# idea-validation

This skill runs a critical validation check on startup concepts before you code: it scans competitors, evaluates market signals, and issues a go or pass verdict.

- skill · `type=skill` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, OpenCode · ★ 109
- Author: c0x12c
- License: not stated · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/c0x12c/ai-toolkit/tree/HEAD/toolkit/skills/idea-validation/SKILL.md
- Updated: 2026-06-18
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/idea-validation

## What it does

The agent evaluates a startup step by step. First, it isolates the customer problem and searches online forums for real complaints. It scans 5 to 10 competitors, inspecting their pricing tiers and 1-star reviews. Market size is estimated with an explicit calculation rather than arbitrary claims.

The dialogue ends with a clear call: `GO`, `TEST MORE`, or `PASS`. The agent identifies the single largest risk and recommends the most affordable experiment to run next. Outputs are stored inside the `03-validation/` folder. The skill can also consult frameworks like Lean Canvas or The Mom Test.

Without `WebSearch` and `WebFetch`, this evaluation falls flat. Real feedback from forum posts and current rival pricing are necessary to keep the review objective.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add c0x12c/ai-toolkit --skill idea-validation -a claude-code
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `~/.claude/skills/idea-validation/SKILL.md` — Copy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/idea-validation/

### Codex

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add c0x12c/ai-toolkit --skill idea-validation -a codex
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.agents/skills/idea-validation/SKILL.md` — For all projects use ~/.agents/skills/

### Cursor

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add c0x12c/ai-toolkit --skill idea-validation -a cursor
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/skills/idea-validation/SKILL.md` — Cursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/

### GitHub Copilot

1. **GitHub CLI**
```bash
gh skill install c0x12c/ai-toolkit idea-validation
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.github/skills/idea-validation/SKILL.md`

### Gemini CLI

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add c0x12c/ai-toolkit --skill idea-validation -a gemini-cli
```

2. **Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini skills install https://github.com/c0x12c/ai-toolkit --path toolkit/skills/idea-validation
```

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.devin/skills/idea-validation/SKILL.md` — The legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works

### OpenCode

**Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add c0x12c/ai-toolkit --skill idea-validation -a opencode
```

### Claude.ai

**Claude.ai**
- Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/c0x12c/ai-toolkit/tree/HEAD/toolkit/skills/idea-validation/SKILL.md

## When to use it
- Identify direct and indirect competitors alongside their lowest customer ratings
- Calculate total addressable market with concrete math instead of guesses
- Gauge whether a minimum viable product can be built in two weeks
- Receive an unbiased verdict highlighting the primary risk before spending money

## Example prompts
- Stress test my startup concept for a freelance subscription tracker before I start coding
- Analyze competitors and market demand for a B2B reporting micro-SaaS
- Help me validate whether people actually pay for a local darkroom rental service

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## Other versions with the same name
- [idea-validation · refoundai](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/refoundai-idea-validation.md) — 533 installs

From the same set: [c0x12c/ai-toolkit](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/by/c0x12c/ai-toolkit.md) — 33 cards

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NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md