Lean Startup is a methodology for developing businesses and products, which aims to shorten product development cycles and rapidly discover if a proposed business model is viable. This is achieved by adopting a combination of business-hypothesis-driven experimentation, iterative product releases, and validated learning. The concept was developed by Eric Ries and has become a pivotal approach for startups and entrepreneurs seeking to bring new products to market in an efficient and cost-effective way.
The Lean Startup methodology is built on several key principles:
- Entrepreneurship as Management: Lean Startup applies to companies of all sizes, and it emphasizes that startups require a new kind of management specifically geared to their unique context.
- Validated Learning: Startups exist not just to make stuff, but to learn how to build a sustainable business. This learning can be validated scientifically by running experiments that test the business model's assumptions.
- Build-Measure-Learn: The fundamental activity of a startup is to turn ideas into products, measure how customers respond, and then learn whether to pivot or persevere. All successful startup processes should be geared to accelerate this feedback loop.
- Innovation Accounting: To improve entrepreneurial outcomes and hold innovators accountable, we need to focus on the boring stuff: how to measure progress, how to set up milestones, and how to prioritize work. This requires a new kind of accounting designed for startups.
- Minimal Viable Product (MVP): The MVP is a version of a new product that allows a team to collect the maximum amount of validated learning about customers with the least effort. Instead of spending months perfecting a product, businesses can launch a simple version to test their assumptions and learn from customer feedback.
The Lean Startup approach is highly regarded for its focus on efficiency and its ability to help entrepreneurs avoid waste and make informed decisions quickly. By implementing these principles, startups can navigate uncertainty and increase their chances of success in the competitive market landscape.




