How to Scope a SaaS MVP Without Overspending

In summary

• •An MVP is a learning instrument not a product — its scope should be defined by the hypotheses you need to invalidate not the features you want to build.
• •The correct sequencing is buyer checkout and core value delivery first — analytics and admin tooling can be added after the first paying customer.
• •Multi-tenant architecture and billing should be implemented from day one even if you launch with a single pricing tier — retrofitting it is expensive.
• •Design for the second customer not just the first — the data model decisions made at MVP stage constrain every feature built afterwards.
• •A fixed-scope first sprint followed by variable subsequent sprints produces better cost predictability than a fully open backlog.