The Startup Checklist May 2026

: Ensure the problem you are solving has personal relevance and that you can remain committed for the long haul.

: Conduct deep market research to validate demand, talking to at least 30 potential customers to uncover true pain points. Phase 2: Product and Market Validation The Startup Checklist

: Formally allocate equity among co-founders and early employees to align long-term incentives. : Ensure the problem you are solving has

: Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test your hypotheses without over-investing early on. The Startup Checklist

: Establish clear KPIs and OKRs to measure growth and operational health objectively from the start. Phase 3: Legal and Organizational Setup