In 30 seconds
- Build, measure, learn: the core loop.
- Validated learning beats building on assumptions.
- Pivot or persevere based on evidence.
Origins
Eric Ries popularized the lean startup in his 2011 book The Lean Startup, drawing on lean manufacturing and Steve Blank's customer development ideas.
Core principles
- Build-measure-learn: turn ideas into products, measure response, learn, repeat.
- MVP: the smallest thing that starts the loop.
- Validated learning: progress is what you've proven, not what you've built.
- Pivot or persevere: change strategy when evidence says so.
- Innovation accounting: track learning metrics, not vanity metrics.
Lean startup and agile
Agile delivers working software efficiently; lean startup checks it's the right software. Together they shorten the path from idea to proven value.
Myth vs reality
Myth · Lean startup is only for startups.
Reality · Large companies use it for new products too.
Myth · Lean means cheap.
Reality · It means avoiding waste, especially building the wrong thing.
Myth · Pivoting means failing.
Reality · A pivot is a course correction based on learning.
FAQ
What is a vanity metric?
A number that looks good but doesn't guide decisions, like total sign-ups.
How often should we decide to pivot?
At regular checkpoints, such as every few weeks of experiments.
Is an MVP required?
It's the usual way to start the loop.