Creating something entirely new is exciting, but let’s be real: it’s not easy. Whether it’s an app, a physical product, or something else entirely, there are three significant challenges that first-time founders face during the MVP stage:
The Challenges
1. Your Vision Is Clear—To You
The idea lives in your head, but your team or developer (if you’re working with one) isn’t a mind reader. Explaining your vision in a way that translates into action is tough, and it takes time.
2. The Unknowns Are, Well…Unknown
You’re building something new, which means there’s no perfect roadmap. Until real users interact with your product, you won’t know which features they truly need or how they’ll use it.
3. Execution Isn’t Guaranteed
Whether it’s a developer, a manufacturer, or another partner, you’re relying on someone else to bring your idea to life. Their expertise and reliability are critical, but there’s always a chance they’ll miss the mark—or fail entirely.
These are not small hurdles. But acknowledging them upfront can save you from a lot of frustration (and money!).
How to Move Forward Without Overspending
The good news is that you don’t have to perfect your entire vision right away. Instead, break it into manageable steps that allow you to learn, adapt, and stay within your budget.
Focus on Milestones, Not the Finish Line
Rather than trying to bring your full dream to life all at once, ask yourself:
What is the simplest version of my idea that can solve the problem I’m addressing?
For an app, it might be a basic prototype that shows core functionality. For a physical product, it could be a single design or a small production run. Whatever it is, focus on building the minimum viable product (MVP) to test with real users.
You’ll gain invaluable feedback while avoiding the cost and stress of creating something overly complex right away.
Start Small: Less Than £10K
Think of your first MVP attempt as an experiment—one that’s as much about learning as it is about delivering a final product. Set a realistic budget (no more than £10K) and stick to it.
This way, you’ll have the flexibility to pause, reflect, and decide if you want to:
- Refine your product based on user feedback
- Pivot to a new direction
- Walk away (yes, sometimes that’s the right call!)
Remember: you can always invest more later, but you can’t get back money you’ve already spent.
Prepare for Bumps in the Road
Even if you’re working with brilliant, well-meaning partners, assume things won’t go perfectly. This mindset isn’t about being pessimistic—it’s about being prepared.
- Communicate Clearly: Over-explain your vision and expectations to avoid missteps.
- Set Realistic Deadlines: Factor in extra time for revisions and delays.
- Have a Backup Plan: Know what you’ll do if your initial partner or approach doesn’t work out.
Building something new is rarely a smooth process, but being proactive will make it manageable.
Eyes Wide Open, Wallet Half Shut
No one brings a big idea to life without hitting a few bumps along the way. But if you approach the MVP stage with clear milestones, a modest budget, and a realistic attitude, you’ll be better positioned to adapt, learn, and eventually succeed.
It’s not about creating something perfect right away—it’s about starting smart and building momentum.
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