How long does it take to build an MVP? Usually three to twelve weeks. A focused first version with sign-up, one core workflow and an admin view sits at the short end; several user types, payments and integrations push it toward the long end. Shipping in weekly drops means you see working software long before launch.
What moves the timeline
- 01How many types of user it has. A two-sided marketplace is two products in one.
- 02Payments and money movement, which need extra care and testing.
- 03Integrations with banks, CRMs or partner APIs.
- 04Whether the design is done, or still being figured out.
- 05How quickly decisions get made. One decision-maker beats a committee every time.
A typical shape
- 01Week 1: scope. The smallest version that proves the idea, and what waits for version two.
- 02Weeks 2–3: design. Every screen and state, on a simple design system.
- 03Weeks 4–7: build in weekly drops, with auth, payments and admin.
- 04Week 8: test, launch and hand over.
With Idara, the website and web app were designed and built together, with registration, licensing and compliance flows for three regulators. More than 20,000 businesses have registered through it, in under ten days instead of weeks.
If you have an MVP to build, or one someone else started, see our web apps and platforms work, or book a call and we’ll map the first version with you.
Founder of Rvysion. Leads design, product and engineering, and has shipped web apps for fintech, govtech and SaaS teams.