Why We Didn’t Build a Minimum Viable Product — And How It Paid Off

For over a decade, startups and product teams have been guided by the gospel of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Popularized by Eric Ries in his 2008 blog posts and later in The Lean Startup, the MVP is defined as the smallest version of a product that allows a team to gather maximum validated learning about customers with the least effort. The philosophy behind the MVP is simple: start small, iterate fast, and learn from real-world feedback. It’s a strategy that’s worked wonders for consumer-facing apps, SaaS tools, and even some enterprise solutions. But when we at Lonti set out to build our platform, we knew an MVP just wouldn’t cut it for our target market.

Why? Because we’re not in the business of building consumer apps. We’re solving enterprise-grade problems with tools for professional developers. Our users demand robustness, scalability, and integration—from day one. Delivering anything less than that would not only undermine our credibility but fail to meet the needs of the very audience we’re trying to serve. So instead of following the MVP playbook, we chose a different path. And after 10 years of development, we’re proud to say it paid off.

Here’s why we skipped the MVP route—and what we gained from it.

The MVP Doesn’t Work for Enterprise Software

The MVP strategy is brilliant for many scenarios, but designing software solutions for the enterprise market is an entirely different game. Enterprises have unique challenges, complex requirements, and high expectations. A bare-bones product simply doesn’t align with their needs. Here are some key reasons.

1. High Customization Needs
   Enterprise clients often require tailored solutions to fit their workflows. A generic “minimum” version feels insufficient or irrelevant to them. Templates and one-size-fits-all approaches don’t work when enterprises demand unique configurations.
   
2. Complex Stakeholder Demands
   Unlike consumer apps where individual users make quick decisions, enterprise deals involve multiple stakeholders—IT, operations, finance, and more—each with different priorities. Defining an MVP that satisfies everyone is next to impossible.
   
3. Lengthy Sales Cycles
   Enterprise sales cycles are long and rigorous. To even get a seat at the table, your product needs to demonstrate significant value upfront. A minimalist MVP won’t pass the credibility test.
   
4. Regulatory and Compliance Requirements
   Many enterprises operate in heavily regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and government. Compliance isn’t optional, and it certainly can’t be deferred to a later version. Skipping these features would mean excluding entire industries.
   
5. Scalability Expectations
   Enterprises think long-term. They want solutions that can scale as their business grows. Starting with something “basic” might raise doubts about your ability to meet future demands.
   
6. Integration Challenges
   Enterprise systems rarely exist in isolation. They need to integrate seamlessly with existing tools, platforms, and data sources. This level of complexity isn’t achievable with a minimal product.
   
7. Risk of Undermining Credibility
   A bare-bones MVP risks being perceived as half-baked or unprofessional. For enterprises investing substantial sums, first impressions matter—a lot.
   
8. Data Security Concerns
   Data security is non-negotiable for enterprises. Robust security measures need to be baked in from the start, not treated as an afterthought.
   
9. Limited Feedback Loops
   Unlike consumer markets, where users are often willing to test early versions and provide feedback, enterprise clients expect a polished product before they’ll even consider adoption.
   
10. High Switching Costs
    Switching solutions is a big deal for enterprises. If your product doesn’t deliver full value upfront, they’re unlikely to take the plunge.
    
11. Perception of Value
    Enterprise clients equate robust features with credibility. An MVP, by its very nature, may appear incomplete and fail to demonstrate the value needed to close deals.

Our Approach: Building for the Long Haul

At Lonti, we took a different approach. We spent 10 years building what we consider our MVP. That may sound counterintuitive, but here’s what we mean: instead of rushing to release a “minimum” version, we focused on building a feature-rich, polished platform that addresses the core needs of enterprise developers from day one.

A Digital Transformation Suite

We recognized early on that digital transformation initiatives require a suite of tools, not a single-point solution. Our platform had to cover a broad range of use cases, from API integration to automation and application development. By delivering a comprehensive solution upfront, we ensured that our early adopters could use the platform effectively without waiting for future updates.

Playing the Long Game

Building an enterprise-grade platform isn’t quick or easy. But by prioritizing quality, scalability, and integration from the start, we’ve created a product that’s not just viable but indispensable. It’s a solution that enterprises can trust and rely on for years to come.

The Payoff

Skipping the MVP strategy was a bold move, but it’s one that’s paid off in spades. Today, Lonti empowers professional developers with low-code, API-centric tools designed for enterprise projects. Our platform has been met with enthusiasm from clients who value its robustness, scalability, and breadth of features. By focusing on delivering a complete solution rather than a minimal one, we’ve built a product that stands out in a crowded market.

For us, the lesson is clear: sometimes, the best way to build a product isn’t to start small but to think big—and execute with precision. Because when it comes to solving enterprise-grade problems, “minimum” just isn’t enough.