“Uncover what the customers need”

The goal of this Phase

Phase 1 is about finding the right product for the right market, before building anything substantial.

This is market discovery and early validation. The goal is to learn relevant, unconventional truths about the market, form a strong opinion about a core problem to address, and craft a compelling vision that the market validates.

At the end of Phase 1, you should have:

• A deep understanding of the market and its dynamics
• A compelling product vision — the dream
• Early market validation that the dream is right: co-builders committed to building it with you

Core question: Is this the right product for the right market?

Entry state: Thesis + team

Exit state: Validated vision + 3 co-builders committed

PMF Relationship

No PMF signal. Full search mode. You have a thesis, not evidence. Everything is uncertain.

Sub-Gates and Deliverables

1.1 Market Insights

You learn. You become more relevant. You turn unconventional insights into a compelling problem statement and vision for a segment.