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Minimum viable product (MVP)

The smallest version of your product that still lets you learn from real users. It is not an excuse for broken junk — it is a focused experiment.

Related: Product–market fit (PMF) · Seed round · TAM (total addressable market)

A bit more nuance
  • Eric Ries popularized MVP in lean startup thinking; many teams debate how “minimum” is too minimum.
  • In emerging markets, distribution or payments may be the real experiment, not just the UI.
Go deeper
Discussion questions
  • What is the one risk your MVP is designed to test?
  • What would you ship in two weeks if you had to?

Educational reference only — not legal, tax, or investment advice. Terms vary by country and deal; ask a qualified professional when it matters.