Definition
A minimum viable product is the smallest thing you can put in front of real users to test the riskiest assumption — usually whether they will use it or pay. It is not a half-built version of the dream product. If it cannot teach you something that could kill the idea, it is not an MVP.
In the room
How the word shows up in a real conversation.
Instead of a full clinic OS, the team sends WhatsApp reminders and a spreadsheet for two clinics. If clinics will not pay for reminders, the OS is a waste. That test is the MVP.
Common mistake
Shipping every roadmap item and calling v1.0 the MVP. Minimum is the point.
India note
In India, a WhatsApp flow, a CA-led concierge, or a Friday market stall can be an MVP. An app store listing is optional.
See also
Product-Market fit
Degree to which a product satisfies market demand and customer needs.
Read definition →
Pivot
Strategic change in business direction based on market feedback and learning from customer interactions.
Read definition →
Founder-market fit
Why this founder is unusually able to win this customer — insight, access, or obsession.
Read definition →
A/B testing
Compare two versions of your product to see which performs better. Essential for data-driven decisions.
Read definition →
From the store
Research more
Open the word in an AI tool with a ready prompt. We do not send your data.
Get one word every week
A 3-minute read: 1 word, 1 founder lesson, 1 tool.