FounderWise · Playbook one-pager

⏱️ Build & Launch Your MVP in 30 Days

Step-by-step roadmap to scope, design, build, and deploy your functional prototype without over-engineering.

Timeframe · 30 DaysTarget · Ideation to Live Product30 tasks

North star

A stranger can complete your core job-to-be-done without you on a screen share.

After day 14, zero ICP users will try the product even with manual outreach.

1. Write problem + ICP — One paragraph each. Name 5 real people.→ Doc shared with co-founder
2. List assumptions — Top 5 risks ranked by lethality.→ Kill list ordered
3. Define core job — Single workflow that delivers value end-to-end.→ Job statement + success event
4. Cut scope — Delete features that don't serve the core job.→ MVP scope ≤ 1 page
5. Wireframe happy path — 5–8 screens max. No edge cases yet.→ Clickable sketch
6. Pick stack defaults — Auth, DB, host, payments decision recorded.→ Stack decision log
7. Ship empty shell — Deploy hello-world to production URL.→ Live URL

1. Auth works — Sign up / login for real emails.→ You can log in on prod
2. Data model v1 — Tables for the core entities only.→ Schema migrated
3. Happy path UI — Complete the job in UI without polish.→ Screen recording of flow
4. Activation event — Instrument one analytics event for success.→ Event fires in PostHog
5. Feedback channel — Email or chat where users can reach you same day.→ Channel live
6. Invite 5 design partners — Manual onboarding calls booked.→ 5 calls scheduled
7. Midpoint review — Keep / cut / kill based on partner feedback.→ Updated scope

1. Fix top 3 friction points — From partner sessions only.→ 3 bugs/UX fixed
2. Empty states + errors — No blank crashes on first run.→ QA checklist pass
3. Basic email loop — Welcome + one value email.→ Emails deliver
4. Pricing placeholder — Even if free: show future paid intent.→ Price page or modal
5. Landing page — Promise + CTA to product.→ Live landing
6. Security pass — Env secrets, auth routes, no open DB.→ Checklist signed
7. Soft launch — 20 targeted users from network.→ 20 invites sent

1. Onboarding script — First-session talk track for calls.→ 1-page script
2. Public launch assets — Demo, screenshots, story.→ Asset folder ready
3. Launch in 1 community — Where ICP already is.→ Post live
4. Capture feedback — Log every objection.→ Feedback sheet
5. Fix activation leaks — Only what blocks first success.→ Activation rate up
6. Ask for payment or LOI — Even small money is signal.→ 3 asks made
7. Metrics review — Activation, retention seed, qualitative.→ 1-page report
8. Decide next 30 days — Pivot / persevere / kill feature set.→ Written decision
9. Ship v1.1 — One improvement from real usage.→ Deployed