The key to startup success lies in building a Minimum Evolvable Product—one designed not for perfection but for adaptation. Early users are critical, especially those with urgent problems or a willingness to experiment, as they provide real feedback that shapes the product’s trajectory. Charging from day one helps filter serious users and accelerates product-market fit. Startups should embrace churn and iterate quickly, using insights from early adopters to refine both features and business models. These users don’t just support revenue; they define the market. As demonstrated by Tesla’s Roadster, targeting passionate early customers enabled long-term innovation and scalability. Similarly, YC-backed founders use early feedback loops to evolve their products in ways that static planning cannot achieve. The core principle: start simple, stay resilient, and let real-world usage guide development.