The Problem Impact Matrix

Are you chasing the right problem?

• Too many startups chase problems not worth solving.

• One of my favourite problem frameworks shows which to chase.

---

---

❌ Small Infrequent

Example: Chewing gum under your shoe

Obviously it's a problem. But nobody is wearing shoe condoms to prevent it. The problem is not big enough, nor frequent enough, to be worthwhile to prevent.

✅ Small, Frequent problems

Example: Sending a text message (Problem: distance between two people)

Not being able to send 1 text message is not an issue. But all those WhatsApp messages over time together amount to something we consider very valuable.

---

---

✅ Big, Infrequent problems

Example: Buying a house → Getting a realtor

Indeed, the problem is not owning the house you want. But, most people only buy a home once every 10 years. Infrequent? Yes. Big? Yes. There is a business in this.

🚀 Big, Frequent Problems

Example: Getting to work

Hardest category to think of an example for. But, most people, multiple days a week need to get to work. Otherwise, we starve to death and don't have a home. Yikes. Therefore, people buy a car of (thousands to ten thousands of euros) to get to work. That signals important problem.

Do you have a better example for big, frequent problems?

Disclaimer:

Big-Small, Frequent-Infrequent is extremely subjective and these examples are not perfect. Let me know in the comments if you disagree!

---

Extra: Looking for an accelerator with $200k investment?

Are you a startup looking for investment? This might be for you:

• 200k investment

• 3 months in residence in California

• Aimed at founders with failure experience

Peter Evans lectures on Entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley. He’s starting a new in-residence entrepreneurship program. 3 months of support, a home, and $200k for your startup.

The catch? Peter prefers founders with failure experience. Unique, fun, and I would urge you to apply to see if it is for you.

Application deadline in 14 days. Apply now!

(link if button doesn’t work: https://www.breakthroughlabs.info)

---