[[key resource|Key resources]] are the most critical assets necessary to make your business model effective and deliver your value proposition to your target customer segments. These resources can be thought of as the strategic building blocks of your company. Identifying and securing these assets is a primary concern for any startup. Without the right resources, even the most innovative business model will struggle to get off the ground or scale effectively. The nature and importance of these resources will vary significantly depending on the industry, business model, and stage of the startup.   There are broadly four critical categories of resources that startups must consider: [[physical resources|physical]], [[financial resources|financial]], [[intellectual resources|intellectual]], and [[human resources|human]]. [[Physical resources]] encompass tangible assets such as manufacturing facilities, machinery, vehicles, buildings, and distribution networks. For example, a company producing hardware will have significant physical resource needs, including production lines and warehouse space. [[financial resources|Financial resources]], on the other hand, pertain to the funding required to start, operate, and grow the business. This includes cash, lines of credit, and options for raising capital like [[loan|loans]] or [[equity]] investment.   [[Intellectual resources]] are non-physical, intangible assets such as [[patent|patents]], [[copyright|copyrights]], [[trade secret|trade secrets]], [[trademark|trademarks]], proprietary knowledge, customer lists, and brands. These are often necessary for defending a startup's competitive position. For instance, a software company's source code or a pharmaceutical company's drug patent can be their main intellectual resources. Finally, [[human resources]] refer to the people within the organization. This isn't just about the number of employees but the specific skills, knowledge, and experience they bring, such as world-class scientists, skilled programmers, or experienced sales teams. The acquisition and management of these resources must be approached strategically. For instance, the location of [[physical resources]] like a company facility or manufacturing plant needs careful thought—should it be close to suppliers, customers, or talent? This often links directly to the [[key partner|key partners]] block of the business model canvas, as some supplies and services require deep relationships rather than simple transactions. It's also important to recognize that businesses reliant on physical goods, especially in physical channels, are often capital-intensive, meaning they require significant upfront investment and careful financial planning for scaling. This is a challenge many clean tech and science-based startups face. Next: [[Acquiring and Managing Financial and Human Capital]] Back to: [[What Resources and Activities Will You Need, and How Much Will They Cost?]]