Concept · Startup & Growth Frameworks
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Origin: Frank Robinson (2001), popularized by Ries
Biological Parallel
A bean seed contains exactly what's needed to test viability: embryonic root, shoot, and two cotyledons for initial energy. Nothing more. If conditions are favorable, the seed germinates and the plant invests in additional structures; if not, minimal resources are wasted. This is nature's minimum viable product—invest the least amount necessary to test if the environment can support growth.