About MVP for Startups
MVP for Startups helps founders choose a Minimum Viable Product path before they commit time, money or technical work to the wrong build.
Choose the test before the build
The site is focused on one decision point: what should a founder test first, and what signal should decide the next move?
What this site does
MVP for Startups turns a broad startup idea into a smaller validation decision. Instead of asking founders to build a full product, it helps them compare MVP types, budget ranges, timelines and the signal each test should produce.
The goal is practical: choose the test before you build. That means knowing whether a Fake Door test, Concierge MVP, Wizard of Oz MVP, landing page validation or Single Feature MVP fits the risk in front of you.
Why it exists
Most founders do not fail because they lack feature ideas. They fail because they spend too long building before they know what customers actually want, how urgent the problem is and which signal justifies more work.
MVP for Startups is built around that decision point. It gives founders a way to slow down the build reflex, compare options and make a smaller move with a clearer learning target.
How it fits the F/MS ecosystem
MVP for Startups works alongside F/MS Startup Game. The game gives founders a safer place to practice decisions with PlayPal before spending real money. The directory helps when they are ready to choose a real-world validation path.
The broader Fe/male Switch ecosystem is focused on practical startup learning, especially for women founders, first-time founders and bootstrapped teams who need useful decisions instead of vague inspiration.
Who it helps
The directory is useful when the next move needs to be smaller, clearer and tied to a specific signal.
First-time founders
Use the directory when your idea feels promising but the next test is unclear.
Small teams
Use it when cash, time and technical help are limited, so the first validation move has to be tight.
Startup mentors
Use it when you need shared language for explaining MVP tradeoffs to early founders.
What we believe
Good validation is not about looking impressive. It is about learning something specific before the expensive work begins.
A smaller test is better than a bigger assumption.
The right MVP depends on the riskiest unknown, not on the trendiest tool.
Manual validation is not failure; it is often the fastest way to learn.
A failed test is still a useful result when it changes the next move.
Start with the next test
Use the directory if you already have an idea, or use the checklist if the customer, assumption and signal still need work.