How to Build a Successful MVP: Lessons from Airbnb, Twitch, and Stripe

When we talk about launching a startup, one of the most common (and sometimes misunderstood) concepts is the MVP (Minimum Viable Product). Although there are many definitions, the core idea of an MVP is to create the simplest version of your product that can solve a real problem and gather feedback from actual users.

However, a typical mistake founders make is focusing solely on the “M” (Minimum) and “P” (Product), forgetting about the “V” (Viable). In this article, we’ll dive into Y Combinator’s approach to building a solid MVP, explore examples from well-known startups like Airbnb, Twitch, and Stripe, and offer some practical tips to help you launch your MVP quickly and learn from real-world user feedback.

1. What Is an MVP, Really?

In short, an MVP is “the most basic version of your product that solves a specific problem and can be tested by real users.” That means:

1. Focusing on a critical problem: What exact pain point are you addressing?
2. Core features only: Which functionalities are absolutely essential to solve this problem?
3. Rapid validation: You want to gather feedback ASAP to confirm (or disprove) your assumptions.

Many founders fear that if they release something “unfinished,” they’ll scare off potential users. However, without real user input, you’ll never know if your solution actually works or if the market truly needs it.

2. The MVP Mindset in the Pre-Launch Stage

Y Combinator often references what’s called the “midwit meme” or “the bell curve meme” to illustrate different approaches founders take when launching:

• The “extreme left” founder: Launches quickly, gathers feedback, and keeps iterating.
• The “extreme right” founder (the expert): Also understands that shipping fast and iterating is key.
• The “middle” founder (let’s call him Benny): Spends a lot of time on surveys, raising funds, hiring a large team, etc., before launching anything.

In the end, both the newbie founder and the expert founder realize that launching fast and iterating is the best route. Benny, on the other hand, often ends up stuck and late to receive real-world feedback.

2.1. Your Main Pre-Launch Goals

1. Launch quickly (a minimal but viable version).
2. Get your first users right away.
3. Talk to them and collect direct feedback.
4. Iterate (improve based on what these early users say).

3. Great MVP Examples: Airbnb and Twitch

3.1. Airbnb: A Very Basic MVP

When Airbnb started out:

• No payment system was built into the platform.
• No map view to locate properties.
• Only an air mattress in the living room was offered, not entire rooms or apartments.
• Focused on specific events (like conferences) where people needed temporary lodging.

Despite being extremely rudimentary, it served its main purpose: connecting hosts and guests in a simple way. With user feedback, they eventually added secure payment features, property listings, maps, and much more.

3.2. Twitch (Originally “Justin.tv”)

When Twitch got its start:

• Only one streamer (Justin) was broadcasting live.
• Low-resolution video was used.
• Just a single webpage existed for streaming.

That was it. Yet it was enough to hook early adopters who wanted to watch live streaming content. Over time, with genuine user feedback, Twitch expanded to more streamers, improved its video quality, and evolved into the world’s largest gaming broadcast platform.

4. The Big Fear: “What If My MVP Is Too Basic?”

It’s natural to feel worried about launching a product that’s “incomplete” or “bare-bones.” However, keep this in mind:

• Early adopters are people who have a pressing problem and will try solutions even if they’re not perfect.
• If someone rejects your MVP, it’s not game over. You can improve the product and approach them again, or find other potential users.
• If your solution tackles a “hair on fire” problem, your MVP doesn’t have to be perfect—users will still give it a shot because they desperately need a fix.

5. The “Fake Steve Jobs” Syndrome

Some founders think they need to launch a fully polished, revolutionary product like Steve Jobs seemingly did. In reality:

• The first iPhone had 2G speeds, no App Store, and many limitations that would be unthinkable now.
• Even Apple released products iteratively—iPod, iPod 2, iPhone, iPhone 2, etc.

Don’t assume you already know exactly what users want. They have that answer, and you’ll only discover it by talking to them and watching how they interact with a real (though minimal) product.

6. Why (Just) Doing Surveys Usually Fails

While surveys can give you a bit of initial insight, they can’t replace validating with an MVP. Users:

• Often don’t fully grasp their own problem.
• May not be able to articulate the exact feature set they need.
• Change their minds once they see and use a working product (versus answering hypothetical questions).

Your best bet is to let them test a basic version of your solution to see if it truly solves their problem. That’s the only feedback that really matters.

7. How to Build Your MVP Quickly

1. Set a strict deadline
   Without a fixed launch date, you might fall into the trap of constant delays.

2. List essential functionalities
   Write down all features you think you need—then determine which ones are truly necessary for the first version.

3. Cut the non-essentials
   Each extra feature delays your launch and complicates your MVP. Focus on the core value proposition.

4. Don’t fall in love with your MVP
   Assume from Day 1 that it will change drastically as you iterate. Getting attached can create emotional barriers to improvement.

8. Final Thoughts

“It’s better to have 100 users who really love your product than 100,000 who are just indifferent.”
— Michael Seibel, Y Combinator

An MVP’s success isn’t about being “complete” at launch; it’s about how quickly you can validate whether your product helps your customers. After that initial proof, you can refine, pivot, or double down on what really matters—based on real data.

In a nutshell:

• Build and launch fast: Don’t wait for perfection.
• Actively listen to your early users.
• Iterate and improve based on their insights.

By embracing Y Combinator’s philosophy and learning from examples like Airbnb and Twitch, you’ll be on the right track to creating a product that meets real market needs.

Ready to take your startup to the next level?

At Cordillera Digital, we help entrepreneurs leverage innovations like blockchain and global fundraising strategies to enhance their product offerings. Building a solid MVP is the first step, and we’re here to help you iterate quickly and focus on growth.

Have questions or want to share your MVP-building experiences? Leave a comment or get in touch! Let’s exchange ideas and keep learning so your project can reach its full potential.