What Is a Proof of Concept (PoC) and Why Your Startup Needs One Before MVP

The article explains what a proof of concept (PoC) is and argues that startups should use one before building a minimum viable product (MVP). It frames the problem as a way to judge whether an idea could be profitable without prematurely investing time, money, and resources. A PoC is described as a small feasibility test that identifies potential risks and value; if the value outweighs the risks, further development may be justified. It recommends five steps: define the core idea, set a benchmark for success, identify required resources, build a prototype, and measure results using metrics—reducing assumptions by testing early.