Glossary/Strategy & Frameworks/Lean Startup
Strategy & Frameworks
Lean Startup
Eric Ries's 2011 methodology of building, measuring and learning through rapid experiments and validated learning to reduce startup waste.
By Brandon Mina·CEO, BrandPilot AI·Updated November 2026
Short answer
The Lean Startup is Eric Ries's 2011 methodology of building, measuring and learning through rapid experiments and validated learning in order to reduce waste. Startups release minimum viable products, test assumptions with real customers and decide whether to persevere or pivot. It favors evidence over lengthy planning when uncertainty is high.