Aug 28, 2025
15 Min
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Ontik Tech: MVP Development Process for Startups

MVp development process

At Ontik, we know that every great product begins with a strong foundation, and that foundation is your MVP (Minimum Viable Product). Think of it like building a house, you wouldn’t start with the roof. In the same way, you shouldn’t build a full product before testing your core idea first. An MVP lets you start small, move fast, and learn what really works.

It’s a simple version of your product, but it’s strong enough to solve a real problem and show value to your first users. The MVP development process starts by understanding the main problem your product solves. Then, through mark

et research and competitor analysis, you choose the key features needed to solve that problem. At Ontik, we help founders turn ideas into smart, lean MVPs that attract early users, get honest feedback, and catch the attention of investors. We guide you through every step, making sure you’re building something people actually want without wasting time or money.

Why is the MVP process so important? The answer is simple and clear: it saves time, cost, and risk. It allows you to:

  • Test your idea with real users
  • Get valuable feedback early
  • Avoid wasting resources on features no one needs
  • Decide if you should improve the product, change direction, or scale up

If you're a startup founder or investor, time and budget are everything. That’s why choosing the right partner to build your MVP (Minimum Viable Product) can make or break your journey. At Ontik Tech, we specialize in helping startups move fast without burning out. 

Our MVP development process is simple, strategic, and designed to get real results. Whether you're pitching to investors or preparing to enter the market, we help you test ideas quickly, launch lean, and scale smart. With a strong, dedicated team for MVP development, agile sprints, and clear communication, we turn ideas into working products in just 12 weeks. 

For investors, that means faster validation and lower risk. For founders, it’s the confidence to launch something people actually want.

MVP Development Process & Workflow Breakdown

At Ontik, our team guides you through every step of the MVP development journey from idea validation and feature planning to fast execution and real-world testing. We help you build smart, not big, so your product grows the right way.

MVP Development Process Quickly Steps Define
Step 1: Discovery Kickoff Stakeholder session to understand the vision
Define product goals and user needs
Finalize scope and roadmap
Step 2: Design Start Deliver Figma flows and user stories
Set up a task board in Jira or ClickUp
Begin user experience design
Step 3: UX Alignment Review feedback on designs
Refine UI and UX scope
Lock core user journeys
Step 4: Dev Setup Start with user management module
Prepare base architecture
Deliver first internal demo
Step 5: Dev Phase 1 Build core product features
Create 2nd demo with flows working
Track progress with weekly updates
Step 6: QA Prep Reach 50% code completion
Start writing test cases
Prepare for functional testing
Steps 7–8: QA Phase Run regression testing
Fix bugs and improve usability
Handle minor scope additions
Step 9: Final QA Freeze the code
Polish the product experience
Prepare for deployment
Step 10: Release Ready MVP is now deployable
Complete all documentation
Handoff for internal review
Step 11: Final QA + UAT User Acceptance Testing with 90–100% test case coverage
Create a user guide and support docs
Step 12: Launch Support Sign off from team or client
Final code handoff
Internal training and post-launch prepare

MVP Development Process: Step-by-Step for Startups

MVP Development Process

The smartest MVP development process gives startups a proven way to build a version of your product that is lean, efficient, and market-ready. Whether you're a first-time founder or an established entrepreneur, this detailed guide will walk you through every step to develop an MVP, reduce risks, manage development cost, and launch your product with confidence. 

If you are building a lean startup, always make sure to gather enough information about customer needs before spending time and effort building the actual product. If the technology is not your main selling point, or the technology is an aid to serve something else, you don’t need an in-house product development team. You will be wasting too much on building capacity for an unproven idea if you do so. 

Ontik Technology’s MVP development process is a proven step-by-step process, developed and used by our startup MVP development teams at Ontik. We also explain the value of working with a minimum viable product agency, and why smart startups invest in MVP development services for startups before scaling.

Step 1: Discovery Kickoff

The journey begins with a Discovery Kickoff session. This is where the MVP development team meets with stakeholders to understand the vision behind the product idea. In this step, we:

  • Identify the core problem you want to solve
  • Define your product goals
  • Align your MVP stage with market research
  • Finalize the project roadmap

This step is essential to make sure everyone involved—from founders to developers—is clear about the mission. It saves time and reduces development cost later in the process.

Step 2: Design Start

Once we finalize your roadmap, we move into mvp software design. This step includes:

  • Creating Figma flows to visualize the user experience
  • Writing detailed user stories
  • Setting up project tracking tools like Jira or ClickUp

This design-focused stage is crucial to build an MVP that’s simple but effective. It ensures your MVP includes just enough features to attract early users while leaving room for future improvements. It’s also where MVP in business truly starts to take shape.

Step 3: UX Alignment

Before development begins, we align on user experience design. The goal is to:

  • Get stakeholder feedback
  • Refine the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)
  • Finalize and lock the core user journeys

Why is this important? Because great app development depends on how users feel when they use the product. At Ontik, we believe that user-centric design is the heart of mvp product development.

Step 4: Dev Setup

Now it’s time to create an MVP by writing the first lines of code. During Dev Setup, our development team:

  • Builds the user management module
  • Sets up the base architecture
  • Prepares the first internal demo

This step is where mvp software development begins in earnest. We lay the foundation of your digital product and start building the backend infrastructure.

Step 5: Dev Phase 1

This is where the core of the MVP development process happens. Our developers:

  • Build the key features of the MVP
  • Deliver a second internal demo
  • Track progress in weekly sprints (agile methodology MVP)

We make sure the version of your product works smoothly, keeping the scope lean. This phase balances speed and quality to launch your MVP fast.

Step 6: QA Prep

Once we complete 50% of the code, we prepare for quality assurance (QA). Our startup MVP development service includes:

  • Writing detailed test cases
  • Planning functional testing

By starting QA early, we reduce bugs and make sure our MVP in code is clean, efficient, and user-ready. This preparation helps improve the product before public launch.

Step 7–8: QA Phase

This step is all about testing and polishing the MVP. We:

  • Run regression tests
  • Fix usability issues and bugs
  • Make minor improvements or scope additions

This is where your MVP product development gets fine-tuned. Our MVP development for startup clients appreciate how this phase ensures their product is usable and lovable from day one.

Step 9: Final QA

In Final QA, we:

  • Freeze the code (no more major changes)
  • Finalize product experience
  • Prepare for deployment

This step ensures your MVP is production-ready and stable. This is a must-have phase for any mvp development company that wants to deliver high-quality results.

Step 10: Release Ready

With everything tested and approved, we move into the Release Ready phase. Here, we:

  • Ensure all documentation is complete
  • Prepare handoff packages for internal review

This step bridges development and launch. For many development companies, this is a sign that the startup MVP development company has done its job: the MVP is ready to meet the market.

Step 11: Final QA + UAT

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is the last major checkpoint. Our startup MVP development service includes:

  • UAT with 90–100% test coverage
  • Final support documents and user guides

Here, real users or stakeholders test the MVP. This is a key part of ensuring we build a successful MVP. It allows you to gather real-world feedback before launch.

Step 12: Launch Support

We end the MVP development process with full launch support:

  • Final sign-off
  • Code handoff to the client's team
  • Internal training and post-launch assistance

You now have a minimum viable product that’s lean, functional, and ready for growth.

Why MVP Development is Important for Startups

The MVP approach helps you build a product without wasting time or money. It lets you test real users, fix issues early, and avoid the pitfalls that make many startups fail. With mvp software engineering, you get to market faster, smarter, and cheaper.

At Ontik, we’ve seen this model succeed time and time again. Whether you’re developing a MVP, concierge MVP, or a standard product, our process will guide you from idea to launch.

Working with a minimum viable product development company like Ontik ensures that you:

  • Get access to a full MVP development team
  • Receive guidance based on agile principles (MVP agile)
  • Keep the cost to build an MVP within budget

We combine business thinking, design, and software development into a smooth, proven process.

Express MVP Development Process: Launch in Just 12 Weeks

Express MVP Development Process

Week 1-2: Discovery and Mapping

We kick off the Express MVP development process by diving into your product idea. Our development team works closely with you to understand what problem your startup is solving. We define clear goals and map out user stories. This early stage is crucial in any minimum viable product journey, especially for MVP development for startup teams aiming to reduce risk. By setting the right direction, we set your product development up for success.

Week 3-4: Planning and Quick Action

In this phase, we stay connected with continuous feedback loops. This step in the Express MVP development process ensures your vision is turning into actionable features. Our mvp development team creates detailed tasks in tools like Jira or ClickUp. Quick decision-making and clear documentation accelerate the MVP stage. MVP software design begins to take shape, supporting early mockups and app development decisions.

Week 5-8: Build and Execution

We now enter deep build mode, turning your roadmap into reality. Our mvp software engineering team builds the core modules using top technologies. This part of the Express MVP development process transforms initial ideas into a working MVP in code. Whether it's mvp web development or mobile, we ensure high quality. We focus on keeping the development cost lean while ensuring the first version of your product is functional. This stage is ideal for mvp development for tech startup and those looking for rapid iteration.

Week 9-10: Details and Progress Tracking

We focus on details to ensure everything aligns with the original product idea. Our agile setup enables smooth testing and bug fixing while moving forward. The minimum viable product agency tracks milestones and improves based on ongoing feedback. We keep communication open, refining product development choices that ensure your startup mvp development service is always in motion. This is where mvp agile and minimum viable product agile practices come into full force.

Week 11-12: Final Polish and Launch Prep

We wrap up the Express MVP development process by refining, testing, and preparing for deployment. Final quality checks are completed by our startup mvp development company. We polish the mvp app experience, finalize documentation, and offer internal training. Our minimum viable product development services ensure everything is in place before launch. This is your successful mvp moment your startup is ready to grow from here.

We help you build a minimum viable product that reflects real user needs. Our MVP product development approach lets you create an MVP without bloated budgets. Whether you're choosing a concierge mvp, wizard of oz mvp, or standard tech stack, we guide you. Many development companies miss these details, but we help you build a product that users love.

Our process supports your approach to product development, allowing you to develop an MVP that’s not just functional, but also scalable. From mvp budgeting to testing and deployment, every step helps reduce risk and get to market faster. This guide is your step-by-step guide to launch your MVP with confidence.

Remember, many startups fail due to weak execution. But with the right mvp development services for startups, you get the clarity, speed, and support needed to deliver a successful product. Let’s launch your product the right way—with a proven, efficient, and impactful Express MVP development process.

MVP Product & Process Development Cost


1. People and Developer Cost Breakdown of MVP

The biggest chunk of your MVP development cost often goes into the people—think developers, designers, and testers. Ontik uses transparent pricing and a lean team structure to keep it efficient. Skilled developers (frontend, backend, QA) usually make up 50–70% of the total spend. You get top MVP development talent without overhead.

2. Cloud Hosting Options for MVPs

Once your MVP is live, you need a cloud home. Ontik recommends flexible options like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure. For early stages, a basic server (shared or small VM) is enough. It’s cost-effective and scalable starting around $20–$50/month. That cost can grow as your user base expands.

3. Cost Component of MVP Product Development

Cost Component of MVP Product Development

The price of launching an MVP breaks down into discovery, design, development, and QA. Discovery (requirements and planning) takes 10–15%, design adds another 10–15%, development 50–60%, and QA around 15–20%. This breakdown helps you monitor spending closely.

4. Geography Affects Hourly Rates

Where your dev team is based impacts costs wildly. For example, Ontik points out that South Asia offers rates around $20–$50/hour, while Latin America ranges $30–$70/hour, and US/Europe teams charge much more. This affects your budget significantly. 

5. Hidden Costs: Post-Launch & Maintenance

Launching your MVP isn’t the end it’s just the beginning. Ongoing costs like bug fixes, updates, and customer support can be 5–10% of your initial development cost each month. Budgeting for that early prevents surprises. 

6. Simpler MVPs = Lower Development Cost

The fewer features you include, the cheaper the MVP. A basic version with login, dashboard, and core functionality might cost $15K–$35K and can be built in 4–6 weeks. On the other hand, complex MVPs with integrations or real-time features can cost $75K–$150K+. 

7. Cost Impact of Complexity & Integrations

Adding features like payment systems, APIs, or real-time chat adds complexity and cost. These extras require more development time, testing, and possibly infrastructure so they inflate the price, sometimes doubling it. 

8. Lean Discovery Saves Money Later

Investing in solid planning and discovery saves money down the road. Understanding your market, mapping user flows, and defining the MVP scope early prevents feature creep and costly pivots later. It’s a smart cost-control tactic.

9. Cloud Hosting Scales with Usage

Using scalable cloud services means you pay as you grow. For example, IaaS or PaaS setups let you save on hardware and only pay for resources used. That helps keep infrastructure costs aligned with product growth. 

10. Post-MVP Cost of Onboarding & Documentation

Lastly, don’t ignore soft costs like user training, how-to guides, and handoffs. They’re often overlooked but essential, especially for getting stakeholders or investors on board. Allocate a small portion of your budget to these early on for smoother transitions.

Why Founders & Investors Choose Ontik to Build MVP Products

1. Clear Planning for the MVP Development Process

At Ontik, we believe in starting smart. Our team works closely with founders to understand the product idea and plan a realistic MVP development process. We don’t rush into building. First, we help you define your goals, audience, and main features. This saves time, reduces mistakes, and helps you launch your minimum viable product with confidence.

We break your vision into small, clear steps so you can build an MVP that actually works and improves fast.

2. Smart MVP Development Service for Startups

Every startup is different. That’s why Ontik offers a custom MVP development service. Whether you’re creating a simple app or a complex SaaS tool, we help you start with a clean, focused version of your product.

Our team has worked with early-stage companies in fintech, education, healthcare, and eCommerce. So if you need MVP development for startup projects, we know how to build what investors and users want.

3. Strong Dedicated Team for MVP Development

Behind every great MVP is a reliable team. Ontik brings you a strong dedicated team for MVP development from product thinkers and UI/UX designers to backend developers and testers. Everyone works together with one goal: building your MVP right.

We update you weekly, fix problems fast, and stay aligned with your business needs. No confusion. Just clear communication and results.

4. Agile MVP Development Process with Real Progress

We follow an agile MVP development process that keeps things simple and fast. Our system is based on 12-week cycles with small, weekly goals. We show you progress often through live demos and reports so you’re always in control.

This process helps you develop an MVP in less time and with fewer risks.

5. Expert Developers Who Know What They’re Doing

Ontik’s developers aren’t just coders—they’re problem solvers. Each developer is selected through a 3-step test where we check coding, thinking, and communication. That’s why clients trust us.

Our developers understand MVP software design, MVP Ui/Ux design, MVP in code, and modern tools like React, Flutter, Node.js, and Laravel. This means your MVP will be clean, fast, and ready to grow.

Our MVP development team works smart to build a successful MVP, not just launch a buggy version.

6. Great for MVP Development in Australia & Global Startups

Many founders looking for MVP development in Australia, the US, or Europe choose Ontik because we offer top-quality work at an affordable price. Our international clients love the mix of strong results, fast speed, and friendly pricing.

We are a trusted partner for growing startups and product teams that need reliable, affordable help.

7. Support for Investors & Pitch Decks

We go beyond building. We also help you prepare for investor meetings. That includes clickable designs, MVP documentation, and even presentation support.

This way, you’re not just showing a product you’re telling a story that wins trust. If you’re planning to raise funds, Ontik helps you create an MVP that looks and works great.

8. Trusted MVP Development Company with Proven Success Stories

Ontik is a leading MVP development company with over proven track record on MVPs built successfully. From small apps to funded platforms, we’ve helped startups grow step by step.

Our team offers startup MVP development service that’s built on real experience, not guesswork. We help you build a product, launch your MVP, and improve it quickly after feedback.

Final Thoughts

Startups need speed. Investors need certainty. Ontik delivers both. As a trusted MVP development company, we guide you from product vision to a working MVP with focus, care, and results. We help startups build a minimum viable product that’s functional, fundable, and future-ready. If you want to reduce risk, lower costs, and launch your MVP with clarity, partner with Ontik. Let’s build something real, fast.

When you’re building your startup’s first product, choosing the right partner can make or break your momentum. Ontik doesn’t just deliver code, they offer MVP development services that help you think smarter, move faster, and build leaner. From strategy to MVP web development and mobile app development, we’ll be your partner through every phase. Let’s build a successful MVP together.

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Ontik Technology Editorial Team
Ontik Tech Editorial Team

We’re the storytellers behind Ontik Tech crafting clear, insightful, and strategy driven content that connects with our audience and drives real results.

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