Jul 23, 2025
Why most MVPs collapse under early growth
Speed is good — but blind speed is dangerous. Most MVPs are built like landing zones, not launchpads. You add a few users, ship a few new features, and suddenly:
Systems bottleneck
Code breaks
Teams panic
The mistake? Building for version 1 with zero thought for version 2, 3, or 5.
Founders call it "lean." We call it "fragile."
Build Like a Bridge, Not Like a Tent
A tent is fast to set up — but one gust of wind and it collapses.
A bridge, even the barebones version, still follows structural principles.
Here’s how we approach MVP design:
Zero-to-One ≠ Disposable: MVPs should be upgradeable, not replaceable.
Build for Modularity: Separate core from experiments from day one.
Default to Durability: Even if it's hacky, it shouldn’t be brittle.
Think: What would version five thank version one for?
How We Structure MVPs That Scale Smoothly
1. Define the “Never Rewrite” Core
Identify what must remain stable: data model, auth, main flows.
Build that 10x stronger. The rest can be duct tape.
2. Design for Throwaway Zones
Label parts you expect to change (UI layer, side tools, admin dashboards).
Use components, folders, and comments to isolate them.
3. Start With System Over Screen
Map how users, roles, data, and features relate — before you open Figma.
Prioritize clarity over clicks.
4. Embed Metrics at Day Zero
Add usage tracking (Mixpanel, PostHog, custom logs).
Future scale depends on knowing what breaks and why.
5. Optimize for Speed and Safety
Use frameworks like Supabase, Firebase, or Retool when needed — but define exit plans.
Add soft limits, error flags, and manual override pathways early.
A Case Study from a ₹1 Cr SaaS Build
For a recent fintech MVP, we followed this exact playbook:
Used a core-first, modular Figma structure
Built the auth and reconciliation engine to handle 10x user load
Created admin tooling we knew would be rewritten later
Had zero rewrite moments during scale-up at 1K+ daily active users
The payoff? The founder focused on GTM, not on patches.
Bonus Tip
Build documentation from day one — even if it’s ugly. Your future team, future investors, and future self will thank you.