--- title: The power of the PoC description: A proof of concept (PoC) is a crucial part of the software development process. Philip Huthwaite reveals why 5app embraces the PoC for better solutions. image: https://5app.com/hubfs/CEO%20SERIES%20TEMPLATE%20-%20Text%20and%20image%20(arch).jpg --- [![5app logo in black and white with transparent background](https://5app.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/2023%20Site/images/5app-logo.svg)](https://5app.com) - Try Helix Use Cases - [Training Quality Assurance](https://info.5app.com/free-coaching-skills-assessment) - [Leadership Development](https://info.5app.com/free-leadership-skills-assessment) - [Sales Enablement](https://info.5app.com/free-sales-skills-assessment) - Products Meet 5app - [**Helix**](https://5app.com/helix) - [VeeCoach](https://5app.com/vee-coach) - [The Hub](https://5app.com/platform) - [VeeCreate](https://5app.com/vee-create) - Partners Learn more - [**Become a Partner**](https://5app.com/partner-with-us) - Resources Who we are - [**Blog**](https://5app.com/resources) - [Case Studies](https://5app.com/resources?post_type=case-study) - [Newsletter](https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7076925264022122496) - [Guides](https://5app.com/guides) - [Webinars](https://5app.com/webinars) - [Podcast](https://5app.com/podcast) - [Pricing](https://5app.com/pricing) - [Try for free](https://5app.com/helix) CEO update # The power of the PoC ![CEO update: The power of the POC](https://5app.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CEO%20SERIES%20TEMPLATE%20-%20Text%20and%20image%20(arch).jpg?width=1920&name=CEO%20SERIES%20TEMPLATE%20-%20Text%20and%20image%20(arch).jpg "CEO update: The power of the POC") The power of the PoC 3:10 13 Feb 2025 | Philip Huthwaite We’ve moved fast. [AI agents are live](https://5app.com/resources/the-journey-to-vee-your-new-ai-coach-is-ready-for-you), [AI-driven content authoring is coming soon](https://5app.com/resources/click-create-learn-ai-content-authoring-coming-soon) and we’re not stopping there. Often I think of being CEO as a snow plough. You set the course, stop at nothing to deliver, smooth out the roadblocks and then ensure you [have a fantastic team](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vsngJZEabzvTo7prUuuFg?si=67e91042be984c48) to execute each initiative, as you continue to stride forward.  In order to deliver these AI initiatives, completing proof of concept (PoC) work has been critical to us at 5app.  ![“A PoC is a demonstration, typically in the form of a prototype or pilot project, designed to verify that an idea, technology or solution is feasible and has the potential to be developed further.”](https://5app.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5Forward%20Final.jpg?width=651&height=217&name=5Forward%20Final.jpg) ## Why use a PoC? We used a PoC to refine Vee, our AI agent, allowing us to iterate quickly and validate real-world effectiveness before scaling. The same approach guided the development of AI content authoring, helping us fine-tune functionality, understand user needs and avoid costly missteps. We see PoCs as an essential part of our development arsenal, especially for major initiatives. But PoCs aren’t just about testing feasibility. They challenge assumptions and force decisions based on evidence rather than hype. Will this drive return on investment? Does it justify the resources? Will it improve performance, learning and engagement? Don’t just take my word for it: - Approximately [31% of software projects](https://itrexgroup.com/blog/what-is-proof-of-concept-poc-in-software-development/ ) are cancelled before completion, and nearly 53% exceed their initial budget estimates. Implementing a PoC can help identify potential issues early, reducing the likelihood of project failure and budget overruns. - Around [42% of startups fail](https://brainhub.eu/library/proof-of-concept-in-software-development) because they misread market demand. Conducting a PoC allows companies to validate their concepts against market needs, thereby reducing the risk of developing products that do not meet customer expectations. - A survey revealed that [58% of IT executives](https://sapphireventures.com/blog/over-50-of-proof-of-concepts-fail-heres-how-to-fix-yours/) consistently use PoCs as a key evaluation tool when assessing new technologies or startups. This widespread adoption highlights the value placed on PoCs in decision-making processes within the tech industry. - Companies that use PoCs are [30-50% more likely to succeed](https://www.galviadigital.com/how-proof-of-concept-reduces-risks-and-drives-innovation/) in digital transformation projects compared to those that do not. This increased success rate is attributed to the ability of PoCs to test ideas quickly and cost effectively, preventing large-scale failures. ## Making PoCs count The value of the PoC is clear to us. By iterating early and often, we’ve minimised risk, uncovered new opportunities and ensured that what we build actually delivers. But PoCs also have limitations. A controlled test environment doesn’t always reflect the complexity of large-scale deployment. Success in a pilot doesn’t guarantee real-world impact. That’s why we treat them as checkpoints, not conclusions. One thing I have a bee in my bonnet about currently is... with all this investment into AI within the learning sector, how do we know we’re not just innovating for the sake of it? Are we [delivering a measurable improvement](https://5app.com/resources/launching-ai-for-learning-5apps-approach-to-measuring-success) to learners and educators? With the snow plough on full steam ahead, I see another PoC on the horizon, to see if we cannot tackle this major blind spot once and for all. Watch this space to find out what that could look like...   #### Hear more about our Vee PoC 👂 Wondering how the PoC for our AI tutor agent went? Check out Philip's 5cast episode with Sales Manager Corey to find out how we executed a successful proof of concept. [LISTEN TO THE EPISODE](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3HnKKJ8aeTICLNYkMrBExg?si=7e2zwnh7T4qHYg5ICofx3w) [CEO update](https://5app.com/resources/tag/ceo-update) ## Similar posts Onboarding ###### [How to impress your CEO when starting a new job](https://5app.com/resources/impress-your-ceo-when-starting-a-new-job) Starting a new job? We spoke to 5app CEO Philip Huthwaite to find out how you can impress your CEO (or manager) from day one with these top tips. Mar 24, 2025 News ###### [Philip Huthwaite in conversation with Learning News](https://5app.com/resources/philip-huthwaite-in-conversation-with-learning-news) Find out what 5app's new CEO Philip Huthwaite had to say when he caught up with Learning News' Rob Clarke, including L&D challenges, AI plans and... Sep 24, 2024 AI ###### [Empowering the future of learning and comms with AI-driven solutions](https://5app.com/resources/empowering-the-future-of-learning-and-comms-with-ai-driven-solutions) Find out why 5app CEO Philip Huthwaite believes that AI-driven solutions are key to the future of learning and comms, and what we're doing about it. 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