Question 1

Can I save my evaluation and come back to it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Evaluations auto-save after every module. Close the browser and resume exactly where you left off from your dashboard.

Question 2

What is the Discovery Pool?

Accepted Answer

The Discovery Pool is where studios and investors browse founders who have completed an evaluation. Founders who complete a paid evaluation are listed automatically. The first 90 days are free; after that a KES 1,200/month or KES 10,000/year subscription keeps your profile visible and unlocks additional tools.

Question 3

What is the MVE track?

Accepted Answer

The Minimum Viable Evaluation is a five-module quick check for founders. It covers venture definition, problem validation, customer validation, business model, and founder capability in roughly 35 minutes, and produces a scored report with a prioritised action plan.

Question 4

What is the difference between the four tracks?

Accepted Answer

MVE (5 modules) is a rapid founder self-check. Screening (13 modules) is used by studios and accelerators to pre-select from a cohort. Readiness (50 modules) is a full self-directed pre-fundraising diagnostic. Investor Due Diligence (29 modules) is institutional-grade and requires minimum Level 3 evidence throughout.

Question 5

What does "Conditional Go" mean?

Accepted Answer

Your venture shows genuine potential but has specific evidence gaps that should be closed before approaching investors or applying to programmes. The report names exactly which evidence you need to gather.

Question 6

Why did my market size score come out lower than I expected?

Accepted Answer

Module 1.3 scores your market as a chain of four dependent domains: problem reach, paying capacity, distribution reach, and conversion reality. Your score is the weakest link multiplied by 20 — not an average. A large addressable market with no viable route to reach it scores low, by design.

Question 7

What is SVIE OS?

Accepted Answer

SVIE OS (Strategic Venture Intelligence & Evaluation Operating System) is the evaluation framework that powers Castalia. It defines 19 Global Evaluation Standards, 50 evaluation modules across nine phases, and four evaluation tracks used to assess ventures at different stages and for different audiences.

Question 8

How is the score calculated?

Accepted Answer

Castalia uses GES-18 evidence-weighted scoring. Evidence at Level 4-5 carries full weight, Level 3 carries 0.75, Level 1-2 carries 0.5. A Fatal Flaw condition overrides the aggregate and produces a No-Go regardless of other scores.

Question 9

What does Evidence Level mean?

Accepted Answer

Evidence Levels 1-5 measure the quality and independence of the evidence behind each claim. Level 1 is an assumption with no supporting data. Level 5 is independently verified or drawn from your own transactional data. The evaluation scores the evidence you actually have — not what you plan to gather.

Question 10

How do I get support?

Accepted Answer

Search the FAQs first, then ask the in-app assistant. If neither resolves your question, submit a support ticket and our team will respond within 24-72 hours. You can also email support@castalia.co.ke directly.

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