ValidationEmerging Pattern

Use pre-mortem black hat technique to surface hidden assumptions before investing months in execution

2 founders have proven this pattern works. Examples include Jaleh Rezaei (Mutiny), Rick Song (Persona).

At program kickoff, ask: Assume it is one year from now and we have failed. What went wrong? This uncovers 5-10 major assumptions.

At the start of any new marketing program expected to generate significant ongoing revenue

Jumping straight into execution with an optimistic mindset without articulating what must be true

2 Founders Who Did This

Mutinyby Jaleh Rezaei

Used 90-minute black hat sessions at program kickoff for partner program to surface assumptions about market size and pricing.

Result:Team identified potential potholes before wasting months in execution

Personaby Rick Song

Applied pre-mortem black hat technique to every major decision, systematically asking 'why would this NOT work?' before investing time in execution

Result:Built Persona to 10x revenue growth and $50M Series B by making better-informed decisions at each step