Problem Hunt Kickoff — Koru
November 2024
In November 2024, I participated in the Problem Hunt Kickoff, a competitive problem discovery and concept development event sponsored by Koru, a cutting-edge institutional investor venture studio part of OTPP. This event provided a dynamic opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore innovative solutions within complex industry problems.
The Problem Hunt focused on identifying unsolved or under-solved issues that could be tackled using innovative technologies and business models. Through Koru’s methodology, we moved from market discovery to concept development, exploring frictions, personas, competitive landscapes, and validating business potential.
Our proposed CRM solution targetted North American accounting firms facing key challenges such as lack of software integration, data security risks, high CRM costs, and inefficient task management. Our product was a modular SaaS platform that integrates essential CRM features with advanced AI-powered automation. Key differentiators include:
- AI-Powered Automation: Streamlines routine tasks, reducing workload for client support and increasing customer satisfaction.
- Increased Accountant Efficiency: Automates financial document processing, cutting client processing time by 50%.
- Flexible Accountant Rental: Offers temporary accountant services during peak workloads, allowing firms to scale without compromising quality.
- Modular System: Firms can purchase additional modules as needed, ensuring cost efficiency and avoiding unnecessary features.
With a focus on core functionality, essential document management, time tracking, invoicing, and mobile access, the platform aimed to provide accounting firms with a premium, flexible solution that boosts efficiency while addressing unique industry needs.
The experience sharpened my ability to conduct market discovery, develop actionable insights, and test hypotheses to reduce risk in early-stage ventures. It also strengthened my skills in presenting structured findings to a panel of judges and refining ideas based on real-world business viability.
