YC
Michael Seibel - How to Plan an MVP
@ Y Combinator
08/01/19
Takeaways
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
When thinking about a minimum viable product (MVP), focus on creating something ridiculously simple to deliver value to your first users.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
It's helpful to talk to users before building your MVP, but you don't need extensive research or years of industry experience; even brief conversations can provide valuable insights.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
To get your first users, talk directly to the people who have the problem you're trying to solve; if you're your own user, it makes it even easier.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
The goal of a pre-launch startup is to launch quickly; the best advice is to launch something, even if it's not perfect, as soon as possible.
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Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
After launching your MVP, it's crucial to get feedback from users to understand how well your product meets their needs, even if the initial version is not fully developed.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Founders often mistakenly believe that they need to build a complete product before seeking feedback; however, feedback on an initial version is essential for improvement.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Hold the problem you're solving and the customer tightly, but keep the solution you're building flexible, as it may need to change based on user feedback.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Iterate on your solution continuously until it effectively solves a problem; avoid falling in love with your initial product and be open to making necessary changes.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Build a very lean MVP that can be developed quickly, ideally in weeks rather than months, focusing on the most critical features for your initial users.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Start with a simple MVP that serves as a base for iteration; it doesn't need to be special, just functional enough to begin the process of learning and improving.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Airbnb's first product lacked payments and a map view, demonstrating that successful startups often begin with very basic versions of their products.
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Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Twitch started as Justin.tv, an online reality TV show, showing that initial concepts can evolve significantly over time.
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Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
To build a successful startup, focus on getting customers quickly rather than obsessing over a perfect launch.
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Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Launch is about acquiring your first customers, not just generating press or buzz.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
You can learn more from customers when they have a product to interact with, rather than just talking to them.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Time box your MVP specifications to simplify the development process and focus on what can be built in a limited timeframe.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Write down your MVP specifications to maintain clarity and prevent scope creep during development.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Cut non-essential features from your MVP to meet deadlines and ensure something is launched into the market.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/01/19
@ Y Combinator
Don't fall in love with your MVP; it's just the first step in a longer journey of product development.