MVP Development for Startups: How Long, How Much, and What to Include

In short: an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the smallest version of your product that lets real users solve a real problem and lets you learn from it. It typically takes 6–12 weeks and costs roughly €4,000–10,000 (smaller) or €10,000–30,000 (more complex).

An MVP isn't a "cheap version", it's deliberate narrowing: you build only what's needed to prove your most important hypothesis.

What goes into the MVP?

Ask yourself: what is the one process the user wants to complete on day one? Build that, end to end, well.

• In: the core user journey, sign-in, basic data handling, the most important output (an order, a report).
• Out (later): advanced settings, deep roles, many integrations, detailed reports, polished design.

In a good MVP, the "later" list is longer than the first version's feature list.

How long does it take?

• Simple MVP (4–8 weeks): one core process, basic UI.
• Medium MVP (8–12 weeks): several user roles, integrations, payments.
• Complex MVP (3+ months): complex business logic, AI features, many integrations.

We work in two-week cycles and you get a working version to try at the end of each.

What does it cost?

Indicatively: a smaller MVP €4,000–10,000, a medium one €10,000–30,000. The exact price depends on features, integrations and design needs. I explain the cost factors in detail here.

The most common mistakes

• Too many features. Every extra adds weeks to launch.
• No validated problem. Before building, talk to potential users.
• Wrong technology. Choose proven, fast-to-develop tools, not the newest.
• No measurement. The point of an MVP is learning: decide up front what you measure (sign-ups, activation, retention).
• The throwaway-code illusion. Start with a clean architecture so you don't have to rewrite if you succeed.

How does an MVP become a product?

Prioritize the next features based on first user feedback. Measure what is used and what isn't. If the MVP proved the hypothesis, scale. I cover the whole path in the SaaS development article.

Why does who builds it matter?

For a startup, fast decisions are vital. With a dedicated engineer the communication chain is short and the architecture stays in one hand. I wrote about it here.

If you're thinking about an MVP, tell me your idea and I'll help define what goes into the first version. You can read about my services here.