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I've just recently begun learning about the startup world, so I have almost no experience. Unfortunately, this result will restrict those who don't already know

by scobar 12y ago

I've just recently begun learning about the startup world, so I have almost no experience. Unfortunately, this result will restrict those who don't already know and cannot afford the time to learn how to build a prototype. Thankfully, the effort required to get a software prototype built has been dropping significantly.

AndrewKemendo 12y ago
Prototypes /= traction so that almost won't help either. I had a prototype two years ago. Nobody cared. We had an MVP a year ago, nobody cared. Now we are out there actively selling and even then investors are saying: We want to see that you will have 1MM in revenue in the next 12 months before we decide. A rule of thumb in fundraising is this: "When you don't need money you will be able to get it."
- danieltillett 12y ago
  This is so true. Plan on never getting any money out of VCs and spend your time making a great product that your users will pay money for.
- scobar 12y ago
  I agree that a prototype /= traction, but it is a necessary step to get traction. I understand that marketing/sales are necessary to expose the product to target users, but a prototype allows founders to reiterate based on feedback to build what people want. I agree with your rule of thumb too. One analogy that best described it IMO goes something like, "Investors are there to throw gas on the fire, not ignite it."
  - AndrewKemendo 12y ago
    I understand that marketing/sales are necessary to expose the product to target users, but a prototype allows founders to reiterate based on feedback to build what people want. This is certainly true as it will help validate your idea/market, and it is a step toward traction. A common mistake though is to assess positive feedback to a prototype as traction. Your quote is also apt. Here is another from me, right now: "Nothing matters except sales"
  - raminassemi 12y ago
    Yes, and you can use sales to reiterate based on feedback to built what people want to some extend too: http://blog.close.io/lean-sales-how-to-validate-your-saas-idea-with-the-power-of-hustle http://blog.close.io/lean-sales-how-to-validate-your-saas-id... :)

by scobar 12y ago

AndrewKemendo 12y ago

Prototypes /= traction so that almost won't help either. I had a prototype two years ago. Nobody cared. We had an MVP a year ago, nobody cared. Now we are out there actively selling and even then investors are saying: We want to see that you will have 1MM in revenue in the next 12 months before we decide. A rule of thumb in fundraising is this: "When you don't need money you will be able to get it."

danieltillett 12y ago
This is so true. Plan on never getting any money out of VCs and spend your time making a great product that your users will pay money for.
scobar 12y ago
I agree that a prototype /= traction, but it is a necessary step to get traction. I understand that marketing/sales are necessary to expose the product to target users, but a prototype allows founders to reiterate based on feedback to build what people want. I agree with your rule of thumb too. One analogy that best described it IMO goes something like, "Investors are there to throw gas on the fire, not ignite it."
- AndrewKemendo 12y ago
  I understand that marketing/sales are necessary to expose the product to target users, but a prototype allows founders to reiterate based on feedback to build what people want. This is certainly true as it will help validate your idea/market, and it is a step toward traction. A common mistake though is to assess positive feedback to a prototype as traction. Your quote is also apt. Here is another from me, right now: "Nothing matters except sales"
- raminassemi 12y ago
  Yes, and you can use sales to reiterate based on feedback to built what people want to some extend too: http://blog.close.io/lean-sales-how-to-validate-your-saas-idea-with-the-power-of-hustle http://blog.close.io/lean-sales-how-to-validate-your-saas-id... :)