| Stage | Required to complete | Minimum time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Idea | Napkin drawing of billion dollar concept | 1 minute |
| Market Research | Market sizing estimate (top-down & bottom-up) | 2-4 hours |
| Mockup | Wireframe with all user screens | 1 day+ |
| Prototype | Ugly hack that works for single major use case | 1 weekend+ |
| Program | Clean code that works for all use cases, with tests | 2-4 weeks+ |
| Product | Design, copywriting, pricing, physical components | 3-6 months+ |
| Business | Incorporation, regulatory filings, payroll, ... | 6-12 months+ |
| Profits | Sell product for more than it costs you to make it | 1 year-∞ |