What is a first paid version?

The smallest version of the product a specific customer pays for. Not a demo for an investor or a prototype to show around. It does one thing well enough that someone pays for it.

Why a customer with a name, not a segment?

A segment does not pay, a person does. When you know the name, you can ask what exactly they will pay for. Without it you build on a guess and the first version keeps growing.

Why money in the account, not from an investor?

A build that waits for an investor stops at the worst moment. Plan the first version with the money you have. A paying customer is then the best argument for an investor too.

How long does a first version take?

We build the first version fast (on one project in under 10 working days). Most of the time goes into rolling it out: people start using it, give feedback and we fine-tune it. It goes fast when items 1 to 7 are answered before the start.

A test for founders

How far are you from a first paid version? 10 questions

A first paid version is close when you know your first paying customer by name, know what they will pay for, and the money for the build is in the account. Answer yes or no to 10 questions in three areas and see where you are today. Items 1 and 5 are mandatory either way.

What you fill in and tick stays in this browser window only. Nothing is sent unless you ask for your result by email. It is gone when you close the page, so print your result.

For founders who have an idea or a prototype and want a first version someone pays for. Answer honestly. Where you are not sure, leave it unticked.

Since 2023 we have delivered 15+ production projects. On one project we delivered the first version in under 10 working days. It goes fast when these questions are answered before the start.

A. Customer and value

1. You know who your first paying customer is. A name, not a segment. Check: you could call them today.
2. You know what exactly they will pay for. In one sentence, in their words.
3. The first version does one thing. The one the customer pays for.
4. You know what will not be in the first version. It is written down, not just in your head.

B. Money and decisions

5. The money for the build is in the account. Not waiting for an investor or a grant.
6. One person decides. When a decision is needed by tomorrow, it is clear who makes it.
7. You have a date and know why it is then. A season, a promise to customers, a trade fair.

C. After launch

8. You know how you will measure that it works. One number you watch from the first week.
9. You know who will run the product after launch. Fixes, backups, customer questions.
10. The code and accounts will be in your company's name. Repository, domain, cloud and payments, from day one.

Scoring

Count the ticked items. But look at items 1 and 5 first. If even one of them is missing, fix it first, whatever the score.

Ticked	Verdict	What next
0 to 3	Getting started	Still an idea. Do not build yet. Start with items 1 and 5: a customer with a name and the money in the account.
4 to 7	Halfway there	You know what, but not who or when. Settle the customer, who decides and the date before the build starts.
8 to 10	Almost there	You are close to a first paid version. You can start building. Keep what will not be in the first version written down.

A missing item is not a reason to give up the idea. It is a list of what to settle before the first line of code.

More tools for you

One-page brief for your first version: what to build first and what to cut

Six readiness questions, a template to fill in and a made-up example. What to build first and what to cut.

7 sentences that should make you walk away from an agency

Warning sentences when choosing a vendor for your first version, why they are a problem and what to ask instead.

Frequently asked questions

What is a first paid version?: The smallest version of the product a specific customer pays for. Not a demo for an investor or a prototype to show around. It does one thing well enough that someone pays for it.
Why a customer with a name, not a segment?: A segment does not pay, a person does. When you know the name, you can ask what exactly they will pay for. Without it you build on a guess and the first version keeps growing.
Why money in the account, not from an investor?: A build that waits for an investor stops at the worst moment. Plan the first version with the money you have. A paying customer is then the best argument for an investor too.
How long does a first version take?: We build the first version fast (on one project in under 10 working days). Most of the time goes into rolling it out: people start using it, give feedback and we fine-tune it. It goes fast when items 1 to 7 are answered before the start.

Where to next

MVP and product

A working product in weeks, not months

Want to know what to settle first?

Tell us which items you are missing. We get back to you within two business days with a few questions about your work. Then we agree on what we do first.

Tell us what has to ship first Or a 15-minute intro call

Who we help

Services

Resources

What is an AI agent? Plain answer, business examples

When is Excel no longer enough for a business?