What is the core principle of lean startup methodology?

• A. Build a minimal version to test hypotheses, measure results, and learn to pivot or persevere.
• B. Develop a comprehensive business plan before launching.
• C. Invest heavily in marketing before validating the concept.
• D. Focus on internal efficiency measures and cost cutting only.

Answer: (A)

Lean startup focuses on learning quickly through experiments and iterative development. The best answer captures that by emphasizing building a minimal viable product to test key assumptions, measure results, and decide whether to pivot or persevere based on real customer feedback. This approach uses the build–measure–learn loop to validate hypotheses with minimal waste, validating what customers actually want before scaling. By starting small and iterating, you reduce the risk of building something customers won’t buy and move toward a repeatable business model faster. The other options miss this learning-and-adaptation cycle: a full plan before launching delays learning, heavy marketing before validation wastes resources, and focusing only on internal efficiency ignores customer feedback and market reality.