A Guide to Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) for Startups

An is a simplified version of a product that only includes its essential and functionalities.

Businesses use it to quickly bring a product to , addressing the core problem for their target users. Focusing on crucial features enables them to test concepts, gather feedback, and see if their hunches are correct without investing too much time and resources.

MVPs are valuable in the early stages of product development. They help reduce risks, accelerate learning, and guide enhancements based on real-life insights.

Startups can evolve their full-version product to better meet user needs and market demand.

An MVP is one of the most valuable assets in your startup journey. It helps you minimize risk, validate ideas, and begin your entrepreneurial voyage with confidence.

Here are some of the reasons why startups swear by the MVP.

Risk mitigation

Going all-in on a complete product can be nerve-wracking, but releasing an MVP is far less risky.

You pick the most important features, preserve your resources, and give the product a test run. It’s a way to dip your toes in and see if your idea is a winner.

Test hypotheses

Startups often have theories about who’ll use their product, how they’ll use it, and what features they’ll love. An MVP can act as a reality check.

It lets you put your concept into the market, watch how real people interact with it, and fine-tune it for the real world.

Validate product-market fit

An MVP helps you see if there’s a match between what you’ve built and what people want. You’re not just guessing and theorizing—you’re finding out if the product fits your target audience’s needs and preferences.

Adaptability

In the startup world, things change faster than you can say “unicorn.” The MVP helps you pivot and navigate this dynamic environment, enabling you to make changes based on user feedback and market dynamics.

Investor confidence

Investors lean toward startups that can show their value and understanding of the market. Having an MVP in your toolkit enables you to demonstrate that your concept performs well.

It proves you’re not just winging it but making informed, data-backed choices. This makes investors feel like they’re in safer hands and at less risk.

Gather feedback

Launching an MVP enables startups to know what users think. User feedback guides them on what to fix and what to make even better. It helps them uncover things that matter to customers so they can prioritize their needs.

“The Lean Startup” is a startup methodology emphasizing efficiency, constant improvement, and listening to your customers. The MVP brings the theory to life by helping startups put its teachings into practice.

Let’s take a closer look at how they’re linked.

Build-measure-learn loop

One of the fundamental concepts of “The Lean Startup” is the loop. The goal is to quickly build a simple version of a product (the MVP), measure its performance using metrics and feedback, and learn from this data to decide where to go next. The MVP is the starting point of this cycle.

Validated learning

Both “The Lean Startup” and the MVP prioritize validated learning. The MVP is a way for startups to test their theories—they launch a basic version, gather user data, and see if their assumptions hold up, making changes if needed.

Efficiency

“The Lean Startup” encourages startups to be efficient with their time, effort, and resources. The MVP embodies this by advocating for a “small but smart” approach—teams develop a simple product that delivers value and insights. This ensures startups don’t go overboard before they know they’re on to something big.

Pivot or persevere

One of the golden rules of “The Lean Startup” covers being ready to pivot or persevere. Using the data gathered from the MVP, startups can change course if needed or double down with some tweaks. It helps you make the right call, keeping your eyes on delivering what your customers desire.

The world of MVPs for startups can be complex and precarious.

But while challenges lie ahead, they present valuable opportunities for growth and learning.

Addressing them head-on puts you on the path to product success.

Determining features to include

Deciding the MVP's essential features can take time and effort. The top startups offer value that wows users while keeping things straightforward, nailing down those core elements that tackle the main problem or need.

Limited resources

Creating an MVP within budget, time, and people-power limits can be difficult. Setting priorities, zooming in on what matters, and finding cost-effective solutions are essential for success.

Technical challenges

Building an MVP may mean overcoming technical hurdles, especially if the product is complex or needs integration with other systems. Startups need help finding the right technical expertise or resources to bring their vision to fruition.

Competitive pressure

There’s a lot of competition in the fast-paced startup ecosystem. Startups may rush the MVP to market to stay ahead of rivals, sometimes leading to poor decisions, a compromise on product quality, and insufficient testing. Balancing speed with diligence remains vital to a positive outcome.

Ignoring user feedback

Even though MVPs are built with the user’s voice in mind, some startups may ignore or misinterpret this feedback. Failing to listen to users and make necessary changes can slow the product’s evolution and long-term prosperity. Remember—user feedback is your compass to success.

The MVP stage is a pivotal step in the startup journey, usually occurring in the early stages of development.

It typically begins when you’ve done or considered the following.

You’ve validated your problem

Is the problem your product solves real and significant? Do you have a clear grasp of how important it is? Market research, surveys, interviews, and other methods can help verify and validate if your problem is the real deal.

You have an initial idea

A well-defined initial product idea or concept is a crucial first step in crafting your MVP. Although the MVP is a simplified version, it still needs to address the core problem you’re tackling. The idea doesn't have to be fully fleshed out but should be clear enough to guide MVP development.

You have enough resources

Take stock of your resources, including funding, talent, and time. Creating an MVP still demands resources, albeit on a smaller scale than a fully realized product.

You’re committed to iteration

The MVP stage aligns with an iterative development process—it’s about getting something into the hands of users quickly and learning from their feedback. Ensure your startup is committed to this approach and prepared to adjust.

The market is ready for your product

Is it the right time to introduce your product? Are there any existing solutions or competitors in the market? Timing can be critical for market entry, as launching too early or too late can impact your startup’s success.

Your team is aligned

Ensure your team is on board with the MVP approach. Make sure everyone is aware of the why, the what, and “where they fit” in the process—from the MVP’s purpose to the end goals to their roles in the development and testing stages.

Creating an MVP can be a game-changer for a startup.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

Consider building in public

Building your MVP transparently, sharing your progress with the public, and inviting others on board can generate interest and excitement to attract early adopters. This enables you to create a community around your product and gather valuable feedback.

Open your metrics for discussion

Make your startup’s and key performance indicators (KPIs) clear and open for discussion. This transparency can help you gain insights from the community and potentially attract advisors, mentors, or investors who can offer guidance.

Conduct market research

Thorough market research helps you understand your target audience, their pain points, and the competitive landscape. It steers your MVP in the right direction and ensures you’re addressing a genuine market need.

Focus on your value proposition

Clearly define your unique value proposition—your MVP is about delivering this value to users. Avoid feature bloat by staying laser-focused on what sets your product apart.

Consider your user journey

Map out the user journey to understand how customers interact with your MVP. Identify critical touchpoints and areas where you can provide the most value and ensure a smooth and intuitive user .

Think about your MVP features

Carefully select the essential features that will make up your MVP. These features will be the ones that fit your value proposition and address the core problem or need. Prioritize simplicity and functionality over complexity.

Learn and value feedback

Once you launch your MVP, it’s time to seek feedback. Encourage your users to share their thoughts and listen to what they say, being receptive to their suggestions. Use this feedback to iterate and improve your product.

Building an MVP is an exciting and pivotal phase for startups. It’s the first step to turning your visionary idea into a tangible product, offering a glimpse of its potential.

But the journey doesn’t end with the MVP launch—it’s just the beginning.

To truly thrive as a startup, you need insights, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to quickly. That’s where tools like Amplitude come into play.

provides the power to understand , track vital metrics, and iterate your product based on real-time data. It guides you to better understand your customers' needs and how to make the most of your product for success.

Build a smarter MVP with Amplitude, and accelerate your quest to create a sustainable and user-centric startup.