5 Signs Your MVP Is Ready to Launch

You'll never feel ready. Here are the actual signs that mean it's time to launch.

1. One Flow Works End-to-End

A user can go from sign up to getting value without your help. They don't need to email you, ask questions, or wait for manual steps. The core flow just works.

2. You Can Accept Money

Whether it's Stripe, a payment link, or even a manual invoice. If someone wants to pay, you have a way to take their money. No payment = no validation.

3. You're Embarrassed by It

Reid Hoffman said it: "If you're not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late." Discomfort is a good sign.

4. You've Shown It to 5+ People

Not friends. Real potential users. They've clicked through it, asked questions, maybe found bugs. Their feedback is already shaping what you build next.

5. You Keep Adding "Just One More Thing"

This is the biggest warning sign. If you're constantly finding reasons to delay, you're procrastinating. The next feature won't make the difference. Launching will.

What Ready Actually Means

• •Core flow works (not perfect, works)
• •No critical bugs that break the experience
• •You can explain what it does in one sentence
• •Someone can use it without a tutorial
• •You have a way to collect payment

What Ready Does NOT Mean

• •Every edge case is handled
• •The design is polished
• •All planned features are built
• •You feel confident
• •Competitors are behind you