Startup vs. competitor giants: How to stand your ground in the shark tank

To be fast enough so that nobody can keep up. A wish that many start-ups harbour. But the reality is often different: As soon as a startup enters the market with a good idea, the big players take notice. Suddenly you are competing with players who have budgets in the millions, established structures and market power.

Nevertheless, start-ups have a real chance. They are more agile, more creative and can learn more quickly. The decisive factor is, to understand the competition - and to consciously position yourself.

What is so problematic about this sentence? Every problem is already solved somehow. And even if there is no direct competition an alternative in the mind of the target group. This could be a different product, an established provider - or simply the „next best thing“ for the customer.

So the right question is not: „Who does the same as us?“but:
„How does our target group solve the problem today - and why?“

1. 1. Directly: Supplier:inside with the same product or solution.
   2. Indirectly: Companies that solve the same customer problem differently.
   3. Future: Players who are currently experimenting in your area or could enter via neighbouring markets.

This perspective helps you not only to react to current competition, but also to prepare strategically.

1. 1. Focus instead of breadth: Big companies want to be able to do everything. You only have to do one thing better - but you really have to do it better.
   2. Speed beats size: Short decision-making processes and quick tests are your superpower. Use them!
   3. Customer proximity as an advantage: You can talk directly to your users, understand their problems and customise your product in real time.
   4. Use storytelling: People don't always buy the best product, but the best story. Tell them what you stand for - and why they need you.
   5. Co-operation instead of confrontation: Sometimes it pays to win over the „giant“ as a partner instead of competing against him.

We offer practical tools for you to download. These templates go beyond the classic competition matrix. Instead of just comparing features and prices, they help you, Strategies, market movements and perception understand better.

What's inside:

• • CompetitionRadar: An interactive template with which you can see on one page where you stand - and where the others are moving.

• • Perception Map: How is your product perceived in the market (e.g. innovativeness vs. trust)?

• • Strategic Moves Tracker: A simple table to record new product announcements, price changes and partnerships of your competitors.

• • Early Warning Sheet: 5 early indicators that show when a competitor is targeting your market.

• • Reflection questions: What can we learn? Where can we be different - or braver?

We help founders not only to survive, but to succeed - with coaching, mentoring and a strong network.
Because in the end, it's not the greatest who wins, who understands the market best.