From Idea to First Launch

Validate a Business Idea

Required. You cannot build something before you know the problem is real. 5 paying customers or 20+ user interviews with documented pain signals are the proof bar — not gut feel or compliments.

3 milestones

1. 1Problem interviews done
2. 2Solution validation
3. 3Pre-sales confirmed

Build a Waitlist (100 Signups)

Elective — audience track. 100 sign-ups proves you can reach the right people before the product exists. This is the first distribution test, not a vanity metric.

3 milestones

1. 1Define the waitlist value proposition
2. 2Launch the landing page and collect first 50 signups
3. 3Reach 100 signups and interview 10 waitlist members

Build a Waitlist (1,000 Signups)

Elective — audience track. 1,000 sign-ups requires an intentional growth loop, not just one tweet. Most founders who hit this number have already identified a distribution channel that works.

3 milestones

1. 1Identify and activate three distinct acquisition channels
2. 2Build a referral mechanism into the waitlist
3. 3Reach 1,000 signups and segment for launch

Get First 10 Active Users

Elective — early-feedback track. 10 non-friends using a beta build gives you the qualitative signal you need before a public launch. The conversation transcripts are the proof artifact.

3 milestones

1. 1Identify and personally contact 50 target users
2. 2Onboard 10 users to the actual product
3. 3Retain 7 of 10 through second active session

Launch Your First Product Publicly

Required. A public launch means strangers can find and use your product. Organic signups from outside your personal network in the first 7 days are the proof bar.

5 milestones

1. 1Define what 'launched' means before building
2. 2Build the minimum that does the one thing
3. 3Get strangers to use it without your help
4. 4Measure whether it is working
5. 5Document the launch and publish it publicly

Launch on Product Hunt

Elective. A Product Hunt launch requires a live product and a real community. Top-20 finish or 200+ upvotes are the proof bar — not submitting and hoping.

3 milestones

1. 1Launch assets ready
2. 2Community built
3. 3Launch day complete

Get Your First Press Coverage

Elective. A feature in a publication your target customers actually read proves your story is externally compelling. A cold-pitched article (no paid placement, no PR firm) is the standard.

3 milestones

1. 1Press list built
2. 2Pitch sent to 20+ journalists
3. 3Feature published