3 Startup-Building Ways That Work: Pick Yours and Start Development

Building a startup requires more than a great idea. Turning concepts into a viable product takes:

 

• strategic planning
• agile development
• the right resources.

 

At Onix, we’ve structured our approach around three key stages to help startups build a strong foundation: product discovery, lean inception for MVP development, and early delivery. Each stage is designed to offer tailored support to fit each startup’s unique needs and goals.

 

In this article, we:

 

• Share the details of each stage and reveal our development process, giving you a clear picture of what it takes to build a startup.
• Help you understand how we approach each phase, the services we offer, the required steps to build a startup, and what you can expect in terms of resources.
• Gain insights into how to create a startup and how Onix can support your startup at every stage or exactly where you need us most.

So, how to build a startup from scratch?

 

At Onix, we guide startups through three essential stages. Let’s explore each stage and how we can help you build a startup quickly and efficiently.

 

Product Discovery

The reality is that 90% of startups don’t survive. Even more surprising, 10% of startups don’t make it past their first year. 

 

And one of the most common reasons is poor functionality feasibility.

 

That's why we recommend our clients who have a business idea but need to know how to implement it technically to start with the product discovery phase. 

 

Onix provides software product discovery services to bridge the gap between your software project's business concept and its technical realization.

 

• A project discovery phase helps you to:
• turn your business idea into a functional product
• predict and reduce risks and roadblocks
• plan a budget to avoid loss
• prioritize product scope and split it into iterations
• build the groundwork for extra funding for your project
• define goals and scope for the MVP, and provide a well-developed UX prototype.

 

Read also: What is the Project Discovery Phase and Its Role for Software Development

 

Onix turns your idea into a clear plan

 

Step 1. Plan for success in 2-3 days

We start by analyzing requirements and creating a further discovery plan:

 

• Elicit high-level requirements
• If the product is not built from scratch, we clarify the reasons for changing the existing solution and analyze customer feedback, content, technology stack, and feature set
• Review the customers’ internal documents, existing market surveys, user interviews, etc.
• Conduct competitors’ research
• Prepare a detailed plan for the discovery implementation

 

Step 2. Analyze your market and prioritize your needs in 7-10 days

We dive deeply into the client's business to define a clear product vision, set priorities, and determine success criteria:

 

• Define functional decomposition
• Elaborate and set priorities
• Study the target market and define a user persona
• Create user journeys
• Analyze functional requirements of architecture
• Design initial architecture vision
• Create user screen flows

 

Step 3. Finalize your startup vision with confidence in 10-15 days

Our experts finalize product vision, create your startup roadmap, and calculate recommended development costs:

 

• Define the most suitable architecture for the product
• Choose the optimal technology stack and define the level of automation and CI/CD pipeline
• Build a prototype of MVP with the essential modules and features (if needed)
• Validate all assumptions and hypotheses from the business analysis, user experience, and IT architecture perspectives
• Shape the solution’s final scope
• Develop a project roadmap
• Estimate the project timeline and budget needed to implement the idea into an MVP or a full-fledged product

 

Note: This is an example of what the product discovery phase might look like. The duration will depend on your unique business requirements, needs, and goals.

How the product discovery services work at Onix

Typical timeline and deliverables of the discovery phase

In just 2-4 weeks, we'll finalize your product vision, build a clickable prototype, work out the product architecture, and provide a cost proposal with time estimates.

 

The primary deliverables:

 

 

Onix experience in providing the discovery phase services

When Onix worked on the white-label solution enabling home healthcare, we started development from the discovery phase.

The white-label solution built by Onix

 

"At Onix, we started our work with a discovery phase for a white-label healthcare solution designed for at-home use. This approach helped us bring the product to market much faster."

Volodymyr Katarovskyi
PMO at Onix

 

During the discovery phase, the Onix team: 

 

• reviewed the UX 
• developed a detailed user flow
• defined MVP scope
• estimated the resources needed to deliver the project on time
• composed the specification.

 

Conducting the discovery phase made it possible to eliminate financial risks and make the development process predictable and smooth.

 

As a result, the Onix team successfully completed the product's feasibility study, did all background work required for successful MVP development, and moved the product under Onix support after the app release. 

 

Now, our specialists work on changes and updates based on customer needs and user feedback.

 

Lean Inception

“Moving fast and being agile doesn’t matter if you’re going in the wrong direction and building the wrong product.”

 

Volodymyr Katarovskyi,
PMO at Onix

 

Our lean inception services were designed to help our clients avoid wasted time, money, and resources by keeping your project on the right track.

 

Lean inception is a streamlined, agile-driven approach to building an MVP quickly. This phase is crucial for transforming a startup idea into a tangible product that can be validated in the real market.

 

By focusing on core functionalities, lean inception allows startups to:

 

• test their product concept quickly
• gather user feedback
• demonstrate its potential to investors or stakeholders.

 

Learn more: How to Determine & Prioritize Features for MVP

 

Build an MVP that delivers: How our lean inception services save your time and money

 

1. Vision and goals definition 
We clarify the product's purpose and what you want to achieve.

 

2. User persona and journey mapping 
Understanding your users and their needs, we outline their journeys to shape user-centered solutions.

 

3. MVP definition
Our specialists identify essential features to build a minimum viable product, providing value quickly.

Read also: ChatGPT for Startups: Revolutionizing Business with AI

 

4. Product backlog creation
We build a prioritized list of tasks to keep development on track.

 

5. Roadmap and milestones planning
We set a clear timeline and milestones to guide the product’s progress.

 

6. Risk and assumptions assessment
Our team identifies potential risks and validates key assumptions to reduce uncertainty and ensure alignment.

Typical timeline and deliverables of the lean inception phase

Based on our experience, the lean inception phase generally takes 2 to 4 weeks.

 

The primary deliverables:

 

• Product vision statement
• Business goals and objectives document
• User personas and journey maps
• MVP canvas (outlining essential features, user benefits, and success metrics)
• Prioritized product backlog (focused on MVP scope)
• High-level product roadmap (with prioritized features and timeline)
• Milestones and key success metrics
• Risk and assumptions log

 

Onix experience in providing the lean inception services

The Onix team developed a kid's banking app to teach children financial literacy.

 

We were tasked to develop an MVP within a tight timeframe of three months. 

 

Our team collaborated closely with the clients to understand their vision and requirements while providing expertise and guidance on technical and design aspects.

Banking app for kids built by the Onix team

 

During the lean inception stage, we hold five sessions where our team collaborates with the client to:

 

• understand the project's core idea and the problem it solves
• identify the target audience's demographics, behaviors, and pain points
• identify essential features that address the target audience's needs.

 

We set clear expectations by defining the main concept, audience, and features upfront, enabling efficient project delivery.

 

As a result, the Onix team delivered a beta version of the application within the specified timeframe, allowing for early user feedback and validation of critical features.

 

Now, our team provides ongoing support and maintenance services to address any issues, implement updates, and ensure the application's smooth operation over time.

 

Delivery at Early Development Stages

"The biggest lesson is that startups fail when they don’t adapt fast enough. Our strategy is to keep our clients agile, starting with a cost-effective, MVP-centric approach that helps them pivot when needed without wasting resources."
 

Volodymyr Katarovskyi
PMO at Onix

 

In the early development stage, the MVP evolves into a more polished, feature-rich, and scalable product.

 

At this point, our focus shifts from validation to refinement, enabling your product to grow based on real user feedback.

 

This stage involves:

 

• adding new features
• optimizing performance
• making your solution resilient enough to handle an increasing user base. 

 

With Onix’s early development stage service, you get more than just development support, you gain:

 

• Faster time to market 
• User feedback and validation
• Reduced risk of investing heavily in features that might not resonate with your target audience
• Scalable growth
• A strategic partner dedicated to your product’s success.

 

Read also: Why Do Startups Fail? Here’s How Yours Can Avoid the Same Fate

 

From MVP to market: How we scale your startup

 

1. Technical architecture design

We create a scalable and robust architecture tailored to your needs.

 

2. Prototyping and wireframing

Our designers build wireframes to map out key features and user flows.

 

3. Tech stack selection 

We help you choose the best tools and technologies to bring your product to life.

 

4. Requirements refinement 

We work closely with you to clarify and refine project requirements.

 

5. Project setup and configuration
Our team sets up the project environment and tools for seamless development.

 

6. Initial backlog grooming and prioritization
We organize and prioritize tasks to ensure a clear development path.

 

7. Development roadmap planning
Our experts outline a roadmap with milestones for focused, efficient progress.

 

Typical timeline and deliverables of the early development stage

The early development stage usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of your product and the features you want to include. It may take longer if additional iterations or scaling are needed.

 

The primary deliverables:

 

• Technical architecture document
• Prototypes and wireframes
• Tech stack documentation
• Detailed requirements and user stories
• Project setup artifacts
• Prioritized product backlog
• Development roadmap and timeline

 

Onix experience in providing early development services

In early 2020, the Onix team successfully built an MVP of a learning platform with an extensive content library. 

 

A dynamic learning platform built by Onix

 

Our clients conducted testing pilots with eight prominent organizations in Ireland and the UK, each lasting for a month. The pilots garnered significant interest, with many companies wanting to make large-scale purchases.

 

As the MVP received positive feedback, Vyra needed a scalable technical solution to meet their customer's needs.

 

Seeking support, our clients approached us to refine and elevate their product for optimal performance and growth.

 

To help our clients face the challenge of scaling up their product, the Onix team:

 

• Conducted a detailed business analysis and a project plan to gain comprehensive insights into our client's unique needs and challenges.
• Implemented intuitive navigation, interactive elements, and a visually appealing design to ensure easy access to the learning content.
• Adopted agile development methodology enabled us to adapt quickly and effectively to evolving requirements and challenges during each sprint.
• Conducted thorough testing at each stage throughout the development process to identify and address any integration or usability issues.

 

Our expertise and commitment helped our client build a robust learning platform and content library, enabling companies to meet their sustainability training goals.

 

As we continue working together, we’re constantly improving their website and platform to ensure they stay ahead of the curve.

 

Our partnership has produced great results, including attracting new investors and opening up possibilities for expansion.

 

Don't know how to begin a startup? We help you plan for future growth, ensuring your product is ready to scale as your startup expands.

 

Start Building Your Startup Today: Let Onix Be Your Partner

Creating a startup requires the proper steps and guidance from the very beginning. 

 

Following the structured approach, Onix offers startups a clear path to turning concepts into impactful products.

 

We tailor each phase to meet your needs. From defining your vision and creating a focused MVP to launching a functional product that delivers real value.

 

Whether you:

 

• need support throughout the entire process
• or need help just at a specific stage

 

our team is here to help you!

 

With our experience, proven methods, and dedication to each project’s success, you can feel confident that your product is on the right track.

 

FAQ

 

Can Onix help me if I want to skip the Product Discovery stage and jump straight into MVP?

Yes, we can! If you’re ready to move directly to MVP, we’ll tailor our Lean Inception phase to refine your core features and accelerate development.

 

How do I know which stage is right for me?

We’ll help you assess your startup’s needs and goals, guiding you toward the stage that best fits where you are in the process.

 

What results can I expect after each stage?

Each stage provides concrete outcomes: Product Discovery delivers a clear vision and roadmap, Lean Inception creates a focused MVP plan, and Early Delivery gives you a functional product ready for real users.

 

How do you ensure the product is scalable during the development process?

We use scalable architecture, modular code, and carefully plan for future growth, ensuring your product can evolve as your user base grows.

 

How long does it take to launch a startup product to the market?

The timeline varies, but it typically takes 3-6 months, depending on product complexity and feature requirements.

 

How can we optimize the development process for a faster market entry?

Starting with an MVP and focusing on core features allows for faster entry, and our agile approach ensures quick iterations based on feedback.

 

How to choose a reliable tech partner for launching a startup?

We recommend looking for proven experience, client testimonials, and a team that offers collaborative communication and agile development practices.

 

How do I attract the first users to my startup?

Start by identifying your target audience, leverage digital marketing channels, and encourage feedback from early adopters to build word of mouth.