1. The Core Definition
TL;DR > Startup validation is the process of testing a business hypothesis using data and customer behavior, rather than opinions and assumptions.
Every startup begins as a guess. You guess that a specific group of people has a specific problem, and you guess that they will pay for your specific solution. Startup validation is simply the scientific method applied to those guesses.
1 in 10
Success Rate
Only 10% of startups succeed. The vast majority of the 90% that fail do so because they never validated their core assumptions.
2. Opinions vs. Behavior
The biggest mistake beginners make is asking their mom, "Is this a good idea?" Opinions are useless in validation. People will lie to you to spare your feelings. True validation only measures behavior.
Opinion vs. Behavior Value
The reliability of different signals during the validation phase.
3. The 3 Stages of Validation
1. Problem Validation: Does this problem actually exist? Is it painful? 2. Market Validation: Are there enough people with this problem to build a business? 3. Solution Validation: Will people pay for *my* specific solution to the problem?
To understand the nuances between validation and broad research, read Startup Validation vs. Market Research: What's the Difference?.