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10 OKR examples for Startup

What are Startup OKRs?

The OKR acronym stands for Objectives and Key Results. It's a goal-setting framework that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s, and it became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s. OKRs helps teams has a shared language to set ambitious goals and track progress towards them.

Crafting effective OKRs can be challenging, particularly for beginners. Emphasizing outcomes rather than projects should be the core of your planning.

We have a collection of OKRs examples for Startup to give you some inspiration. You can use any of the templates below as a starting point for your OKRs.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Building your own Startup OKRs with AI

How to create great OKRs for any scenario in seconds

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

  • 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
  • 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
  • 3. Use natural language to describe your goals

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

How to improve existing OKRs with AI feedback

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

  • 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
  • 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
  • 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Using the free OKR generator to get a quick template

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Our Startup OKRs examples

You will find in the next section many different Startup Objectives and Key Results. We've included strategic initiatives in our templates to give you a better idea of the different between the key results (how we measure progress), and the initiatives (what we do to achieve the results).

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1OKRs to identify high-potential startups for potential investment

  • ObjectiveIdentify high-potential startups for potential investment
  • KRAttend or participate in a minimum of 3 startup pitch events to expand network and discover new opportunities
  • TaskRegister and RSVP for the chosen startup pitch events
  • TaskEngage with fellow entrepreneurs and exchange contact information for future collaboration
  • TaskPrepare a concise pitch to present at the startup pitch events
  • TaskResearch upcoming startup pitch events in the local area
  • KRResearch and evaluate a minimum of 20 startups with innovative and scalable business models
  • TaskConduct thorough research on each startup's business model and scalability
  • TaskCreate a report summarizing the findings and key insights from the research
  • TaskCompile a list of 20 startups with innovative business models
  • TaskEvaluate the potential of each startup based on identified criteria
  • KRConduct thorough due diligence on at least 10 startups, assessing financials, market potential, and team
  • TaskInvestigate the background and expertise of the team members in 10 startups
  • TaskSummarize the findings of due diligence in concise reports for each startup assessed
  • TaskResearch and analyze the financial statements of 10 startups for detailed assessment
  • TaskEvaluate the market potential of 10 startups through market analysis and potential growth opportunities
  • KREstablish partnerships with at least 2 trusted venture capitalists or angel investors for knowledge-sharing and potential co-investment opportunities
  • TaskReach out to the selected venture capitalists or angel investors to express interest in collaboration
  • TaskResearch and identify potential venture capitalists or angel investors with established credibility
  • TaskSet up meetings or calls with the identified partners to discuss knowledge-sharing and co-investment opportunities
  • TaskEstablish formal agreements and partnerships with the selected venture capitalists or angel investors
Tability

2OKRs to launch a viable startup in the tech industry

  • ObjectiveLaunch a viable startup in the tech industry
  • KRHire a core team of five professionals in tech, marketing, and operations
  • TaskIdentify required skills and experience for each job role
  • TaskSchedule and conduct potential candidate interviews
  • TaskPost job vacancies on suitable recruitment platforms
  • KRFinalize business plan with a detailed financial projection
  • TaskReview and refine existing business model assumptions
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive profit and loss projections
  • TaskIncorporate relevant market research into the plan
  • KRSecure investment from at least three different sources for initial capital
  • TaskResearch and identify potential investors
  • TaskConduct pitching sessions to these investors
  • TaskCreate a compelling business plan

3OKRs to enhance synergy between startup house and startup ecosystem

  • ObjectiveEnhance synergy between startup house and startup ecosystem
  • KRExpand network with 15 new startup ecosystem partners by end of next quarter
  • TaskReach out with partnership proposals to potential partners
  • TaskIdentify potential startup ecosystem partners for collaboration
  • TaskFollow up regularly and establish formal partnerships
  • KRDevelop and organize 4 collaborative innovation workshops for startup house members
  • TaskCoordinate logistics, including location, materials, and guest speakers
  • TaskDetermine workshop topics and objectives tailored to startup house members
  • TaskCreate and distribute workshop schedules, invitations and promotional materials
  • KRFacilitate 3 successful partnerships between startup house members and ecosystem players
  • TaskIdentify potential partners within startup house members and ecosystem players
  • TaskOrganize introductory meetings between identified parties
  • TaskSupport negotiations to formalize partnership agreements

4OKRs to launch a high growth and profitable tech startup

  • ObjectiveLaunch a high growth and profitable tech startup
  • KRDevelop a minimum viable product, tested and approved by a focus group of 25 participants
  • TaskCreate and test the product with focus group
  • TaskImplement changes based on feedback
  • TaskIdentify key features for the minimum viable product
  • KRSecure funding worth at least $1M from reliable investors
  • TaskSchedule and conduct persuasive pitch meetings with investors
  • TaskDevelop a compelling business proposal showcasing ROI
  • TaskResearch and create a list of potential reliable investors
  • KRAssemble a cohesive team of 5 skilled professionals for key operations
  • TaskIdentify required skills for key operations team roles
  • TaskSource potential candidates through networking or recruiting
  • TaskConduct interviews and select final team members

5OKRs to successfully launch the tech startup

  • ObjectiveSuccessfully launch the tech startup
  • KRSecure funding from at least three investors by increasing company visibility
  • TaskEnhance online presence through social media and optimized website
  • TaskParticipate in industry networking events
  • TaskDevelop a compelling investor presentation
  • KRDevelop, test and launch the MVP (minimum viable product) targeting user validation
  • TaskDesign and develop the minimum viable product
  • TaskCarry out rigorous testing and fixing of the MVP
  • TaskLaunch MVP and collect user validation data
  • KRHire and onboard five skilled developers to establish the product team
  • TaskCreate a detailed job description for developer positions
  • TaskPromote vacancies on targeted recruitment platforms
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive onboarding program

6OKRs to increase online community subscriptions for startups

  • ObjectiveIncrease online community subscriptions for startups
  • KRAchieve a 20% increase in the overall number of startups subscribed
  • TaskOffer incentives or discounts to existing customers for referring new startups to subscribe
  • TaskImprove and optimize the onboarding process to increase conversion rates for new subscriptions
  • TaskDevelop and implement targeted marketing campaigns to attract new startup subscribers
  • TaskConduct market research to identify potential target audience for startup subscriptions
  • KRIncrease user engagement by 15% to encourage startups to stay subscribed
  • TaskImprove onboarding experience with a guided tutorial showcasing key features
  • TaskProvide regular surveys or feedback forms to gather insights on user needs and preferences
  • TaskSend personalized emails with helpful tips and success stories to inspire startups
  • TaskCreate an online community for startups to share experiences and network with peers
  • KRGenerate 50% more leads through targeted marketing campaigns
  • TaskImplement lead nurturing campaigns using email marketing automation to engage and convert leads
  • TaskOptimize landing pages with clear call-to-actions and forms to capture leads effectively
  • TaskIdentify target audience demographics and develop personalized marketing messages for each segment
  • TaskAnalyze campaign performance data regularly to identify areas of improvement and adjust strategies
  • KRImprove website conversion rate by 10% to attract more startups
  • TaskUtilize remarketing strategies to re-engage with potential startup customers and drive conversions
  • TaskImplement A/B testing for different call-to-action buttons and optimize based on performance
  • TaskOptimize landing page design and content to increase user engagement and conversion
  • TaskEnhance website loading speed to reduce bounce rate and improve user experience

7OKRs to successfully launch startup

  • ObjectiveSuccessfully launch startup
  • KRSecure initial funding of at least $50K
  • TaskSet up pitches with interested investors
  • TaskDevelop a detailed business plan highlighting investment value
  • TaskIdentify potential investors in the chosen industry
  • KRAchieve steady user growth rate of 20% month on month
  • TaskIdentify and target a specific user demographic via social media campaigns
  • TaskImplement a customer referral program with incentives
  • TaskOptimize SEO strategies for increased organic user traffic
  • KROnboard first 100 users
  • TaskProvide personalized support for early users
  • TaskLaunch marketing campaign to attract initial users
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive, user-friendly onboarding guide

8OKRs to scale the startup to achieve unicorn status

  • ObjectiveScale the startup to achieve unicorn status
  • KRExpand customer base by acquiring 100 new clients
  • TaskIdentify target market segments and prioritize based on potential revenue and fit
  • TaskDevelop targeted marketing campaigns to attract potential clients from identified segments
  • TaskEstablish strategic partnerships with complementary businesses to leverage their customer base
  • TaskImplement referral program to encourage existing clients to refer friends and colleagues
  • KRsecure $10 million in funding from investors
  • TaskIdentify and approach potential investors with a tailored and persuasive investment proposal
  • TaskDevelop and demonstrate a solid growth strategy and execution plan to convince investors
  • TaskCreate a compelling pitch deck highlighting the market potential, competitive advantage, and financial projections
  • TaskConduct thorough due diligence to ensure investors' trust by providing accurate financial information and projections
  • KRIncrease monthly revenue by 30%
  • KRAchieve a user retention rate of 80%
  • TaskImplement personalized notifications and incentives to encourage users to stay active
  • TaskImprove user onboarding process to enhance engagement and reduce churn
  • TaskContinuously analyze user behavior data to optimize the app experience and prevent attrition
  • TaskConduct regular user surveys to identify pain points and address them promptly
Tability

9OKRs to improve customer satisfaction

  • ObjectiveAchieve next level customer love ❤️
  • KRGet 15 new 5-star ratings on G2 Crowd
  • TaskReach out to users high NPS feedback asking for review
  • KRReduce the number of weekly support tickets by 50%
  • TaskCreate a self serve documentation portal
  • KRImprove the NPS score from 12 to 20
  • TaskCreate a list of 15 highly requested features to implement

10OKRs to secure Seed funding

  • ObjectiveBe on track for Seed funding
  • KRReach $200k ARR
  • KRShow a 3x year-on-year revenue growth

Startup OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Startup OKRs

OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

  • It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
  • It will highlight poorly set OKRs
  • It will surface execution risks
  • It improves transparency and accountability

We recommend using a spreadsheet for your first OKRs cycle. You'll need to get familiar with the scoring and tracking first. Then, you can scale your OKRs process by using a proper OKR-tracking tool for it.

A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Startup OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.