Insights · 4 min read
How long does it take to build an MVP?
By Gnaneswar Kalinga, founder, MarketRun · Updated
The short answer
With MarketRun, your first app (MVP) usually takes 10 to 14 weeks from start to launch: a two-week sprint to talk to users, build a clickable prototype and fix the scope, then 8 to 12 weeks of building, with a release you can try every week. What changes the time most: how small the first version is, how many other systems it connects to, and how fast decisions are made on your side.
The timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Sprint week 1 | Talks with real users, a walk through how the work is done today, a list of risks |
| Sprint week 2 | Clickable prototype, written scope, how it will be built, fixed quote |
| Build weeks 1–2 | The base: accounts, data, design system and the setup to release safely |
| Build weeks 3–10 | The main features, in weekly releases you can try |
| Launch | Live release, monitoring and launch fixes |
What makes it faster
- A first version that solves one problem for one kind of user.
- A decision-maker available every week.
- Using existing services for payments, login and messaging instead of building them.
What makes it slower
- Adding features after the scope is fixed.
- Connecting to systems that have no API or test copy.
- Waiting on content, access or approvals.
Why the sprint comes first
Most MVP delays come from a scope nobody really agreed. Two weeks of user talks and prototyping up front give a scope and a fixed quote that hold, and the sprint fee is credited to the build.
What it costs
The sprint is from ₹50,000 and is credited to the build; the MVP build starts from ₹5 lakh. Our app and MVP cost guide explains why quotes in India vary so much.
Questions people ask
Can an MVP be built faster?
Yes, by cutting scope: one kind of user, one main job, and ready-made services for payments and login. Skipping testing or the scope step usually costs more time later.
Why does an MVP take 8 to 12 weeks to build?
A first app still needs accounts, data, screens, testing on real phones and a safe launch. The range depends mostly on how many features and other systems are in the first version.