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Introduction

5min

Module 1: The Lean Startup Mindset

Module 2: Defining Your Vision

Module 3: The Build-Measure-Learn Feedback Loop

Module 4: The Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Module 5: Validating with Customers

Module 6: Pivoting or Persevering

The Pivot: When and How to Change Direction

5min

The Persevere: When to Stay the Course

5min

A Look at Famous Pivots and Failures

5min

A final reflection

5min

Learn the Lean Startup Methodology

22/23 Lessons

Content

6.3: A Look at Famous Pivots and Failures

The concepts of pivoting and persevering become much clearer when you see them applied to real companies. These case studies show you the power of validated learning and the costly consequences of ignoring it.

1. Famous Pivot: From Burbn to Instagram

Before it was Instagram, the company was a location-based check-in app called Burbn. It had many features, including photo sharing, friend check-ins, and earning points. The founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, noticed that their users were only really engaging with one specific feature: photo sharing.

The founders realized their Leap-of-Faith Assumption about building a comprehensive location-based app was wrong. They had data that showed users wanted a simple way to share beautiful photos. So they pivoted, they made a radical Zoom-In Pivot, deciding to strip away every other feature and focus solely on the photo-sharing and filtering functionality. This single decision created Instagram and led to its explosive growth.

These stories provide a clear picture of the stakes involved in making decisions based on validated learning. The difference between success and failure often comes down to the courage to pivot or the confidence to persevere when the data demands it.

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