What is Proof of Concept (POC)?

Proof of Concept (POC) is an early-stage test to check if your product idea is technically feasible and has real market demand.

For SaaS startups, POC is essential because launching a full product without validation is risky and expensive. With a well-designed POC, you can quickly test your product’s core assumptions, with minimal cost.

POC can be used by:

1. Startups as a sales strategy

2. Corporates as an open innovation strategy

   
   

Why is POC important?

1. Minimize Risk

Validate your idea before committing to a full product build — saving time, money, and effort.

2. Collect Internal Feedback

POC helps product owners identify technical and logistical issues that have to be resolved before launching, minimizing unnecessary risks by soliciting internal feedback.

3. Build Credibility for Fundraising

Investors are more likely to trust startups that already have validated demand through POC. It can be used to build credibility and presence in a market.

7 Proven Proof of Concept Methods for SaaS Startups

In Q4 of 2024, REALIZER set out to Singapore and San Francisco with an ideation— We wanted to build a product for client-facing individuals who have trouble collating and tracking client interactions. Amidst the fierce competition, we set sail to prove if our hypothesis is working; if people are actually interested in our product.

1. Concept Video

REALIZER created a short demo video and played it at major tradeshows. Visitors understood the core value within 60 seconds and provided feedback.

2. Pre-Launch Demand Generation

There are multiple ways to build demand. However, the main idea is to stir up interest before the product even has been launched. This can include blogs, social media posts, LinkedIn polls, etc., anything that allows you to stir excitement

1. REALIZER published LinkedIn posts and blog content discussing contact management pain points.
2. This helped identify early adopters and gauge organic interest.

An example would include: “REALIZER: Problems with contact management that we don’t talk about”

3. Customer Interviews

One of the most effective ways, tested and proven, is to conduct interviews with your ideal customer profile and understand what their pain points are.

1. REALIZER conducted structured interviews with Ideal Customer Profiles (ICP) at trade shows.

2. Honest, unscripted feedback shaped the feature set.
   
   

4. Crowdfunding

There is no better way to test the waters and viability of your product than having paying customers. Websites such as Kickstarter provide resources for crowdfunding. Not only can you prove that your product garners interest, you get to raise some capital for your project.
While the campaign didn’t launch yet, the pre-launch waitlist itself validated demand.

5. Dedicated Landing Page

Building a landing page is paramount, especially during the early stages of building your product. An interesting and clear landing builds trust and credibility among potential clients.

1. REALIZER built a standalone landing page, avoiding Notion pages that can feel amateurish.

2. Page analytics (clicks, sign-ups) became part of the POC data.

💡 Pro Tip: Optimize page title & description for search:
Title: Proof of Concept for B2B Sales Tool — REALIZER
Meta Description: How REALIZER validated its SaaS product through a structured Proof of Concept process.

6. Simple Prototype (Functional Demo)

A simple prototype works amazing by testing the most fundamental features of the product for validation. Let people experience the core feature — even if the product isn’t complete.

1. REALIZER’s team used the product prototype live at events, capturing leads instantly with automated follow-up emails.

2. This hands-on demo earned valuable real-time feedback.

   
   

Here is how it’s been done:

1. REALIZER's team uses its prototype during tradeshows and networking events to save contacts with the automated email function in place.

2. Judging from the initial responses, probe for more feedback.

3. With how seamlessly the prototype is being showcased, people are more receptive to show their interests or provide honest critics about it.
   
   

7. Competitive Benchmarking

Basing your POC off large and well-established companies can provide stabler grounds to ensure that a similar product has been successful.

Compare your product to existing solutions to define your unique value.

1. REALIZER reviewed over 10 of our competitors to understand the basic needs of consumers and areas of improvement.

2. This helped clearly explain how REALIZER solves pain points these tools miss.

⚙️ Essentials of a Successful Proof of Concept

1. Keep it short — Weeks, not months.

2. Minimize cost — No need for full builds.

3. Clear goals — What does success look like?

4. Capture feedback — Every conversation counts.
   
   

If you are interested in learning more about Proof Of Concept, please stay tune for part 2, or find out more through at outcoast.kr, a well curated course by Sofian Meguellati, founder of Hack40.

Want to know more about the progress of REALIZER AI and how it can help you capture all your leads effectively? Sign up for our waiting list below. 👇🏼