MVP vs Prototype vs PoC: What Your Startup Actually Needs
One of the most common mistakes founders make? Asking for an "MVP" when they really need a prototype — or vice versa. Let's cut through the confusion.
Quick Definitions
| Type | Purpose | Users |
|---|---|---|
| PoC | Prove it's technically feasible | Internal team only |
| Prototype | Visualize and test UX | Test users / investors |
| MVP | Validate market demand with real users | Paying customers |
Proof of Concept (PoC)
A PoC answers one question: "Can we build this?"
It's typically used when the core technology is unproven. For example:
- • Testing if an AI model can achieve required accuracy
- • Verifying a complex integration is possible
- • Checking if performance requirements can be met
Cost: $2,000 - $10,000
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Deliverable: Working code, no UI
Prototype
A prototype answers: "Does this UX make sense?"
It's a visual representation of your product — often clickable, but not functional. Great for:
- • User testing before development
- • Investor pitches
- • Getting stakeholder alignment
- • Refining UX before spending on code
Cost: $3,000 - $15,000
Timeline: 1-3 weeks
Deliverable: Figma/clickable mockups
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
An MVP answers: "Will people pay for this?"
It's a real, working product with the minimum features needed to deliver value. Key characteristics:
- • Real users can sign up and use it
- • Payments work (if applicable)
- • Core value proposition is functional
- • Can be iterated based on feedback
Cost: $8,000 - $50,000
Timeline: 2-8 weeks
Deliverable: Production-ready app
Which One Do You Need?
Choose PoC if:
You're unsure if the technology can work at all.
Choose Prototype if:
You need to validate UX or raise funding before building.
Choose MVP if:
You're ready to put a working product in users' hands and start learning from real behavior.
The Biggest Mistake
The most expensive mistake? Building a full MVP when you should have started with a prototype.
If you're still validating the core concept or haven't talked to potential users, start smaller. A $5,000 prototype that reveals a flawed UX is infinitely better than a $50,000 MVP nobody wants to use.