Stagesstartup

Stagesstartup is a framework used to describe the lifecycle of a startup by discrete developmental stages. It is used by investors, accelerators, and founders to frame milestones, assess risk, and communicate progress. Although not a universal standard, it helps compare ventures and tailor support to their stage.

Ideation and problem validation. The focus is identifying a real problem, understanding the target customer, and defining a compelling value proposition. Founders test assumptions through interviews, light prototyping, and early market sizing to establish problem-solution fit.

Validation and MVP development. Teams build a minimum viable product to test core hypotheses with real users. Feedback informs iteration on features, pricing concepts, and go-to-market assumptions. Indicators of progress include engagement with the prototype and initial willingness to pay.

Early traction and product-market fit. The startup demonstrates repeatable user or revenue growth and improving retention. PMF is suggested when growth can be ramped with scalable processes rather than bespoke efforts. Funding often occurs at seed or Series A as the model solidifies.

Scaling. Growth accelerates across customers or geographies, operations scale, and unit economics improve. Key metrics include customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, gross margin, churn, and burn rate. The organization adds processes, teams, and governance to support expansion.

Maturity or exit. The venture achieves profitability or steady cash flow, or pursues an exit through acquisition or an IPO. Focus shifts to efficiency, risk management, and long-term sustainability, with governance and strategic diversification guiding decisions.

Stagesstartup remains a flexible guide; real-world paths vary by market, team, and external conditions.