This workshop highlights why market research is critical to startup and product success. Participants will explore how understanding real customer needs reduces risk, strengthens investor confidence, and helps teams move from “technology-first” to “problem-first” thinking. The session emphasizes validating market assumptions, including TAM, SAM, and SOM, to ensure that solutions address meaningful, proven problems worth solving.
About the Presenter: Jim Cooke is a seasoned engineer and technology leader with over 20 years of experience in semiconductor design, embedded systems, and technical marketing. He held senior roles at Micron and Toshiba, contributed to industry standards such as eMMC, and frequently presented at major technology conferences. He currently volunteers at the Edmonds College makerspace and is a Mentor with SCORE Greater Seattle, helping entrepreneurs bring new products to market.
