## Introduction PoC & MVP. Sounds familiar?

35% of startups fail because they build something nobody wants. Understanding PoC vs MVP up front can cut that failure rate.

If you're launching a new product, understanding the difference between a Proof of Concept (PoC) and a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) can save you time, money, and frustration. Both are crucial tools in product development, but they serve very different purposes. In this article, we’ll break down what each one means, when to use them, and how they help you reduce risk and validate your ideas effectively. ## What is PoC? Think of a PoC as a strategic and quick way to answer one simple question: "Can this idea actually work?" It focuses on proving that your core idea is technically possible. At this phase, design (UI & UX), are the least important where the focus must be only on knowing if the basic concept can work in real life. Why this matters:

To validate if your tech or idea is possible

To identify technical challenges early

to convince internal teams or investors that your concept is viable

Example of AI startup: Created bare-bones algorithms processing one data type. No login or dashboard, just to verify accuracy. When this matters:

Your biggest risk is technical uncertainty, like new AI or complex hardware.

You need buy-in from investors

metric

You can ask "did it prove/disprove the core technical hypothesis."

## What is MVP?

Building an MVP when your core technology isn’t validated can waste time and budget on features that might never work.

An MVP is the smallest version of your product that real users can use to solve a real problem. Unlike a PoC, it needs to be functional and user-friendly enough to attract and retain customers. Why this matters:

To test market demand and user interest.

To gather real customer feedback.

To start generating revenue with minimal features.

Example of [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ "Instagram new modern design") (Burbn): Started as a clunky app with photo sharing as its only working feature. And user obsession with photos dictated their pivot. When this matters:

Your tech is proven, but market demand is unknown

You need real user data to prioritize features

metric

You can ask "are users engaging, paying, or needing more?"

## PoC vs MVP?

Aspect	PoC	MVP
Purpose	Prove technical feasibility	Validate market demand
Audience	Internal teams, investors, engineers	Real customers
Quality	Rough, basic, not user-friendly	Usable, polished enough for customers
Success	Technology works	Users engage and pay
Focus	“Can we build this?”	“Do people want this?”

Use a PoC if your biggest risk is technical feasibility. For example, if you’re developing new software or hardware that might not be possible to build as envisioned. Use an MVP if: Your main risk is market validation. You want to see if customers will actually use and pay for your product.

Ensure that you avoid such pitfalls

• Use MVP instead of PoC wastes resources before proving feasibility. • Stop at PoC misses out on real user feedback. • Overcomplicating either one defeats the purpose — keep PoCs focused and MVPs minimal but usable.

## Conclusion PoC tackles **Can we?** MVP answers **Do they?** Both PoCs and MVPs are tools for learning and reducing risk. They help you fail fast and cheap rather than spending months building something that doesn't work or that nobody wants. The secret is knowing which tool to use when. Ask yourself: "What's my biggest risk right now?" If it's technical, build a PoC. If it's market demand, build an MVP. If you're not sure, start with the PoC - it's usually cheaper and faster to prove technical feasibility first. Remember, both are stepping stones, not destinations. They're designed to teach you something important before you invest in building the full product. Use them wisely, and they'll save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

Article

Proof of Concept or MVP?

Oops, you’re not subscribed!