it’s small transfers to a personal card — when someone opens their wallet, they’re voting with actions, not words.

2️⃣LOIs (Letters of Intent)
A document from a real company saying:
We’re ready to buy, if the product meets these terms.
Not a contract, but serious signal. Shows you’ve talked to actual buyers, not just “the market.”
3️⃣ Paid pilots / test sales
Built a prototype — and someone paid for it? Perfect.
Even 10% of final price counts.
Especially valuable in DeepTech or hardware: early preorders, even scrappy ones, are a green flag.

What doesn’t count as real validation:
– “Friends said the idea is cool”
– “European fleets are interested, but haven’t paid”
– “People gave great feedback at our demo”
– “Survey says 87% would buy it”

Nice signals — but not validation.
Validation is when people pay you to solve a real problem.

The best way to prove a problem exists?
Try selling the solution.

If they buy — great, you hit a nerve.
If they dodge — that’s useful too. Better to find out before the pitch.

What validation worked best for you?
What convinced your investors?
Share in the comments.