From Zero to Launch: 13 Steps Every Startup Founder Needs

TL;DR

Launching a startup doesn’t have to be daunting—focus on solving a real problem, validate your idea by talking to potential users, and keep user feedback at the core. Here’s the quick rundown:

  1. Solve a problem you care about—passion fuels persistence.
  2. Talk to at least 20 users to validate your idea (or discover a better one).
  3. Identify recurring pain points, then zero in on the core issue.
  4. Prototype early in Figma; it’s cost-effective and clarifies your vision.
  5. Gather feedback and iterate quickly—don’t wait for perfection.
  6. Build a landing page with StartupStarterKits.com to collect signups.
  7. Incorporate via Stripe Atlas to form a Delaware C-Corp and issue equity.
  8. Manage your cap table with tools like Carta—keep your equity in order.
  9. Hire developers when you’re ready; track tasks using Linear.
  10. Set up Slack channels for real-time user feedback.
  11. Update your product weekly—momentum is everything.
  12. Prep for fundraising; ask VCs which milestone they care about before pitching.
  13. Keep user feedback central—it’s the key to staying relevant.

Step 1. Solve a Problem You’re Passionate About

No one wants to pour their energy into something they don’t care about. Pick an issue that genuinely excites you—when obstacles pop up (and they will), that real interest will keep you going. Think of it like working toward your own “Oscar moment” in the startup world.

Step 2. Validate Your Idea with Real Users

Why 20 Users? Because asking just two close friends won’t give you enough diverse feedback. Talk to a broader group, and you’ll either confirm your idea’s value or discover something even better. Ask open-ended questions, and watch the light bulbs go off.

Pro Tip: Offer incentives like coffee gift cards or simple freebies. Their feedback might save you months of building the wrong thing.

Step 3. Focus on Recurring Pain Points

As you gather feedback, you’ll notice the same annoyances pop up repeatedly. That’s your golden ticket! Zero in on these shared problems. Solve them well, and you’re on track to creating something people can’t live without.

Step 4. Build a Prototype in Figma Before Hiring Devs

Why hire devs too soon? You might end up paying for code that needs endless revisions. Figma prototypes let you iron out details, test user flows, and get that sweet, sweet feedback—before any real coding happens.

Why Figma?

  • Easy to pick up and widely supported.
  • Quick iterations without burning dev cycles.
  • A roadmap your devs will thank you for.

Step 5. Gather Feedback & Iterate Rapidly

Seek Brutal Honesty so you can fix issues early. Also, be prepared for pivot moments—feedback might prompt a radical (but crucial) change.
Fail Fast, Succeed Faster by making small, quick improvements instead of waiting for a “perfect” version that might never see the light of day.

Step 6. Build a Landing Page with StartupStarterKits.com

A landing page lets you test your idea in the real world. Instead of wrestling with code, let StartupStarterKits.com handle the heavy lifting:

  • Plug & Play: Pre-built toolkit tailored to startups.
  • Scalable: Your page can expand as you add features.
  • Analytics: See who’s clicking, signing up, and coming back for more.
StartupStarterKits Marketing Material

Step 7. Incorporate via Stripe Atlas

If you’re aiming for a broad investor pool or U.S. market, Stripe Atlas helps you form a Delaware C-Corp without drowning in paperwork. Less time spent on legalese means more time building your product.

Step 8. Manage Your Cap Table with Carta

Equity can get complicated quickly. Carta keeps it tidy, showing who owns what, so you don’t end up flipping through spreadsheets at 2 AM wondering where the shares went.

Step 9. Hire Developers When You’re Ready (Track with Linear)

After validating demand, bring in developers who share your vision. Use Linear to assign tasks, track progress, and maintain visibility. It’s your central command center for building out the product you’ve prototyped.

Step 10. Set Up Slack Channels for Real-Time User Feedback

Slack is the modern water cooler. Invite users, beta testers, and your team for quick Q&A sessions, bug reporting, and general chitchat about your startup’s direction.

Step 11. Update Your Product Weekly—Momentum Matters

Regular updates keep your community excited and your team focused. Even small releases show that you’re steadily improving, which builds trust and loyalty among early adopters.

Step 12. Prep for Fundraising—Understand VC Milestones

Don’t Pitch Blind. Different investors have different priorities. Some care about revenue, others track user growth. Know what your potential backers want before you jump in.
Get Everything in Order. Tighten your pitch deck and financials. Confidence and clarity go a long way in convincing VCs you’re the real deal.

Step 13. Keep User Feedback at the Core

User needs evolve, and so should you. Make feedback loops a permanent part of your process—through Slack, surveys, or in-app prompts. Keep listening, keep iterating, and keep serving your audience.

If you follow all these steps, you’re set up for success — and Leo and I tip our hats off to you!

Leonardo DiCaprio Toasting

Summing It All Up

Building a startup is never a straight line, but these 13 steps can help you stay on course—from finding a real problem to solving it in a scalable, user-focused way. Passion, persistence, and continuous iteration will keep you afloat even in choppy waters.

Pro Tip: Let StartupStarterKits.com handle the scaling details—no more fussing with endless configurations. You bring the big ideas, and SSK provides the backbone to grow.

Cheers and good luck!
— Tómas