Score your competitive moat across six dimensions. Most companies overestimate their defensibility — find out where yours actually stands.
Describe what you do, what makes you different, and why customers choose you over alternatives. Be honest — this analysis is only as good as your input.
A competitive moat is a durable structural advantage that makes it difficult for competitors to replicate your position or for customers to switch away. The term was popularised by Warren Buffett. In B2B markets, moats typically come from switching costs, proprietary data, network effects, brand trust, or cost advantages.
The five main moat types in B2B software and services are: (1) switching costs — the time and expense of replacing your product; (2) network effects — value increasing as more users join; (3) proprietary data — unique data assets competitors can't replicate; (4) brand — trusted reputation that commands a premium; and (5) cost position — the ability to deliver at a lower cost than competitors.
A Thin moat means your competitive advantage is real but easily replicable. Competitors can match your features, pricing, or positioning without significant barrier. Thin moat companies typically win through superior execution in the short term but are vulnerable to well-funded competitors who can out-execute over time.
Moats are built by deepening switching costs (integrations, proprietary workflows, data lock-in), generating network effects where possible, accumulating proprietary data from product usage, and building brand through consistent delivery of distinctive results. The Competitive Moat Rater identifies which dimensions have the most room for improvement.