Beta Test

Once the prototype has been proven in the lab, the next task ordinarily is to place it in the hands of a customer for testing—called the "beta test" (the test coming after the lab, or "alpha," test). At a beta test site(s), the machine or process will be installed free and customers will use and debug it over a period of several weeks or months. While the product is being beta tested, capital is often raised to develop and implement a sales and marketing strategy, the financing required at this stage being, as indicated above, "the first venture round."