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Product Demo Strategy

This document outlines demo strategies tailored to different audiences and contexts, from YC application to investor pitches to developer onboarding.

Audience-Specific Demo Approaches

YC Application Demo (Primary Focus)

Timeline: 3-day build for W26 application deadline Goal: Demonstrate core value proposition and execution speed

Key Requirements

  • Two-surface architecture: Wallet dashboard + external demo app
  • Cross-app proof: Usage in chatbot appears in wallet activity
  • Real-time feedback: Visible balance movement and receipt generation
  • Professional presentation: Clean UI that demonstrates concept viability

Demo Flow (60 seconds)

  1. Problem (0-10s): Show fragmented AI tool usage
  2. Solution (10-35s): Login with AI Wallet → chatbot usage → balance tracking
  3. Value prop (35-50s): Cross-app wallet + unified spend control
  4. Traction (50-60s): 3-day build + design partner pipeline

Investor Demo (Extended Version)

Timeline: Full-featured demo with deeper technical insights Goal: Showcase market opportunity, technical depth, and business model

Enhanced Features

  • Multi-model support: Demonstrate OpenRouter + Vercel integration
  • Enterprise controls: Show policy enforcement and governance features
  • Analytics dashboard: Usage metrics, cost tracking, ROI calculations
  • Developer experience: SDK integration walk-through

Key Talking Points

  • Market timing: AI governance and compliance needs exploding
  • Competitive moat: Cross-provider neutrality + user-facing wallet
  • Business model: Transaction fees + enterprise SaaS
  • Scale potential: Network effects in AI ecosystem

Developer Onboarding Demo

Timeline: Interactive demo with code examples Goal: Show ease of integration and immediate developer value

Integration Walkthrough

  • SDK installation: npm package + React components
  • Basic setup: Configuration and API key management
  • UI components: Login button, budget gates, paywalls
  • Testing: Sandbox environment with demo credits

Value Proposition

  • Time savings: 2-3 months vs building auth/billing from scratch
  • User experience: Professional wallet interface improves conversion
  • Compliance: Built-in consent receipts and usage tracking
  • Distribution: Access to AI Wallet user base

Demo Architecture

Two-Surface Design Pattern

All demos follow the same architectural pattern for consistency:

Surface 1: AI Wallet Dashboard

Route: /wallet Features: - User authentication (Google OAuth) - Balance display and top-up functionality - Activity history and usage receipts - App permissions and budget controls

Surface 2: Sample AI Application

Route: /try (demo), actual partner apps (production) Features: - Login with AI Wallet button (SDK component) - Core app functionality (chatbot, image generation, etc.) - Real-time balance display - Usage tracking and cost breakdown

Technical Implementation

Single Codebase: Multiple routes in same Next.js project Authentication: Shared session management across surfaces Data Model: Centralized usage tracking and user state SDK Integration: Drop-in React components with consistent branding

Demo Success Metrics

YC Application Demo

  • Completion rate: 100% (demo always works)
  • Story clarity: Clear "one wallet, multiple apps" narrative
  • Technical polish: Professional enough UI for investors
  • Speed evidence: Demonstrates 3-day build capability

Investor Demo

  • Feature comprehension: Investors understand cross-app value
  • Market size recognition: Clear TAM/SAM/SOM understanding
  • Technical credibility: Architecture appears robust and scalable
  • Business model clarity: Revenue generation paths are evident

Developer Demo

  • Integration time: <15 minutes from install to working app
  • Documentation quality: Clear step-by-step instructions
  • Code examples: Copy-paste ready integration code
  • Support availability: Clear paths for help and feedback

Demo Content Strategy

Video Content

YC Application (60s): - Problem hook with visual examples - Quick demo with screen recording - Founder credibility and speed story - Clear call-to-action and timeline

Investor Pitch (3-5min): - Extended product walkthrough - Market opportunity and competitive analysis - Team and execution capability - Financial projections and use of funds

Developer Tutorial (10-15min): - Step-by-step integration guide - Code explanation and best practices - Troubleshooting common issues - Next steps and advanced features

Live Demo Checklist

Technical Setup: - [ ] Stable internet connection - [ ] Backup internet (mobile hotspot) - [ ] Cached demo content (offline fallback) - [ ] Clean browser environment - [ ] Test credentials pre-configured

Content Preparation: - [ ] Demo script with talking points - [ ] Backup scenarios for common failures - [ ] Q&A preparation for each audience - [ ] Follow-up materials and documentation - [ ] Contact information and next steps

Risk Mitigation

Technical Risks

Service Failures: - Backup demo video for offline presentation - Local development environment as fallback - Cached API responses for critical flows

Performance Issues: - Optimize images and assets for fast loading - Use CDN for static content - Implement progressive loading for complex features

Content Risks

Audience Misalignment: - Prepare different versions for technical vs business audiences - Focus on pain points relevant to each audience segment - Test messaging with sample users before important presentations

Competitive Confusion: - Clear differentiation from similar solutions - Focus on unique value proposition - Address potential objections proactively

Demo Iteration Plan

Phase 1: YC Application Demo (Current Priority)

Timeline: 3 days Features: Core wallet + chatbot integration Success: Working cross-app demo with video

Phase 2: Investor Demo Enhancement

Timeline: 2 weeks Features: Multi-model support, analytics dashboard Success: Comprehensive investor-ready presentation

Phase 3: Developer Launch

Timeline: 1 month Features: SDK packages, documentation, sandbox Success: Self-serve developer onboarding

Phase 4: Enterprise Demo

Timeline: 3 months Features: Enterprise controls, compliance features Success: Ready for enterprise sales conversations

Sources: - Source: yc-071125-chatgpt+.md lines 108-145, 170-189 - Related: YC Demo Strategy, MVP Specifications, Launch Plan