The Lean Startup Principles — Eric Ries

The Lean Startup Principles

Author: Eric Ries URL: https://theleanstartup.com/principles

Summary

The official principles page for Eric Ries’ Lean Startup methodology. Defines the five core components: Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop, MVP, validated learning, innovation accounting, and the pivot-or-persevere decision. The core thesis: startups should eliminate uncertainty through systematic experimentation, not just speed.

Key Claims

1. The fundamental startup loop is Build → Measure → Learn
2. MVPs answer “should this be built?” not “can this be built?”
3. The unit of startup progress is validated learning, not features shipped
4. Innovation accounting requires actionable metrics showing cause-and-effect
5. When metrics show the model isn’t working, pivot — don’t persevere blindly

Concepts Referenced

• lean-startup
• minimum-viable-product
• pivoting
• customer-development

Backlinks

• deep-tech-startups
• lean-startup
• minimum-viable-product
• pivoting
• product-development
• recommended-reading
• start-here
• the-validation-stack