If you have a startup idea and have no clue where to start, someone has probably told you to "just build an MVP."
But what exactly is an MVP?
An MVP, or Minimum Viable Product, is the most basic version of your product that allows you to test your core idea with real users. It includes just enough features to solve a specific problem — nothing more, nothing less.
Let’s be clear: an MVP is not a prototype. It’s not a design mockup or a pitch deck. It’s not a buggy alpha either. A true MVP is something your users can actually touch, test, or pay for. It proves your concept with real behavior, not opinions.
For example:
- Dropbox started with a video showing how the product would work.
- Airbnb began with just one apartment the founders rented out.
- Uber was a simple app used by the founders and their friends in San Francisco.
Your MVP isn’t supposed to be pretty or perfect. It’s supposed to be fast, clear, and functional. It gives you data, feedback, and confidence before you spend months building the wrong thing.
At MVP42, we help founders scope the right MVP for their goals, so they can launch in 42 days or less — and move fast, with clarity.
